People in the South West "least like couch potatoes"

3:41pm Wednesday 18th June 2008

By Morwenna Blake

PEOPLE in the South West are the least like "couch potatoes" compared to those in other areas, according to a new survey released by the British Lung Foundation.

Nearly half of those surveyed in the region said they took regular aerobic exercise, compared to less than a third nationwide.

More than one in ten (14%) Britons class themselves as a couch potato or as someone who never exercises, just under half (45%) say they exercise only occasionally, and a quarter (26%) say they walk for less than 30 minutes a day Less than a third (30%) of Britons take part in regular aerobic exercise (at least 20 minutes 3 or more times per week).

As well as a poor overall picture, the survey shows a north-south divide, with more people (19%) in the North describing themselves as a couch potato or someone who never exercises compared to 13% in the South and in the Midlands, 1 in 3 (30%) Northerners walking for less than 30 minutes a day compared to a quarter (23%) of people in the South, and only 1 in 3 (35%) Northerners saying they exercise regularly compared to 41% in the South.

The survey, carried out by GfK NOP, has been released as the British Lung Foundation launches its Big Breaths campaign to raise awareness of the importance of lung health.

The charity says exercise is important for lung health. By exercising and taking bigger breaths, we strengthen the muscles around our lungs and deliver more oxygen to our muscles everywhere, giving them energy and strength.

Despite the poor findings, more than half (56%) believe their lungs are healthy for their age, although most (93%) have no idea of their vital capacity - an important measure of lung health. A third (30%) wrongly believe that damaged lungs can be repaired.

The BLF is calling on everyone to make sure they can take big breaths by following its new Airway Code - ten tips for lung health which as well as taking regular exercise include staying smoke-free, protecting the lungs from dust and fumes, and being asbestos aware.

Our lungs are exposed to dirt and dust all the time but we can't give them a good wash like we can our hands and face," says Dame Helena Shovelton, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation. "

"If we follow the Airway Code and give our lungs a big dose of oxygen every day through taking more exercise, we'll be giving our lungs the TLC they need and giving ourselves more energy all round."