Staying active
Physical activity can be good for your mental health. Activity doesn’t need to be particularly intense for you to feel good. Just enough to release the endorphins (feel good hormones) that make you feel better in yourself and give you more energy, boosting self-esteem and promoting sleep. Here are some suggestions for staying active
Ideas to get active at home and outdoors
Active 10: A brisk daily walk is a great excuse to get outside and improve your health. The Active 10 app is a great way to help you monitor and gradually increase your brisk walking levels over time.
Couch to 5k: This is a 9-week running programme designed for complete beginners by the NHS.
Gym-free workouts: Going to the gym isn’t for everyone. Luckily, there are plenty of other ways to get active instead. The NHS have created routines that you can do anywhere, anytime including seated exercises, strength, balance and flexibility sessions.
Parasport: Parasport have created accessible home workouts that ideal for wheelchair users and those just getting started or haven’t been active for a while.
PE with Joe Wicks: Daily workout videos lasting approximately 30 minutes.
No equipment required.Fitness Blender: Over 500 free workout videos enabling you to choose the level of difficulty depending on whether you are new to exercise or looking for something more advanced.
Yoga with Adriene: Yoga instructor Adriene offers over 500 free YouTube videos supporting you to get started through to adaptations for the more advanced.
Move More with One You: NHS resource that provides easy ways to move more every day.
Stay In, Work Out: Sport England prove tips, advice and guidance on how to keep or get active in and around your home. Join the Movement and use #StayInWorkOut to share how you’re getting active during this time.
Getting active when you’re short of time
NHS 10 minute workouts: Only got a few minutes? The 10-minute workout ideas are perfect if you’ve only got a bit of spare time when you’re at home.
10today: Tune in to 10 minutes of activity via the radio, online videos and on social media.
British Heart Foundation 10 minute workout: Work up a living-room sweat in 10 minutes with the British Heart Foundation. You only need a small space and no fancy gym gear to take part.
Getting active as a family
Youth Sport Trust: have a range of YouTube videos with fun challenges and activities that can be adapted to the space you have available
Disney dance alongs: This Girl Can have partnered with Disney to provide dance work outs, you can learn their moves or put your own spin on their routines.
Change4life Indoor activities: Shake Up games inspired by your kids’ favourite Disney characters.
For more information about the link between mental health and exercise go to Mind
