With step-back aerobics in fashionable gyms, experts believe that many of the fitness and diet habits of the Nineties could help you live a longer life.
Go back a few decades and people were eating smaller portions, and walking more and sleeping better.
Our waistlines were smaller and fewer of us were overweight.
In England, obesity rates have risen from 15 percent in 1993 to 26 percent in 2021. And in Scotland, they have risen from 16 percent in 1995 to 31 percent in 2021.
This week Pip Black, the co-founder of London-based fitness studio chain Frame, said the step had become a huge social media trend, adding that it is accessible to all shapes, sizes and fitness levels.
And weight loss expert, Dr Aishah Iqbal, told Sun on Sunday Health that if we go back to life like our grannies – combined with today’s science – we can live to a ripe old age.
She said: “Fast food and quick convenience meals have grown substantially, replacing home-cooked meals. And there is also an increase in snacking between meals.
“We are now more likely to participate in fewer activities and be less active during our leisure time, reducing the overall movement achieved.
“Take a step back in time and adopt the habits of our grandparents, such as walking to and from work rather than taking transportation, cooking a fresh, home-cooked meal, and spending leisure time in activities that keep us moving can all help us feel healthier and happier.
“Science has really advanced since the 1990s. Our life expectancy has increased and our hearts they 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 the habits of the Nineties 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 keeping fit because they include lots of multi-compound moves like star jumps.
“They work your whole body and are good for the joints too.
“You use large muscles in your legs that strengthen the cardiovascular system, as well as tone your glutes, hamstrings, quads and calves.
“A step or aerobics class is also good for the mind.
“The workouts are often quite complex and you need to concentrate to get the moves.”
WALK TO WORK
Statistics from the International Longevity Center found that we walk less than we did in the 90s.
The average number of trips per person has fallen from 1,074 in 1999 to 862 in 2023 – perhaps because we shop more online, commute less and take fewer business trips today.
Lucy says: “You don’t need 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 BETTER
Too little rest is associated with a number of health problems, including heart disease and depression.
In 1995, a study found that 24.4 percent of adults had less than six hours of kip a night, by 2012 this has increased to 29.2 percent.
Sleep expert Dr Neil Stanley told Sun on Sunday Health: “A few people might have stayed up late playing video games in the 90s, but now we all have phones to use, we can buy late online and there is always “one more episode”. watch on demand.
“Less sleep it has a negative impact on our physical and mental health.”
SMALL PORTIONS
Cookies are 17 percent larger, a chicken pot pie is 40 percent larger and a family bag of chips is 50 percent larger than it was in 1993.
According to Diabetes UK, even the average bagel has grown in size by 24 percent and a chicken curry. frozen ready meals have grown by 50 percent.
Nutritionist Amanda Ursell says: “Simply put, we eat more and that means more calories, fat, sugar and carbohydrates – all of which are bad for our weight and health.”
LESS BOOZE
Cambridge University scientists found that the size of wine glasses has doubled since the 90s.
In 1990, the average glass held about 230 ml. In 2019 it held 449 ml.
Amanda adds: “Most of the wine is even stronger than it was in the 90s when it had an ABV of around ten percent.
“Now it could be up to 13 or 14 percent.”
WE ARE FACE TO FACE
Louise Goddard-Crawley, psychologist in a hurry, says: “The 90s were a less digitally saturated era and favored genuine human connections with fewer distractions.
“Face-to-face interaction cultivated community bonds, fostering awareness and reducing stress.
“The slower flow of information facilitated mental clarity while outdoor activities promoted physical and mental well-being.
“Adopting this into modern life could increase mental well-being in today’s digital world.”
NO COFFEE CULTIVATION
Amanda says: “Cafes were a lot less common in the 90s.
“And if you go for coffee and cake, you can probably consume more calories than you did for lunch.”
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Image Source : www.thesun.co.uk