Increasing your physical activity & keeping active

The NHS website has a Get fit for free section which has lots of great ideas about how you can start building exercise into your everyday life, like taking the stairs at work instead of the lift or getting off the bus a few stops early and walk the rest of your journey.

Small changes can make a big difference to start with and gives you a great foundation to build on. One of the most popular exercise programmes that the NHS has produced is the Couch to 5K plan. Going for a run can seem like a daunting prospect for many, but the good thing about this plan is that it is made for absolute beginners, and it really works!

The plan is split up into 9 weeks and involves a mixture of walking and running, designed to build up your fitness and stamina. It is a fantastic programme and by the end of it, you really will be able to run 5k!

A top tip to keep you motivated is having an exercise buddy. If someone else is doing it with you, you’re less likely to cancel or talk yourself out of doing it so find out who also wants to get fit and make it happen!

Your local leisure centre may also offer some initiatives such as free exercise classes or free swimming on certain days of the week. You can find out what your local council offers by clicking here.