If jolly hockey sticks aren’t your style, swimming doesn’t float your boat, you’re too left-footed for footie or the idea of traditional school sports send shivers of fear down your spine – don’t sweat. We've come up with some ideas to get you back on track...
Work it
Paul Sacher runs the
MEND programme. That stands for Mind, Exercise, Nutrition…Do it! Inspirational advice for us all!
Paul is dedicated to motivating people around the world to get happier and healthier.
He says: “Start with small steps – a five minute walk is better than nothing at all. Don’t do too much too soon; you could injure yourself or be tempted to give up. Gradually build up your fitness levels and start by fitting it into your routine – get off the bus one stop early, take the stairs for a change or walk home from school.”
New days
Rethink your daily routines and build simple exercises into them. Take brushing your teeth – try a few squats at the same time. Not only with your smile sparkle, your thighs will be rock solid within a few weeks!
Dance fever
If you wanna dance this is your chance! From break dancing to traditional ballroom, or even just dancing around your bedroom, put a record on (Madonna-stylee) and see the difference.
Rachel Stevens told
ElleUk.com how being in BBC’s Strictly has done wonders for her fitness: “I'm in better shape than ever and it's so much more fun than going to the gym.”
Don’t sweat
Hate it when the heat starts rising? Try water sports instead. If swimming lengths bore you to tears, then have a go at water polo, surfing, kite-surfing, diving...
Futuristic fitness
If you can’t part with your computer console then at least choose a game that get’s you off the couch. Combine karaoke with dance steps, transform into a guitar hero or play interactive sports.
But don’t be fooled – the virtual world is no substitute for the real one. Thirty minutes of footie in fresh air is no contest for screen sports.
And don’t forget to eat healthily.
Paul Sacher says: “If you have more muscle in your body you have a higher metabolism, which means you burn off fat quicker. Don’t forget fitness and food go hand in hand – even if you’re fit and active, a healthy diet is still really important.”
On a budget
Don’t want to face going it alone but can’t afford the gym? Get an online personal trainer: cheaper than the real deal and it gives you goals and tracks your progress.
Or simply team up with a mate. There’s nothing like some healthy competition and mutual support to get you going!
The beat goes on
According to Dr Costas Karageorghis, a sports and exercise psychologist at Brunel University, listening to the right music when you exercise can improve performance.
By matching a song’s tempo, or beats per minute (bpm) to your heartbeat, Karageorghis found that exercise productivity was boosted by 20 per cent.
Discover your favourite tunes’ bpm by visiting music-download websites, such as
jogtunes.com and
beatunes.com.
Social networking
Whether boarding or bowling is your bag, turn exercise into a social sport with your mates. A Saturday spent paintballing or playing Frisbee in the park is more than just a laugh – it’s your exercise quota for the day.
Or you can pick up some pounds without gaining weight by choosing a holiday job that keeps you on your feet. Anything from paper rounds to baby-sitting (before the kids have gone to bed!) can keep you fit and active.
Danger zone
There are some pretty shocking facts and stats that are likely to motivate you into doing some exercise...
Your heart is a muscle and like all muscles needs exercise to keep it healthy and strong. According to the
British Heart Foundation, heart and circulatory disease is the UK's biggest killer.
Diabetes is a hormone disorder that affects your blood sugar levels. The condition is on the increase and one of the factors is thought to be our lazy lifestyles. Exercise affects our insulin levels and could help to keep diabetes at bay.
Make a move!
So you see – there are loads of ways to get active, stay fit and have fun. And there are plenty of reasons why you should shrug off the sofa-surfing and slip into your sports shoes.
Now the most difficult bit – choosing one! But hey, why stop at one? You could do something new, exciting and energetic every day of the week. No sweat!
FIT FACT 1
I don’t know but I’ve been told...
You need one hour a day of physical activity to stay healthy, according to the experts.
FIT FACT 2
Exam stress your excuse?
A study at the Columbia University Medical Centre in New York showed that exercise increases memory and learning potential, while another study at the University of Illinois revealed that in a group of students, those who had the fittest bodies also had the fittest minds.
Girls only
According to the
British Heart Foundation, by the age of 15 more than half of girls aren’t reaching the recommended levels of physical activity per day. Here are some myths exposed and bulldozed...
Myth: Doing sport will give you bulging muscles
The truth: Cardio exercise won’t turn you into a pumped up body-builder. There are loads of games and activities that will keep you long and lean, such as swimming, yoga and aerobics.
Myth: Doing exercise makes your periods worse
The truth: Physical activity can actually help to relieve the pain. True you might feel more sluggish but some light exercise can help to ease your muscles.
Myth: I’m already skinny so there’s no need for me to exercise
The truth: The lithest people sometimes turn out to be the least fit, which means they’re still a target for all the health issues that come with lack of exercise.
Myth: Exercise isn’t cool – it’s just sweaty and uncomfortable
The truth: Try telling that to celebrities...exercise gets the blood pumping in your body, which can improve your complexion and make your hair healthier. What’s not to love about the benefits of exercise?
