You don’t have to get a personal trainer, run a marathon or go to the gym. As the saying goes, every little helps and small changes can make a big difference.
Why bother?
Moving more is proven to help you:
• Reduce your risk of serious health conditions including cancer, heart disease and diabetes
• Help your mental health by lowering stress levels, increasing your energy and making you feel happier
• Improve muscle and bone health so that you age better and can be more likely to remain independent in later life
How much movement is necessary?
The national health chiefs recommend that you should aim to be physically active every day so that you complete at least two and a half hours of exercise per week.
The guidelines might sound daunting but not when you realise that walking briskly for just one minute counts as exercise.
You can also become much fitter simply by sitting less and standing more. Just standing to iron, prepare meals or wandering while you talk on the phone can help. Sitting burns 60-130 calories per hour but standing can double this burn rate.
Practical tips to help you move more
1. Go for a walk while waiting for your loved one to …….
2. Focus on hydration – get up and make a drink every hour
3 Walk or stand whenever you need to make a phone call
4. Set hourly standing or walking reminders on your phone and either stand up, march on the spot or walk around the room (taking in a flight of stairs is even better) when the alarm sounds
5. Walk around the room while waiting for your food to cook, brushing your teeth or watching TV.