However you like to move, it's all worth it
18 Jan 2022 09:26AM
by
Evelyn Adams - Yoga Activist
You don't have to run a marathon or swim 100 lengths to feel good about your body and doing exercise. However you like to move, whether it involves twisting, jumping, running, swimming, cycling, stretching or punching – do what makes you smile, and remember that every movement counts towards a healthier life. Even five minutes of stretching is better than no movement at all, so feel free to go at a pace that suits you and build up to goals in your own time. Don't compare your own fitness to others, as every body is different.
There are many simple ways you can move more every day! Here are some ideas…
Look for opportunities to move rather than sit still. Use a standing desk, go for a walk on your lunch break, and stretch while you're watching adverts on the TV. Wash your car yourself rather than paying someone else to do it, park further away in the supermarket park to get those steps in, and do lots of gardening work like sweeping, digging, raking and planting new plants. Remember that exercise doesn't have to be intense and get you sweaty for it to be effective in improving your overall fitness. Moderate and mild movement is just as important.
Here are some other ways you can get moving easily:
❤️ Head to our App for at home workouts that you can enjoy at any time. You'll never have the excuse for being too busy to exercise!
❤️ Try to add 30-45 minutes of activity into your day, three days a week. Make two gym visits to your Virgin Active club and spend some time running on the treadmill, Skillmill, or use a bike or cross trainer. Or you can take a look at our timetables and book a class, or go for a long walk close to where you live.
❤️ Try running up and down the stairs a few times to get your heart pumping – this is a great way to burn calories, too!
❤️ If you're on the phone talking to someone, stand up and walk around as much as possible.
❤️ Do a set of planks or stomach crunches/sit-ups every night before going to bed.
❤️ Lift weights (dumbbells) while watching TV to do biceps curls.
Incorporate these exercises into your everyday routine, until they become habit. One way to stop the health risks of a sedentary lifestyle is to move more. Even if you feel like you aren't working hard or sweating it out, remember that you are still moving your joints, muscles and stimulating your nerves and brain. If you're very short on time, break up the movements so that you do 3 lots of 10 minute sessions per day. Walking is one of the best ways to get gentle to moderate exercise. It helps to build up your leg muscles, which keeps you generally walking and moving longer in later life.
However you choose to be active, remember that even the little things all count towards a healthier lifestyle.
