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It’s that time of year, after the festivities when we are all feeling rather sluggish and recognise that perhaps it is time to do something about it. When tackling the necessity to get in shape, it’s important to ask yourself a few questions – why do I want to get in shape (what is my motivation?) and how can I get in shape?
Although we all come up with a myriad of excuses as to why we CAN’T exercise – money, time, current fitness level to name but a few, eating healthily combined with moving more is the best way to get in shape. In this article, we look at some ways to improve our mobility that don’t cost the Earth and are fun to do!
- Walking
Getting more exercise and back into shape doesn’t require expensive equipment – just head outdoors and walk your way back into shape. A brisk walk – around 3.5 miles per hour – has so many benefits: building stamina, heart health and calorie burn to name but a few! Do you really need to use the car? Swapping a few unnecessary car journeys for a brisk walk instead will all add towards your recommended weekly minutes of exercise.
- Join a Gym
Joining a gym is a great way to access many pieces of equipment that would likely be very expensive to buy, and you’d need the space to set up and use. Not only this, but the gym is also perfect for motivation as you exercise alongside likeminded people and make new friends as most people visit at the same time each week. You will most likely have access to a fitness instructor who will usually conduct an induction with you and give advice on what equipment to use to help you achieve your goals. A pay as you go gym is a non-committal way to see if a gym is your thing!
- Channel Joe Wicks
Any parent will be fully aware of Joe Wicks after his amazing free motivational PE lessons during lockdown, but for anyone who isn’t aware, his exercise videos are fun and easy to do, all from the comfort of your own living room. A quick search on YouTube sees you having access to many other contributor’s free exercise videos for you to choose from. Be it a relaxing and low impact Pilates session or a HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) calorie burning sweat fest, whatever you are looking for will be available 24/7 – no more excuses regarding not being able to fit fitness in. It’s like having a fitness coach for free!
- Running
Although the thought of running for the first time might bring back memories of muddy cross-country runs at school, it’s actually a great way to get in shape and see results fast. The benefits? Improved heart and lung function, stronger bones, contributes to good mental health and weight loss too. Never run before? For complete beginners, the Couch to 5K is a great, free running plan involving 3 runs a week, with a day of rest between each run and a differing plan for each of the 9 weeks. The very first runs are a combination of walking and running so you ease in slowly. Want to know more? Follow this link to the NHS guide.
- Use the Stairs
Do you work on the 5th floor at the office? If so, start using the stairs rather than the lift. Did you know that climbing stairs burns more calories per minute than jogging?
- Put your dancing shoes on
Combine learning a new skill with getting fit and join a dance class. Whether it is ballet for beginners, Zumba or, if you are a Strictly fan, try some ballroom dancing. Any form of movement is beneficial and combining movement and a new hobby will also go a long way to improving your mental health.
- Get on your bike!
Dig out your bicycle from the back of the shed, give it a good service and relive the fabulous feeling of being on two wheels. If you are proficient and confident on the roads, consider cycling to work. You will get in shape and save on commuting costs – win, win!
- Park Life
Grab the children and head to the park. Whether you are pushing little one on the swings, playing Frisbee, football or tennis all these activities will get your heart rate up and everyone will have a great time to boot!
We hope you have found some inspiration for ways to get into shape. Further fitness ideas and advice can be found here on the NHS website.
