The Olympics epitomise the pinnacle of human achievement, encapsulating truth, purity, and drama in a way that captivates and inspires us all.

Dr Cameron Nichol, a Private GP at Prime Health Surrey and a former competitor in the Great Britain rowing team, experienced the electrifying atmosphere of the London 2012 Olympics firsthand.

In this article, Dr Nichol shares his appreciation for the profound impact of both the Olympic movement and physical activity on his life. Rowing, particularly indoor rowing, has undergone a significant transformation, emerging as one of the most effective total body workouts. As the world’s greatest athletes gather to compete, Dr Nichol believes there’s no better time to get inspired and embrace a new activity that could forever change your health.

“The Olympics bring a fortnight of everything that is best about human beings. As Lord Coe famously described in London 2012, there is a truth, purity, and drama that make Olympic sport both irresistible to take part in and irresistible to watch.

Since my time in the Great Britain rowing team and hanging up my oars after the London Olympics, I have witnessed an even deeper importance of embracing not only the Olympic movement but also the physical movements of the exciting events.

Rowing, particularly indoor rowing, has had an image makeover in recent years, and for good reason. Using nine major muscle groups and 85% of the body, the rowing movement can develop strength, power, and endurance in one go, making it one of the most time-efficient total body workouts available.

One of the challenges of getting more people to row is that, unlike running and cycling, we don’t grow up rowing. It can, therefore, sometimes be viewed as a foreign, atypical way to move and feel unfamiliar. But I believe the next two weeks of the 2024 Olympic Games provide the perfect excuse to get inspired by the fittest, fastest humans on the planet and try a new activity like rowing.

Why? Well, besides being great fun, the world’s best athletes may just inspire you to change your health forever.

Our population is 20% less active than in the 1960s, and statistically, 1 in 3 men and 1 in 2 women are less active than they should be for good health. The UK Chief Medical Officer’s Guidelines for physical activity for good health are also very achievable:

• At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, 75 minutes of vigorous activity, or a mixture of both
• Strengthening activities on two days
• Reducing extended periods of sitting

What’s more, studies have consistently shown that both cardiovascular fitness and physical strength are game changers in reducing the risk of heart disease, some cancers, and metabolic syndromes. We also know it can boost mental health and improve outcomes after an operation.

So, whether you end up trying a low-impact and time-efficient rowing workout, decide to go for a swim, or dust off a tennis racket to resurrect a spin on the court, my offer to you is to take action. And what better time than when 10,500 athletes from 206 nations showcase their skills in going higher, faster, and stronger to pursue sport’s ultimate prize?

As a good friend of mine likes to say – if you don’t do it now, then when?”