Let's get physical

How to increase your physical activity

Increasing your physical activity not only helps you to stay fit, strong, and healthy but is also a great way to relieve tension and improve your mental wellbeing. This is because our bodies release hormones when we exercise which have a direct impact on our mood and how we cope with stress and pressure.

There are so many options when it comes to exercising but if you want to try something different we have loads of ideas for you, whatever level you’re at:

• NHS website  – a range of gym-free exercise routines, including 10-minute workouts that are perfect for doing at home. They also have a range of exercises for beginners and chair-based exercises if you have physical limitations.
• If you’re into video workouts, try Fitness Blender, NHS Fitness Studio, or  Joe Wicks (The body coach)
• If you enjoy running but need an extra edge, try the Zombies Run game
• Start running with the popular couch-to-5k program
• Full-body workouts with Barry’s Bootcamp
• Chris Hemsworth’s Centr app is offering a six-week free trial at the moment
• If you like walking, check out routes near you using Walking Britain, Ramblers, or Walk 4 Life

For more information about the benefits of physical activity and guidelines about how much exercise you should aim to take click here.

Increasing your physical activity doesn’t have to be exercising to exhaustion but it is important to find something you’re motivated to do. If you enjoy it, you’re more likely to stick to it – whether it’s introducing a walk into your daily routine, taking up running, or setting yourself a target of doing 2-3 home exercise classes each week.