Getting active as the seasons change
With the days slowly starting to get lighter and longer, many of us are wanting to get moving more.
There are plenty of ways you can get active in a way that suits you, whether that’s outdoors or indoors. Increasing your activity levels has a whole host of benefits both physically and mentally.
It may be that you have some experience being active previously, or maybe you don’t, and that’s okay! Getting some movement into your day is a great thing to do, no matter how much you have tried before. We hope that you can find something here to inspire you.
Walking
Walking is one of the most accessible forms of exercise; most people can add a little bit more walking into their day, and no matter how much you do, it all helps! As Spring approaches, walking is brilliant way to enjoy your local scenery and help clear your mind. Check out our tips on getting into walking. The NHS also has some useful advice.
Running
Running is another great way to keep active; it’s free and you can do it almost anywhere. However, it can be tricky to get started. Or, the idea of starting may be a bit daunting. We’ve put together some tips on getting started with running. Couch to 5K is a running plan for beginners that will help you gradually work up towards running 5km.
Cycling
Cycling is another brilliant way to get moving. Whether you want to enjoy peaceful rides locally, or you want to aim to take part in a a cycling event, or join a club, there is a way for everyone to enjoy it. Here are some of our tips for getting started.
Image by Sport England.
Swimming
Swimming is a brilliant way to keep active as it gives you an all-round workout, working almost every part of your body. Whether you want to go for a swim every now and then or you want to start regularly going, everyone can find their own way to enjoy swimming. It is also a great way to relax. Check out our tops tips on getting started.
Online exercises for beginners
There may be days when you don’t have enough time to exercise out of the house; that’s where home workouts can be a great option. Check out our top picks of free virtual classes to help get you started.
Top Fitness Apps
Many of us find the new year the perfect time to set personal goals, or have an interest in trying something new. Becoming more active is a brilliant goal for the new year, or in fact, any time of the year. Here are our top selection of fitness apps.
Getting the family involved
If you have children in your family, we have put together some tips for keeping kids active outdoors in the winter. Embracing the season has incredible positive impacts on both the physical and mental health of adults and children alike.
Disney’s 10 Minute Shake Up games are also a fun and easy way to help them stay active. The boredom-busting activities featuring their favourite Disney characters will help them reach the 60 active minutes they need each day.
We hope we’ve helped you find a new activity to try, or maybe give something a go again that you used to enjoy in the past. However you chose to get active, it’s important to remember to take it at your own pace. The NHS has put together some physical activity guidelines for adults aged 19 to 64, and physical activity guidelines for children and young people. Their website also provides other exercise guidelines including physical activity guidelines for children under 5 years, fitness advice for wheelchair users, and guidance on ‘Why we should sit less’.