There is still at least two weeks of lockdown to go, and with the latest measures meaning our local leisure and activity centres are closed it can be hard to find motivation if you’re stuck at home.
We all know how important exercise is for our wellbeing, no matter how much or little you can manage. If you’re in need of some inspiration to get you through the rest of the lockdown and beyond, here are some ideas for you.
Find somewhere new to walk
Remember, you can go out for exercise every day. Getting fresh air is such a benefit to your physical and mental health and walking somewhere you haven’t been before is a great way to discover new places in your area. Seek out somewhere quiet, a bit out of the way or off the beaten track.
1-2-3 Health Walks have produced an up-to-date list of all 70 of their walk maps. One, two and three mile routes around local parks, woods and countryside. All these routes are walked and checked and measured but please keep in mind that woods and rural footpaths are likely to be getting muddier by the day at this time of year. Sturdy boots are strongly recommended! Take a look to see which one you fancy.
Wealden District Council have an excellent guide of 20 walks which vary from 4 to 12 miles. They are graded between a scale of 1 (easy) and 4 (very difficult) and there is at least one route passing through every parish.
Find mindfulness through exercise
YouNique Wellbeing Studios in Bexhill offers a range of services and packages in a calm, relaxed and comfortable environment – and are now offering classes on Zoom. Take a look at their timetable of pilates, yoga, qigong and much more.
Workout with the kids
REBOOT provide young people and their families access to local sports and activities, directly into their own homes. Basketball, street dance, skateboarding, Zumba, kickboxing, Hiit training, yoga, football, powerlifting and circuit training – there is something for everyone’s interests. Check in daily for their free schedule of activities.
Fit and Fab Families have switched to a new online timetable and are posting suggestions on how to get the little ones involved too with weekly dance routines – this week was Moana! Take a look at their Facebook page to say hi and get involved.
Try some online home workouts
My A to Z Fitness in Bexhill have moved their classes online with a home workout programme and are welcoming new members. If boxercise, ab attack and kettleball is something you’d like to give a go you can get in touch via their Facebook page.
From sofa workouts to cardio jumps, the NHS has put together illustrated guides showing some other equipment-free workouts, many of which you can do at home.
Or how about trying these ten minute exercises at home.
Sport England’s Join the Movement is a great place to get started, or pick up where you left off from the previous lockdown.
Active On Demand is an online tool full of free video workouts for adults, children, older adults and people with long term conditions and disabilities. You can search for the ideal workout at a time that works for you.
This Girl Can has put together a useful list of exercises to try at home, from table top press ups to living room wall sits – and they’re great for women and men alike.
Couch to 5K
This is a nine-week programme of podcasts that does exactly what it says on the tin – taking you from the couch to running 5kms. Consisting of three runs a week, the programme gradually builds up intensity and gives you a choice of coaches.
The Active 10 app
This app from the NHS, is a great way to help you monitor and gradually increase your brisk walking levels over time. It’s available to download via the App Store and Google Play.
Look after your mental wellbeing too
Another very useful tool is to introduce yourself to mindfulness, which with practice can really help you cope with the stresses of everyday life and remain focused on the here and now. Take a look at some tips and advice on the Your East Sussex website.
Useful links
Active Sussex have excellent resources for all ages and abilities to help you stay active.
Sport England has a host of information on ways to be active, and how they are building a nation where everyone, everywhere feels able to get active in a way that’s right for them.
Stay up-to-date with the latest guidance on COVID-19 at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/