This week our focus is on getting active. The importance of keeping active cannot be understated – even just 20 minutes a day can really make a difference. Not only will it improve your overall physical fitness – it gives your immune system a boost and lifts your mood, as well as improving your overall health.
In these stressful and challenging times, physical activity can also significantly help you maintain positive mental health.
Isolating and keeping active
With many people needing to isolate themselves at home, it is still important to keep active even if you can’t go outside to take exercise (other than in your private garden). It can feel a bit of a challenge to get active inside but there are still plenty of ways you can build movement and exercise into your day when you are at home.
Reading Sport and Leisure team have lots of videos online, including classes with their own coaches. There are activities for everyone, including people with long-term conditions, and it’s all free to access.
Get Berkshire Active has created an Active at Home website with a range of activities to suit all ages and abilities.
Sport England’s Stay in work out portal has a great selection of online fitness options.
Check out the NHS Fitness studio – Take your pick from 24 instructor-led videos across our aerobics exercise, strength and resistance, and pilates and yoga categories.
If you are isolating at home with the kids, and you are all well enough, here are some great free ideas for getting everybody active inside:
Joe Wicks live-streaming workouts for kids on his YouTube channel The Body Coach TV
Change4Life indoor activity ideas
Change4Life also have some great accessible activities for children and young people with disabilities
Try some fun yoga sessions aimed at a young audience with Cosmic Kids Yoga
Get active safely
If you are older or living with a long-term health condition, it is important to try and stay as active as possible. If you can, why not try a gentle walk in your area or in one of Reading’s parks and open spaces.
Sitting exercises will also help improve your mobility and prevent falls. Don’t worry if you’ve not done much for a while – these exercises are gentle and easy to follow.
The ‘love activity, hate exercise’ campaign has practical tips for getting started and inspiring stories of how others have benefited:
Move it or Lose offers a great series of fitness videos for older adults. Check out all the free exercise videos on their Youtube channel or join their new Move it or Lose it Online Club
Watch Get Berkshire Active’s Fall Proof video
Jogging safely in winter
Jogging or brisk walking is a great way to stay active. Dark, cold, windy, wet… getting out for a walk or a jog can be difficult in winter! Here are some tips to help you stay safe and motivated.
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