My Top Tips to Get out & Keep Active #OneYou

I am known for being very passionate about keeping fit and healthy, but also about encouraging other people to do so by leading by an example, and offering tips and advice via my blog and social media platforms.

My great inspiration used to be my dad, who always used to do many types of sports and encouraged me to take on swimming, skiing and many other sports when I was a child.

Today I would like to share the latest #OneYou Public Health England campaign which encourages people to make small changes now for a healthier future, e.g. to drink less, move more, quit smoking and eat better.

One You project aims to encourage adults, particular those in middle age, to take control of their health
to enjoy significant benefits now, and in later life.

The online health quiz assesses people’s current behaviours and shows them which areas they should look to change.

After taking the ‘How Are You’ health quiz I was pleased to see that I scored quite high which means I don’t have much to improve, but also loved all the advice I was offered after taking the quiz.

There is always something to improve, isn’t there?

How to get more active?

As mothers we make sure our children eat healthy meals and are active on a daily basis. We always look after others, but often forget to look after ourselves until we start having some problems.

I am a huge believer that our body reflects everything, the way we look after it, the food we eat, the lifestyle and stress.

If we treat it well, it can provide us with a very happy life for many years. On the other hand, if we don’t, how can we expect to be here in the times when our children have their own little ones?

As a very busy mum I associate with many mums out there, and understand it’s not always easy to get out and workout.

On the other hand I also know it is not impossible and over the years have come across a few ways how to implement being active in my lifestyle.

We should be aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity, 5-days-a-week, as well as two 30-minute sessions of strengthening exercise. In order to achieve this, I have come up with a few tips for anyone to try!

The power of Walking

I often find that many people underestimate the power of walking. Years back when I was still living in sunny Sydney, I used to power-walk on a daily basis, no running for me.

It has been said many times before that walking is the most natural way to exercise and keep active, and in the busy and sedentary lifestyle most of us lead, we really need to make more effort to walk.

Ditch the car, get a fitness activity tracker like FitBit or similar (not a must though), and try to walk to your local post office, grocery store, the places that are not super far and where you are used to drive.

Walking is a great way to exercise and will cost you nothing.

With the weather getting much nicer now, there is no excuse for lovely walks along the canals, parks and other places. This is also an activity you can do with you children and your partner, and explore the lovely nature around.

Fitness Classes

Attending fitness classes is another way. I personally prefer working out outside, but also love attending spinning classes.

These are very intense, and not for everyone, but there are so many different fitness classes to choose from. Try a few, and do not give up after the first few sessions.

If you struggle with a childcare, find a local leisure centre with a creche. The one I used to leave my girls at was quite cheap and you could leave your little ones there up to 2 hours.

If you really cannot find a class near you, there are a few workout or yoga classes available online, some of them are even live and you only need to subscribe for a very small fee.

Sign-up for a challenge

Many times in the past 9 years I have seen quite a few of fellow mums being inspired by me, started running, swimming or just being more active.

I am always very proud and touched when mums come to me and say how seeing me with my running buggy at the school gate made them start walking or running again.

I often suggest the best way to get more into being active is to sign-up for a sports challenge.

I believe that once you have a set achievable goal, for example a 5km run (which at the beginning seems like an impossible thing to do) will get you much more focussed and inspired.

That way there is a much bigger change to keep active on a regular basis and achieve your goal.

If you are into swimming, every year there is a Swimathon in April, and you can always sign-up as a group with your fellow friends or your partner? You can also get your children involved and do it as a family. just another example how it can be done.

The same is about cycling and many other sports.

Find Joy in Keeping Fit & Healthy

You do not need to sign-up to run a marathon to get fit and keep active. The most important thing is to find an activity that brings you joy.

I cannot imagine my life without my fitness routines (running, swimming, cycling), and there is nothing better than getting rid off all the stress and tension while running & exploring some lovely nature near the local canal. I always feel so much more energised and happy.

Many people find it easier to get out and exercise with someone. Take your partner or friend, and keep fit together for a happier and healthier life!

I also believe that being active is not only for people to lose weight, but for everyone. Even skinny people need to exercise to stay healthy and happy.

Why don’t you take the quiz and see if there need to be any changes done to your lifestyle? Making a few little changes now can improve your health right away.

It’s never too late to start!

Search One You and take the free health quiz to see how you score, and let me know if you have any questions.

“I’m supporting One You, Public Health England’s new health campaign which provides free and personalised support, advice and tools to help adults make small changes to improve their health now and in the future. Take the online ‘How Are You’ quiz now!”