DESPITE the recent good weather luring people outside, a new survey has found that Scots lag behind the rest of the UK when it comes to taking exercise.

By David Kirkpatrick

DESPITE the recent good weather luring people outside, a new survey has found that Scots lag behind the rest of the UK when it comes to taking exercise.

The survey, conducted by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), found just 10% of Scots knew how much exercise they need each day.

The recommended amount of physical activity for children is one hour each day while adults should complete half an hour of activity, five times a week.

However, a staggering 59% of those questioned believed they needed less exercise than is recommended.

The poll comes as the CSP launches its UK-wide Move for Health campaign today.

The organisation hopes to impart the importance of regular physical activity in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and helping the body to fight off illness.

Bridget Hurley, a chartered physiotherapist and CSP spokeswoman, says: Exercise doesn't need to be expensive, boring or time consuming.

"Just going out at lunchtime for a half-hour walk will greatly increase your fitness levels.' Of those who took part in the poll, 51% said they would take regular exercise if it led to weight loss, with 42% agreeing saying they would do more if it led to a longer life.

Yet, disappointingly, 69% of those questioned weren't getting enough exercise, putting themselves at increased risk of heart disease, cancer and stroke.

The main excuse given for not exercising was pressure of work, yet, physiotherapists advise that regular exercise in fact gives you more energy and can combat, tiredness, depression and stress.

Bridget Hurley adds: Finding an activity that you enjoy will make it easier to maintain the sort of lifestyle that is good for you.' An Easy Exercise Guide has been produced by the CSP to encourage physical exercise.

For more information, visit www.csp.org.uk/moveforhealth

Stopping only to pull on our tracksuit, we took to the streets of Glasgow to see if you have got the exercise bug.

New study shows Scots lag behind when it comes to keeping fit
EMMA CLIFFORD, 21, student, Knightswood: I think people secretly do know how much exercise they need, but they just refuse to do it. I'd like to exercise more but I can't be bothered.	LAURA CUSICK, 19, student, Drumchapel: I really enjoy exercising but I just don't have the time because I'm always doing something. I now try to walk everywhere.	FRANK GORMANLEY, 26, student, Ayrshire: I do look after myself and I regularly work out at the gym. I run two or three times a week, I did the Men's 10k last Sunday at Bellahouston Park.	BARRY AGNEW, 25, student, West End: I enjoy exercise, I like to try and play badminton as much as I can. I also go to the gym a couple of times a week.

CLAIRE CUNNINGHAM, 24, service manager, Anniesland: I go to the gym. Because I'm soon going on holiday I've been going quite often, about three times a week.

CLARK LAPSLEY, 22, works in five-a-side football complex, Hamilton: I play football, go swimming, or walking a few times a week, but I don't really go to the gym.

ROSS MacINNES, 25, unemployed, South Side: I walk and I play football, but I don't think about the health aspect. I do the odd bit of weights and mostly walk about.

MARK JOHNSON, 25, unemployed, Dennistoun: I walk a lot of places, that's probably the main exercise I do.