Live Life Actively

There are many ways that you, no matter how busy you are, can build physical activity into your lives. Being physically active is easier than you think, especially if you make activity part of your daily routine and lifestyle. Too often people use "I do not have enough time to exercise" or "I am too busy to exercise" as a reason (or shall we say an excuse) for not being able to exercise and workout.

However, getting active does not have to be the traditional 1 hour training in a gym etc. By "living life in the active lane" more and embracing a more active lifestyle you will notice a signicant difference with your health and fitness levels.

The following are just some of the ideas that you can embrace to make your lifestyle more active, healthy and fun.

• Pick days and times that you want to exercise each week and commit to them. You are more likely to be successful if you do your exercise at the same time and on the same days each week. For instance, a 30 minute run on a Tuesday and Thursday at 6pm with a friend.
• You can divide your activity up throughout the day rather than doing it in one go. You could do two 10 minute workouts per day 3 times per week. For instance, 10 minutes at 7am and 7pm on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
• Aim to walk or cycle any journeys that are under 1 mile e.g. to the shop, to the hairdressers, to a friends.
• Exercise at home because you can easily fit it around your daily routine and you do not need much time or equipment. For instance, you can do an exercise DVD or run up and down the stairs. Get the children to join in.
• Instead of watching TV, get active with your children, family and friends by finding fun activities to do that burn off calories. For instance, playing hide and seek, walking to school, trampolining, exploring woods and riding bikes.
• As a family, incorporate small changes into your lifestyle to make you and your family more active. For instance, always walk up and down the stairs rather than taking the lift, park at the furthest away parking space at the supermarket for the extra walk and walk to and from the local shop.
• Get a great workout from gardening, washing the car/windows and house work, which involves pushing, bending, carrying, climbing and squatting (though do not injure yourself). Get friends and family to help you.
• Get a dog. This will encourage you to take it for long walks and to play with your pet, for instance throwing a ball, which is great exercise and fun.
• As part of your commute to work you could cycle, run or walk your journey. If you cannot do the full journey, you could get off the bus one stop early and walk the rest of the way, or if you car share walk part of the journey and then get a lift. Aim to do your exercise as part of the journey you would be making anyway.
• At work, walk up and down the stairs rather than using the lift or escalators, or at least get out of the lift a few floors lower and walk up the stairs for the remainder. If you do use the escalators walk up them rather than stand still.
• Whilst talking on the telephone stand or walk rather than sit and put your files away from your desk, for instance on the top shelf, so that you have to stand up to get th em.Walk to a colleague’s desk, rather than emailing or ringing them, to discuss work. Aim to get up and walk around your workplace every hour to stretch your legs, for instance go for a drink at the water machine.
• Exercise before, during or after work. For instance, go for a brisk walk during your lunch break or as soon as work finishes, either on your own or with colleagues, or go swimming if there is a nearby pool. If your workplace has a gym (or one nearby) or a room with space in you could do a short high intensity circuit.

Aim to do activities that you like and that fit easily into your daily routine. Get active with friends and family to maintain enjoyment, motivation and consistency. Crucially, think outside of the box. There are numerous ways that do not cost money and do not take too much time, to get active and fit. If you’re doing a lot of running and you struggle with knee or ankle problems, make sure you invest in some orthotic insoles. They're great for preventing injuries so you can keep on training.

There are many more ways that you can become more active that I would be delighted to share and discuss with you. Should you require any help, advice or information please do not hesitate to contact me.

Live life in the active lane,

Matt