I was out in the beautiful New Forest this morning enjoying a brisk walk with a group of ladies. The scenery was to-die-for, the camaraderie evident and the sense of wellbeing huge. Everyone was having a ball and it got me thinking; why do so many people dread this? What's not to like? Why would so many people rather have an incision in their body to allow a giant band to be tightened around an internal organ? Why?

It's old news that we need to overhaul the nation's abhorrence of physical activity – but in my view we never offer anything in which people might foresee a glimmer of enjoyment. Well-meaning fitness trainers brandish flyers promoting gym routines and arduous bootcamps but I know through my own experience of coaching that people are far more likely to continue with a programme of, say, cycling, country walking or any other sociable, easy does it, group activity. Aside from the mental boost of exposure to fresh air the greenery and scenery is helpful in relieving stress and improving emotional wellbeing. Research tells us that people exercising outdoors are less likely to drop out of their regime than those who do the same exercise indoors. This is feel good fitness.

According to Dr David Haslam, clinical director of the National Obesity Forum, the key to a successful exercise programme is sustainability. "If you're just running on a treadmill getting bored, you're less likely to keep it up. If you're in a more pleasant environment, perhaps with a social element as well, you'll be more inclined to make a habit of it."

The last word on tackling the myriad of weight loss issues also goes to Dr David Haslam: "there is already an effective way to combat obesity - eating less and exercising more".