Being active is one of the best things that we can do for our mental health and wellbeing! As we kick off the new year, why not prioritize our mental wellness through physical activity?
January marks the perfect time to commit to a healthier you! Kick off the year with a promise to follow this guideline and infuse your days with wellness.
Choose activities that bring you joy
Whether it's dancing, hiking, cycling, or yoga, make your choice of exercise something that brings you happiness. When you enjoy what you do, it transforms physical activity from a chore into a fulfilling part of your daily routine, making it more likely that you'll stick with it in the long run.
Keep yourself accountable
We've created some free weekly and monthly workout planners to help you keep track of your progress, goals, and keep your fitness routine organised.
Writing down your plan can help to create a sense of accountability, increasing the likelihood of being able to stick to your fitness commitments.
Embrace mindfulness on your fitness journey
Rooted in ancient practices, mindfulness is the art of being fully present in the current moment without judgment. When applied to your fitness journey, it becomes a game-changer.
Mindful Gym Sessions can help you to:
- Develop a deeper connection with your body
- Improve exercise technique and form
- Foster a greater appreciation for your workout experience
Integrating mindfulness into your gym routine offers a holistic approach to health. Emphasizing the synergy between mind and body, it can help to create a more fulfilling and effective exercise routine.
Getting Active doesn’t have to break the bank
- Join Jersey Parkrun, a free, fun and friendly weekly 5k community event taking place at Les Quennevais every Saturday at 9am. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate.
- Exercising doesn’t have to be strenuous; you can organise catch-ups with friends where you go for a walk or walking your children to school can form part of your exercise routine. Why not try a walk using the National Trust for Jersey’s free online walking guide? Walking is an excellent form of injury prevention. When you walk regularly, your bones become stronger and more resilient. Walking also strengthens tendons and ligaments. Your balance improves as well, which can help to prevent falls later in life.
- Couch to 5K is a running plan for absolute beginners. The plan involves 3 runs a week, with a day of rest in between, and a different schedule for each of the 9 weeks. Couch to 5K works because it starts with a mix of running and walking to gradually build up your fitness and stamina. Couch to 5K is for everyone. Whether you've never run before or you just want to get more active, Couch to 5K is a free and easy way of getting fitter and healthier.
Download the NHS Couch 5k app from App Store
Download the NHS Couch to 5k app from Google Play
- Try some of our free taster workouts, available on YouTube. Including Michelle's Sculpt and Tone class, Andrew's Taster Weighted Workout and our Taster HIIT Class.
by Fiona Perryman