However, there are small, easy ways that you can incorporate activity into your routine in ways that suit you.

Whether you’re doing star jumps and stretches whilst the kettle is boiling, or trying out a new hobby such as jogging, it all counts.

Check out our tips below for some easy ways to keep active.

Getting active at home

Do an online tutorial

Why not 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 something on there for everyone.

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

Have a kitchen disco

Kitchen, living room… anywhere in fact! Pop on some of your favourite songs and have a dance. Get the kids and dog involved! 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.

Walk the dog

Or go alone, with a friend or with the kids. And don’t let the British weather put you off! Instead, embrace the elements come rain or shine; getting fresh air is always great.

(Image by Sport England.)

Try a new walk

Getting outside for a walk, even just for a short one, is hugely beneficial mentally and physically.

Why not look for a new walk to try, or go for a quick walk before or after walk for some fresh air.

The NHS has some useful tips for getting into walking.

Try a new hobby

Getting started with running

Running is a brilliant way to keep active; it’s free and you can do it almost anywhere. Regular running has a great range of benefits from boosting your mood and helping to keep your weight under control, to reducing your risk of long-term illnesses, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke.

Getting started with swimming

Whether you want to go for a swim every now and then when the time suits you, or you want to start regularly going, everyone can find their own way to enjoy swimming. It’s a great way to keep active as it gives you an all-round workout, working almost every part of your body. It is also a great way to relax.

Getting started with cycling

Whether you want to enjoy peaceful rides locally or you want to aim to take part in a a cycling event eventually, there is a way for everyone to enjoy cycling.

It helps to keep you healthy physically as well as mentally, and is an easy way to ‘clear your head’ and explore locally scenery.

Gardening

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.

Try a new fitness app

There’s a huge variety of fitness apps out there, with something for everyone. Why not have look on your App Store and see what you fancy trying? There are plenty of free options too.

We’ve put together our choice of top fitness apps below.

We hope this has inspired you to find new ways to get active in your everyday life. Whichever new way you try, remember to take it at your pace – and enjoy it!

The post Small, easy ways to get active appeared first on Active My Way.

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.

Gardening helps you stay fit

Bending, lifting, digging, wheeling… gardening incorporates a whole range of movements which help build strength and stamina. A lot of the time, these movements are low impact and lower intensity, meaning you’re able to find something you’re able to do regardless of your fitness level. Gardening can use every major muscle group in your body, which can also help prevent age related weight gain and support your circulation.

Building and maintaining strength and balance is particularly important as you get older, and can help prevent falls. Regular strength training also protects your bones in case you do fall!

The best thing about gardening is that you reap these benefits while enjoying your surroundings, working at your own pace, and getting your daily dose of vitamin D, which also helps your bones.

Gardening can help support your mental health

There are multiple studies which show that being outdoors, particularly in nature, is good for your mental health. Add in gardening, and you can help reduce your stress levels, alleviate anxiety, and even improve your self-esteem.

Being able to see the plants you’ve planted grow and develop is a huge mood-booster. And being surrounded by nature has a calming effect on our mind. If you’re able to garden with friends or family, or even as part of a gardening group, you can help strengthen your relationships and improve your social network, both important elements in maintaining your mental health.

Gardening can protect your memory

It’s becoming more well know that being active can protect your memory and cognitive function as you age, and while it will depend on how often and to what intensity you garden, getting some of your recommended physical activity through gardening can be beneficial. As well as the mental health and social benefits, studies have shown that dementia patients given the opportunity to take part in low level gardening activities, such as raking and planting, experience improvements in their memory function.

In fact, there is a pioneering scheme in Norway called Green Care, which seeks to support a range of mental health issues through “green work” in such places as allotments and farms.

Staying safe in the garden

While there are loads of benefits to gardening, you do need to take care and stay safe.

• Wear appropriate clothing for the weather
• Use appropriate safety gear as required, such as gloves and goggles
• Wear plenty of sunscreen and take regular breaks if it’s a hot day
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Keep an eye on the time or set reminders; it’s easy to lose track!
• Store any tools safely and securely and keep them in good working order
• Keep an eye on children who might be in danger from tools or chemicals
• Listen to your body; if you’re particularly achey, tired or injured, it’s ok to take a day off.

Gardening in Staffordshire

Find organisations who can help you get into gardening through Staffordshire Connects.

Images used courtesy of the Centre for Ageing Better and Sport England

The post Gardening for Health appeared first on Active My Way.