HCM Issue 8 2021 by Leisure Media

The same spirit of tenacity and creativity we saw in the face of extreme uncertainty during the pandemic lockdowns needs to be relit

The nascent ‘social movement’ to get people moving more needs to adopt its own symbol that the vast majority of the population can relate to and emulate over time. Movement needs a broader perspective than just returning to previous direct debit and health club membership club numbers. A society rebounding from COVID-19 should not mean a return to the status quo – the same spirit of tenacity and creativity we saw in the face of extreme uncertainty during the pandemic lockdowns needs to be relit. Individuals know that simply doing more exercise is just like a marriage vow, it’s an expression of commitment but not a guarantee of success. The relationship between the exercise dose and improving health is confusing and needs more research and then more education. Doctors and academics agree that physical activity affects health span and morbidity, more than life span and mortality. Simply put, an unhealthy lifestyle affects morbidity twice as much as mortality.

PHOTO: AYDAN METEV

Greta Thunberg has ignited young people’s passion for the environment

Announcing a new event Given the urgent need to reduce demand for energy across the economy, the leisure and activity sector needs a decarbonisation plan with a deadline. Currently, we have no pledges to deliver this. As a result, we’re launching a new conference called Evolve to create a platform for debate. Evolve will be the Y Combinator for health, putting planetary health at the heart of personal health. Join me, international best-seller, Daniel Lieberman and business psychologist Robert Kovach for indepth discussions to connect thinkers, disrupters and leaders in order to educate and evolve. The event will take place on 22 September 2021 from 2.00pm to 3.30pm GMT. ■ You can sign up for the Evolve conference free at www.HCMmag.com/evolve About the author: David Minton is the founder of The Leisure Database Company www.leisuredb.com