Category: Exercise and Health

Exercise to your ability NOT your age

Don’t let age be a factor when determining what exercise you do

We all know exercise is good for us but research has shown that exercise in older adults is linked to lower disease risk, reduced risks of falls and better overall health. Our bodies change as we age, but this shouldn’t change our attitudes towards exercise. We simply need to choose the type of exercise that is suitable for our ability. Whether it’s low intensity activities (walking, jogging, cycling), HITT (high intensity interval training) or resistance training- don’t let age be a limiting factor.

Exercise is also shown to improve mental health, well being, cognitive function and improve life expectancy. We should all aim to be physically active daily and get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week . Simple things like reducing the amount of time sitting or lying down can make a difference.

So not matter your age- let your ability be the factor that determines your physical health.

To read more about this topic click here.

Empowering the future

What can we learn from Natalia Cohen?

For those of you who attended the LiA conference last Tuesday, I’m sure you too will have been inspired by their guest speaker – Natalia Cohen. She was part of a 6 women team who were the first team to row from California to Australia on an ocean rowing boat to raise money and promote their 2 charities. She highlighted what she learnt while living in the ocean for 9 months and how life really is ‘like a wave’, which we have to ride one wave at a time.

So what can we learn from her? She highlighted tips for a great team, to be thankful for the life we have and highlighted the importance of focusing on the positives – something we probably need to do now more than ever.Some of her top tips, which are applicable both in our home and work lives;

  1. To believe in yourself
  2. Accept challenges that come your way
  3. Support each other and connect
  4. We can only control the controllable
  5. Enjoy the journey!

An inspirational story from an inspirational woman! To watch her speech click here.

Better health

A new national campaign has launched to support people to loose weight

With current data showing that obese people are significantly more likely to become seriously ill and be admitted to intensive care with serious illnesses including COVID-19 -compared to those with a healthy BMI- the campaign encourages adults to introduce healthier lifestyle changes to help people achieve a healthy weight. Support has been identified to eat better, drink less alcohol and get active through access to a range of apps including; Easy Meals, Food Scanner, Couch to 5k and Active 10.

The campaign has partnered up with a range of partners offering exclusive discounts including:

  • one month free membership with WW and Weight Watchers Reimagined
  • £2o discount for online memberships to Slimming World
  • 86p a week memberships at Get Slim

To find out more click here.

Physical Activity

PHE briefing on Active Mile initiatives

This briefing provides information about the evidence on active mile initiatives, ideas for how to implement them and examples of practice. It is aimed at public health teams, schools and commissioners.

Read the briefing here

Physical Activity

Stay in, work out – tips for getting active in and around the home

Sport England have launched a campaign to help people stay active at home during the Coronavirus outbreak. It provides information and advice, while encouraging people to share on social media with the hashtag #StayInWorkOut

Read more here