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To help you get started and keep going we have put
together a series of top tips. We'll update these regularly, so
come back in a couple of months if you need more
motivation.
1. Find out what's out there
Before you start to be more active find out your options. Make sure
it is something you will enjoy. Some people like to go to the gym
others enjoy a refreshing country walk. Either option will give you
the physical and mental benefits of being active if done on a
regular basis.
Download a copy of our
Go4Life Physical Activity Directory to find out what is
happening on your doorstep.
2. What are your preferences and your current
lifestyle?
Do you like being in groups or being on
your own?
Are you a morning or night person?
Do you like being in or out of doors?
Do you have time to do physical activity in one block or can you
only fit shorter more frequent intervals into your schedule?
Be realistic about what you can do!
There are a wide range of
activities
available from structured classes to informal 30 minute
walks. If
you only have time to do small bouts of physical activity it will
still be of benefit to you, for example a ten minute walk to your
local shop still counts.
3. Start slowly and build up gradually
Many people overdo it when they start to get active so always start
slowly. Record all your activities and do not increase the time you
are active by more than 10% each time.
The
Go4Life Step Challenge will help you slowly build up your
activity levels whilst monitoring it at the same time in order to
achieve your goals. Contact the
Go4Life team for more information.
4. Make a date
Finding a friend or member of your family to get active with will
keep you both motivated to continue as well as keeping each other
company.
The Go4Life team are looking at ways of encouraging friends and
family to motivate one another to get more active, so if you have
any ideas please contact the
Go4Life team.
5. Set specific goals
Planning your week's activity, no matter how small, will make
physical activity more of a priority in your life.
Local leisure centres can
help you do this if you attend any of their classes or join the
gym. |