WITH step aerobics making a comeback in mainstream gyms, experts believe many nineties fitness and diet habits could help us live longer.
Go back a few decades and people were eating smaller portions, walking more and sleeping better.
Our waistlines were smaller and less of us were overweight.
Obesity rates in England have risen from 15 percent in 1993 to 26 percent in 2021, and in Scotland, from 16 percent in 1995 to 31 percent in 2021.
This week, Pip Black, co-founder of the Frame fitness studio chain in London, said the move had become a huge social media trend, adding that it was available for all shapes, sizes and fitness levels.
And weight loss expert Dr Aisha Iqbal told Sun on Sunday Health that if we went back to living like our grandmothers, combined with today’s science, we could live to old age.
He said. “Fast food and fast food have grown significantly, replacing home-cooked meals. And snacking between meals has also increased.
“We are now more likely to participate in fewer activities and be less active in our leisure time, reducing the overall movement achieved.
“A step back in time and embracing the habits of our grandfathers, such as walking to and from work rather than taking public transport, cooking fresh, home-cooked meals and spending free time getting active can help us feel healthier and happier.” :
“Science has really advanced since the nineties. Our life expectancy has also increased hearts are healthier.
“So combine these Nineties habits with today’s technology and you can make a real difference to your longevity and have fun at the same time.”
Here we look at nineties habits that can help your health.
Old school ways to stay healthy
AEROBICS
YOUTUBE fitness sensation Lucy Wyndham-Read says: “These ’90s-style workouts are great for staying in shape because they incorporate lots of multi-action moves like star jumps.
“They work the whole body and are good for the joints too.
“You’re using the big muscles in your legs, which strengthen your cardiovascular system, as well as tone your glutes, hamstrings, quads and calves.
“A walk or an aerobics class is also good for the mind.
“The workouts are often quite challenging and you have to focus to get the moves up.”
FOOTWORK
Statistics from the International Center for Longevity have shown that we are walking less than in the 90s.
The average number of trips per person has dropped from 1,074 in 1999 to 862 in 2023, possibly because we shop more online, drive around less and commute less these days.
Lucy says: “You don’t have to run marathons or climb mountains, just be as active as possible.
“Even if you have a break at work, try to get up and take 1,000 steps.”
SLEEP GOOD
Too little rest time has been linked to a number of health problems, including heart disease and depression.
In 1995, one study found that 24.4 percent of adults were constipated for less than six hours a night, and in 2012, that figure rose to 29.2 percent.
Sleep expert Dr Neil Stanley told Sun on Sunday Health: “Back in the ’90s, a few people could stay up late playing video games, but now we all have phones we can use, we can shop late online, and there’s always ‘one more episode’ to watch on demand.”
“Less sleep negatively affects our physical and mental health.”
SMALLER PARTS
Cookies are 17 percent larger, chicken pie is 40 percent larger, and the family bag is 50 percent larger than in 1993.
Even the average biscuit has grown by 24 per cent and a chicken curry, according to Diabetes UK. frozen prepared food increased by 50 percent.
Nutritionist Amanda Ursel says: “Quite simply, we’re eating more, and that means more calories, fat, sugar and carbohydrates, all of which are bad for our weight and health.”
A LITTLE BOSE
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have found that the size of wine glasses has doubled since the 90s.
In 1990, the average glass held about 230 ml. By the Noughties it held 449ml.
Amanda adds: “Most wines are also stronger than they were in the 90s when it was around ten percent ABV.
“Now it can reach 13 or 14 percent.”
WE MET FACE TO FACE
Chartered Psychologist Dr Louise Goddard-Crowley says: “The ’90s was a less digitally saturated era and fostered genuine human connections with fewer distractions.
“Face-to-face interactions fostered community bonds, promoting focus and reducing stress.
“The slow flow of information promoted mental clarity, while outdoor activities promoted physical and mental well-being.
“Adopting this to modern life can promote mental well-being in today’s overwhelming digital world.”
NO COFFEE CULTURE
Amanda says: “Back in the 90s, coffee shops were much less common.
“And if you go in for coffee and cake, you can probably consume more calories than you would at lunch.”
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Image Source : www.thesun.co.uk