You can get active in many ways, whether that’s outdoors or indoors. You can find something that suits you and your lifestyle. Becoming more active has a whole host of benefits both mentally and physically.

Getting some movement into your routine is a great thing to do, no matter how much you have tried before.

Whether you have some experience with being active or not, we hope that you can find something to help inspire you below.

Walking

Most people can add a little bit more walking into their day, and no matter how much you do, it all helps! With the seasons changing, walking is lovely 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.

Swimming

Everyone can find their own way to enjoy swimming, whether you want to go for a swim every now and then or you want to start regularly going. It’s a brilliant way to stay active as it gives you an all-round workout, working almost every part of your body. It is also a brilliant way to relax. Have a look at our tops tips on getting started.

Gardening

Whiling away the hours in the garden is a blissful way to spend an afternoon. But digging in flowerbeds and cutting the grass is a lot better for you than a lot of people realise! Regardless of your age or fitness level, getting closer to nature can health improve your strength, reduce stress levels, and even support your memory as you get older. Here are some of our tips on giving it a go.

Online exercises for beginners

Staying active at home is becoming more and more popular, as it is convenient and there are plenty of free options. It’s also a great option no matter the weather, and for those with less time on their hands. Check out our top picks of free virtual classes to help get you started.

Online exercises for health conditions

Living with a long-term health condition can really dent your confidence when it comes to exercise. Juggling daily life with appointments as well as pain and fatigue can push it down to the bottom of your to-do list. However, being more active, even for a few minutes a day, can really help with pain management, energy levels and general wellbeing. We have lots of online exercise videos available, completely free.

Top Fitness Apps

There’s a great variety of easy-to-use apps that can help you become more active in a way that suits you, from walking to yoga. Here are our top selection of fitness apps.

Whilst there are plenty of new ways you can get some movement into your day, it’s important to remember to take it at your own pace. The NHS has put together some physical activity guidelines for older adults. Their website also provides other exercise guidelines including fitness advice for wheelchair users, and guidance on ‘Why we should sit less’.

The post Healthy Ageing – How to Keep Active appeared first on Active My Way.

Venue closures, lockdowns and working from home for many of us. It’s been a difficult time, where inspiration and motivation have been a little hard to come by. In fact, it’s probably led you to feel lethargic and pretty stuck in a rut. These feelings often persuade you to stay under your duvet or glued to the sofa.  It just feels so tempting to do… nothing!

Yes, we know it’s tough to find the motivation to be more active after such a challenging year. But, we want to inspire you to turn off that TV, jump up and get moving! Because the benefits of even a small amount of physical activity can make you happier and healthier – physically and mentally – this year.

“But lockdown has made fitness so hard!”

The circumstances surrounding the pandemic have not made it easy. No-one can deny that. You might feel sluggish and stiff.
We’ve all been there… but our (not so) big secret is that you don’t actually need to do anything HUGE to get more active this year. Small changes can make a huge difference.

And, here’s the best bit… when you do become even slightly more active, you’ll instantly feel more awake, alive, bright and energetic! All very important for 2021!

Staying at home? 5 simple ways to move more:

Did you know that you don’t have to go to great lengths to be active? In fact, you can stay at home, close by or simply make some small changes to your everyday routine.

1.    Do an online tutorial

Another afternoon in front of the TV? Instead, grab your phone, laptop or even set your TV up for a home workout. We have lots of different online classes to try here. From strength and flexibility to relaxing yoga to calm your mind and improve your wellbeing, there’s bound to be something up your street.

Do you have a health condition? Enjoy a wide range of classes that support your life and condition.

2.    Have a kitchen disco

Kitchen, living room… anywhere in fact! Stick some of your favourite tunes on and have a boogie. Involve the kids! Involve the dog! Combine it with washing the pots or making dinner but whatever you do, have fun and move your body to the beat. Music and dancing release endorphins (the happy hormone) and it’ll be an instant mood booster, as well as being great for your physical health.

3.    Walk the dog

Or go alone, with a friend or with the kids (if you don’t have a furry friend!). And don’t let the British weather put you off! Instead, embrace the elements come rain or shine. You might actually better appreciate the warmth of your home when you get back in!

Living with a disability or mobility problems? We understand going for a walk isn’t so simple but don’t underestimate the importance of getting outdoors. Ask a carer, family member or friend for support – and explain how vital it is for your physical and mental wellbeing.

4.    Park further away

On the school run? Park a couple of streets away and walk the rest of the way. The same goes with work or the shops. If you get the bus, get off a stop early.

5.    Desk yoga

Working from home? Sat down all day? Doing stretches at your desk (or the kitchen table, where many of us sit!) can make a huge difference. Even tapping your feet to music and ‘shaking it out’ when you feel stressed can boost your mood twofold.

Venturing out? 5 easy and enjoyable ideas:

Fancy joining a class? Choose from a huge range of options – book here. There’s truly something for everyone, no matter your age, lifestyle or whether you’re living with a health condition or disability. All the classes are set up for you and ready to go – and we’re sure you’ll find them very motivating!

Here’s a taster of what you can do:

1. Try out pilates  – From beginner to advanced, we have lots of options to try!
2. Fun indoor cycling – Get your heart pumping and cycle to music, a feel-good class that will really boost those happy hormones.
3. Workout quick with HIIT – Not much time on your hands? With classes being as short as 30 minutes, you don’t have to give up your whole evening for a quick fitness boost.
4. Join junior gymnastics – Something for the kids who want to boost their flexibility and strength, while having fun times with new friends.
5. Go swimming – A great activity for everyone. Swimming has so many benefits and is a great way to get active.

Make small changes for a big impact on your life:

Forget the idea of a fitness challenge or extravagant gym membership! Instead, make lots of little changes to your everyday life. You’re bound to have lots of success and feel so much better – physically and mentally.

Discover more top tips to get active this year here.

The post 10 easy ways to stay active this year appeared first on Active My Way.