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!”
Great post! Getting out is not always easy, but you are right, there are plenty of options for everyone. Besides, mummies just need it, too much stress to get rid of. 😉 #FitnessTuesday
We are all here for a greater mission it is whether we choose to listen to our calling. So the next time you find yourself worried about thing’s in your life, keep calm, breathe deeply in and out for a few seconds and connect to your spirit it will show you the way to help and serve.
This sounds great, I’m off to take the quiz myself in a minute! I have only recently got back into fitness since having Mia 3 years ago, I was feeling really self-conscious and unattractive. It was affecting my confidence and putting me off buying clothes and going out! Since I have been working out again and eating better, I have kick started myself again and I’m feeling so much better! All I do is 3-4 workouts a week at home on YouTube or GymCube (I’m reviewing for them at the moment!) Its amazing what the power of exercise can do! 🙂
#fitnesstuesday
I love the idea of signing up for something like Race for Life. Hopefully, when I’ve lost more weight I’ll have the confidence to do it 🙂
Oh Mirka, you’re a real inspiration. And you always manage to look so glamorous when exercising, I don’t know how you do it lol!! x
Thank you Kate! You know I am very passionate about encouraging others, and love watching your journey too! x
Mirka this is so inspiring! Love that even someone as healthy and active as you can still get something out of this campaign and love your great tips! Xx
I know! So true Michelle, even people who are active can improve many things! Thanks for your lovely comment!
Wonderful post. Big YES to all of these. I like the way #OneYou shows that little changes all add up. You’re a great role model and inspiration Mirka xx
Thank you Juliet, that coming from you makes me super proud as you are such a great model and inspiration too!
I’m quite obese (17 stone), with a BMI of nearly 40. I was inspired by One You, and started getting more active, but am slowing down a bit in my progress.
Am realising I need to cut back on sugar if I’m to progress, but sugar’s something I love; am quite addicted. Without doing that, am realising acitivity will get me nowhere.
Do you have any tips on giving up cakes & chocolate. At present I don’t see how I could live without them. I’d feel it’d be a bleak world. I love my comfort food!
Thanks for your comment. First of all, well done for getting more active, and also for releasing that you need to cut down on sugar. I think it’s going to be a learning journey, and would suggest not to keep too many cakes, chocolate and sweets at home. When you decided to have a treat, make sure you don’t do so in a rush, make time for it, and try by eating half of what you usually eat. That way it will not be as drastic as giving up completely straight away. Good luck!
Great advice, thanks Mirka 🙂
I Went in the sea (Larnaca ) at 6.30 this morning and came out at 8.00,swimming all the time. I Cycled there and back,maybe a mile each way. This evening I shall walk to the airport to meet the requirements of the matrimonial act of 24th October 1994. Just had b.p. read at 119/82.,which is OK.
Well done John!
Hi Mirka,
I am 53 years old and have a shoulder impingement at the moment and it is putting me off any type of exercise even though I know it is not good to stop. I am in a walking group and go on a good 6 – 10 mile walk every month. Can you recommend any exercises to help me tone up as I am going on holiday in September and I am frightened to move my arm?
Thank you,
Pauline
Hi Pauline,
thank you for your comment. It’s great to hear you are walking, and keep on doing so. I think the best and safest way would be to check with your doctor who should recommend what exercises you can do with your condition. Good luck, and keep on walking!
I love your tips Mirka and signing up for a challenge is a great one! I did my first 5k at a Race for Life event and I didn’t think I could do it at the time but I did and even went on to run a 10k the year after!!
Thank you Nadine, and well done to you! Maybe we can run a race together one day!
haha you’d kick my ass but ok!! x