We know that getting our body moving and blood pumping can do wonders for our health, yet many of us don't complete the recommended 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week target. Do you?
There’s nothing like a bit of physical activity to improve our health and wellbeing. You'll notice the difference if you increase your activity by just a little bit. GPs refer to physical activity as the wonder drug: there really is nothing like it to improve your health. Exercise can be as effective as anti-depressants in treating mild depression, not to mention the added weight management benefits.
Activities near you
Could you discover, or rediscover an activity or group to try? Did you enjoy netball or football at school? You could pick up a ball again now! If you're looking for something a gentler, why not try walking football or netball. How about dance? Discover new activities on your doorstep with our Activity Finder.
Getting Started
If you're out of practice, getting started with exercise can be tough, so start small. With each new move of your body and stretch of your stamina, you'll increase your strength and boost your mood.
Here are three ideas you can try on your own terms:
1. Active 10:
A neat way of completing your 30-minutes per day is in several short bursts. Active 10 is an app that guides you to take three ten-minute brisk walks per day. Brisk is the key – your pace needs to be fast enough to increase your heart rate and make you slightly breathless. Could you get off the bus a stop or two early? Or park a little further from work?
Your Take Twelve goal?
Complete Active 10, 5 days per week. Sign up to start your brisk walk challenge.
2. Take Twelve Training:
Each week during Take Twelve, our personal trainer Sofia will release a new video workout you can complete from the comfort of your home. All you need to do is take a stand from your sofa! Through this gentle introduction to exercise program, Sofia will help you take steps to a new exercise habit. Have you tried video workouts before? Move aside the coffee table: make room for your new you. Slip off your slippers: step into new health!
Your Take Twelve goal?
Complete weekly Take Twelve video workouts. Sign up to start your video workout challenge.
3. Couch to 5k:
Perhaps you’ve never fancied yourself as a lycra-clad runner come rain or shine! But through a bit of perseverance and training, a regular running habit is possible. Owen was surprised by his new running habit! After shedding his extra weight, Owen was inspired to try Couch to 5k (c25k). Having never considered running – he now looks forward to his weekly 5k jog. Grab your trainers, download the app and follow the step-by-step instructions. You can choose your own celebrity coach! Lycra not mandatory!
*Update* - so far, over 133 Take Twelve participants have set c25k as their healthy living goal. You too?
Your Take Twelve goal?
Complete Couch to 5k. Sign up and get set for your c25k challenge.
Join Dorset's healthy living challenge
Join thousands of Dorset residents committed to conquering unhealthy habits. Starting on the 1st of March, our Take Twelve community will embark on a journey to healthy living – don't miss the boat.
RSVP and receive community support, LiveWell tools, advice, as well as top tips and expert support. Coaches, Personal Trainers, Nutritionists will share information to guide you to LiveWell.
