10 Top Tips to Get Active
Useful tips to help you get moving
Try one or all of our top 10 tips to get you moving more. From getting outside every day to getting up from your chair regularly if you’re working form home, they’re very adaptable and easy to build into your everyday life.
Information from the NHS website (www.nhs.uk)
Click on the tips below to find out how you can start to build your fitness.
Set a reminder (you could use the alarm or timer on your phone) to get up and move every 30 minutes during the day – particularly if you’re sitting at a desk. Try stretching or doing gentle exercises during TV ad breaks, or pacing and stretching in the kitchen while the kettle is boiling. For more inspiration, take a look at our Exercises page.
Lunchtime is a good opportunity to fit in some activity. Take a break to stretch and unwind, or even fit in a brisk walk or a short body workout. Just being outside and enjoying some green space can help re-energise you.
Some people find early morning is the best time to exercise. If you’re one of them, try to walk, run or cycle before you start your day. Make sure to do some gentle stretches before and after.
Throughout the day, try standing when you can instead of sitting – even short periods will add up, helping to improve your circulation, strength and balance.
Active hobbies like gardening or DIY can be great for your mind as well as your body, and even everyday tasks like housework will get you moving!
Keep track of your progress – hitting your daily target will feel great! Using tracking apps can help, but even jotting down a ‘to-do’ list of physical activities is a good way to stick with your programme.
If your friends and family want to be more active too, try engaging everyone’s competitive side with challenges like seeing who can do the most steps in a day. You could meet up in a park and take a walk, or try a new sport together.
Strength-building activities – like carrying heavy grocery bags or following an online Pilates or workout video – help to keep muscles, joints and bones strong. Aim to do this at least twice a week.
Set yourself activity goals and rewards. You could go for a long walk then treat yourself to an episode of your favourite TV show!
Not sure where to start? Visit your local council’s website to find facilities and activities in your area, or look at the notice-board in your nearest community centre. Whether it’s running, yoga or simply dancing around your living room, it all counts!
