Let’s start moving!

The Oxford dictionary defines exercise as “activity requiring physical effort, carried out to sustain or improve health and fitness.”

For many this is a word that fills them with fear, anxiety and dread. These feelings can cause them to shut down and hide behind excuses for why they can’t do it or why they’ll do it tomorrow.

The truth is we can only control our behaviours: eating healthy food, sleeping more, moving more etc. Therefore it is time to revamp the way we think. First let’s change the word exercise to movement, a much less daunting word. Compared to our ancestors we are moving less in our daily routines. It is time to experience the benefits of movement and to feel good.

Below are some new goals for you to try and hopefully they will help to encourage you to get moving.

Move more to feel better

Move more for your physical and mental health, not just because you want to see the numbers on the scale fall.

Find daily opportunities to move more

 Think about your everyday activities and consider where you can add movement. Wash the dishes by hand instead of using the dishwasher or walk to the post box rather than drive to it. There are many opportunities to move more.

Find movement that you love and brings you joy

Find what you love to do; the activity will be more enjoyable and therefore more likely to keep it up. There is something out there for everyone, whether that is gardening, walking the dog or dance lessons. Any activity that gets your heart rate up can bring great health benefits.

Do your body and mind a favour and let go of your negative feelings towards exercise. Now is the time to get excited about simply moving for a more healthier and happier you.

If you have a disability or injury or recently had weight loss surgery it is important to check with your doctor or bariatric clinical team what movements you can and can’t do.