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Learn How To
Stay Active Long Term

Staying Active In Long Term

Staying active and carrying out regular physical activity over a long period of time can be challenging.  From time-to-time we all have days (particularly in the winter months) where we’re low on energy and motivation. On days like this it’s often far more appealing to jump on the sofa, put our feet up and watch the TV instead of heading back outside to exercise. 

It’s fine to feel like this from time to time, however it’s important that this doesn’t become a habit, consistency is key to long term health and fitness. Conducting as little as 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day can help you improve your mood, mental health and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. Here are our top tips to staying active in the long term. 

how to stay active long term
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10 Top Tips To Keeping Active In The Long Term

Here are some tips to help you stay consistently active all year round.

  1. Make getting fit enjoyable. Don’t let exercise be a chore. Picking activities / exercises that you enjoy makes it so much easier to stay consistent and commited to achieve your fitness goals. 
  2. Choose activities that suit your lifestyle. Consider your budget, physical abilities and amount of free time.
  3. Check out local exercise options. Opportunities to be active in your neighbourhood may include leisure centres, sports clubs, parks, walking trails, swimming pools or exercise classes.
  4. Make exercise a social event. Find a friend or family member to be active with so you can motivate and reward each other, or make some new friends through a class or club.
  5. Plan ahead for bad weather. Don’t let the weather get in the way of your exercise. If it’s raining outside why not do a home workout or head to the local swimming facilities. 
  6. Keep some exercise equipment at home. Options include exercise DVDs, a stationary bike, skipping rope or fitness ball.
  7. Have fun getting physical. Go dancing, fly a kite, throw a frisbee or swim in the sea – you’re not limited to sports and structured exercise programs.
  8. Get active around the house. Hoovering, washing the dog and gardening are all physical activities that burn calories and help keep you fit.
  9. Look for incidental ways to move your body every day. For example, walk or cycle to the local shops, instead of driving the car. Use the stairs instead of the lift or escalator.
  10. Involve the whole family in keeping fit. Arrange for outings that are physically active, such as walking the dog, rowing or hiking.

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