Physical activity is an excellent health booster. Being active has a long-term positive impact on health and immediate mental and social benefits. If you took a break from activity during the pandemic you are not alone.
The uncertainty of the last 18 months along with lockdown and the need for physical distancing made it challenging to remain active. Thanks to the vaccination programme we are now able to revisit some of our familiar activities in a Covid-safe way.
For some of us, the prospect can be a bit daunting, but the benefits of simply moving more are profound. Whether it’s on your own or as part of a group we encourage you to have a go. It’s a good time to focus on staying active or easing back in a way that’s right for you. Any activity is better than non. Did you know simply moving more at home can really help you feel better and stay healthy?
Active for Life and other opportunities
The Healthy Lifestyles Team have now resumed many of our Active for Life programmes. These include both in-person and online Active for Life Zoom sessions. We also offer an extensive programme of free volunteer led Healthwalks across the city.
You can find more information here about:
- what we currently offer
- how to access our programmes
- other opportunities to be active
Staying active at home
Although it's now possible to be active outside of the home the pandemic has taught us that we can also be active within our own 4 walls There are now lots of online opportunities which can be an excellent choice to do instead of, or as well as, in-person activities. The Healthy Lifestyles Team has resources on our You Tube channel as well as Active for Life Zoom sessions.
For other resources you can try these:
- British Heart Foundation - 10 minute living room workout
- Active Sussex - Active at home
- NHS.UK - Fitness studio exercise videos
- NHS.UK - Couch to 5K
- NHS.UK - Kickstart your health
- Walking for Health - Information about how walking can improve your health
- We are Undefeatable - for adults living with health conditions
Stay at home resources for older adults
Here’s some great ideas and resources to help older people remain physically active and mentally fit:
- sitting exercises - these exercises from the NHS improve mobility and lower limb strength, which helps with feeling steadier to move onto standing exercises
- flexibility exercises - these home exercises help to improve mobility
- balance exercises - simple home exercises to improve steadiness with walking and moving
- strength exercises - home exercises to improve lower limb strength
- Make Movement Your Mission - join instructor Bex daily on Facebook at 8am, midday and 4pm for simple 10 minute workouts from Later Life Training
- exercises for people with Osteoporosis or Osteopenia - online videos by the Royal Osteoporosis Society
- sign up to Hop 50+ for online classes. Email paula.carter@impact-initiatives.org.uk
- for more information and support phone Ageing Well on 01273 322 947 or send an email to ageingwellbh@impact-initiatives.org.uk
Stay at home resources for older children and young people
- download the Active 60 Home Challenge information - see if you and your family can get 60 active minutes into your day
- log onto the Active Recovery Hub for lots of free activities and games to use at home Your School Games - Active Recovery
- Active Breaks – 10 minute Disney shake ups NHS Change for Life resources
- subscribe to the Healthy Lifestyles Youtube Channel - Brighton and Hove Healthy Lifestyles Team
Contact us
For more information, contact the Healthy Lifestyles Team on 01273 294 589 or email healthylifestyes@brighton-hove.gov.uk
For ideas, information and updates follow us on Twitter@BHhealthylife and on the Healthy Lifestyles Team Facebook page.