The UK Government has recognised how important it is to have daily exercise, including it as one of the reasons that we can leave our homes, to ensure our physical and mental health.
People across Wales are finding all sorts of ways to keep active. This may be using online resources and celebrity endorsed programmes, or it may be walking or gardening in the spring sunshine. Whatever you chose to do, remember keeping active is not only exercise that gets you out of breath, but also movement that help to build your strength, balance and flexibility. It is possible to gain all of these physical health benefits, as well as the positive impacts on your mood and achieve personal satisfaction, in the home setting. Lots of online resources are available that show you how to do just that, wherever you’re starting out from.
Remember not to overdo it- small changes are helpful, building up your activity levels if you are trying new things or if you haven’t done an exercise programme for some time. It’s better to start slowly and grow your levels of physical activity than to push yourself too hard and get discouraged from the outset. If you decide that you’ll keep active by having a spring clean, some long overdue DIY or working in the garden, remember not to take any unnecessary risks that may lead to any injury.
There are lots of ways that you can build physical activity into your day, to exercise and move frequently at home. Set an alarm on your phone to break up your time sitting still, or commit to get up and move around at any ad breaks if you’re watching the TV.
There are lots of free online resources that are available to you, suitable for all ages and abilities that will help you exercise at home. Remember to find something that fits with your ability now- you can always advance to something more active later.
Why not arrange for a daily chat with people that you know who are trying to exercise just like you are? Perhaps your work colleagues or members of clubs and groups that you normally go to? If that’s not for you, many resources will allow you to compare your progress with other people online, or you may just want to check in with family and friends and share each other’s progress.
If you are able to go outdoors for some daily exercise, remembering to stay 2m apart from anyone not from your household, you can gain great benefits to your physical health and mental wellbeing.
You may wish to go walking, for a run or for a cycle ride close to your home. The health benefits of these affordable and accessible activities are clear. You may already be a keen runner, walker or cyclist, able to adapt your route to keep close to home. But if you’re new to running, cycling or even to walking for health, there are resources and links on this website to help you get started safely, making sure that you build up gradually and don’t fall at the first hurdle. You can also find out about websites for organisations that provide advice on running, cycling and walking for health. Who knows, if you’re not already engaged in these activities, you might find a new passion or hobby and these organisations will be able to help you develop that further once the COVID19 situation is over?