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Community full menu:
Active for Life
Getting started
Helen Heaton - January 2004
helen.heaton@kirklees.gov.uk
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| People exercising |
Find a couple of minutes several times a day to be active - just
make it part of your way of life and you'll find it easy.
Being active doesn't have to be about pumping iron or running miles - there are
lots of ways to be active which can be part of the things you do every day. If
you want to make the most out of life then be active and feel the benefits - there
are plenty of them.
You can do the things you usually do, but maybe a little faster or with a little
more effort and it will make all the difference - every little helps. Just remember
feeling and looking good doesn't have to be hard work!
Is it OK to start doing a bit more?
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| Practice Activity and Leisure Scheme |
Most people can start to increase the level of physical activity straightaway
- but we would advise that you go slowly, build up gently and enjoy your activity.
However we would advise you to check out with your GP if: -
- you have chest trouble like asthma or bronchitis
- you are recovering from an illness or operation
- you are concerned that activity may effect anyother aspect of your health
How will I know that I am doing enough to get a benefit?
If you want to improve your health you need to do enough activity to:-
- Feel warm
- Breathe a little faster
- Sweat a little
- Feel your muscles work a bit harder than usual
Be active as part of your everyday life - and feel great!
The good news is that you can be active as part of your everyday lifestyle. Think
of all the things that you do which are active and then think of things you could
do as well which would increase the amount of physical activity you do. Here are
a few suggestions:
- Play football with the children
- Do some active gardening
- Walk to the post-box rather than use the car
- Use the stairs rather than the lift
- Walk briskly when you carry your shopping
- Mow the lawn
- Go out for a bike ride
- Do some DIY
The greatest increase in health benefit comes to those who don't do any activity
and who start to become more active - even a little activity can help.
In Kirklees research has shown that seven out of ten adults are not active enough
to meet the recommended level for a healthy lifestyle. (CLICK survey 2001). Studies
show that being active regularly can help you become healthier and stronger. It's
not difficult to do, and you will feel much more positive about things once you
become more active.
Making it easy and fun
Put on some lively music when you do the housework or walk to the shops with a
neighbour or friend. Or why not get your family involved - we can all benefit
from being more active. But make it exciting - don't just go for a walk, go on
a dragon hunt and make an adventure out of it by getting the children to look
for claw marks and tail slithers!
Try something new or different and meet new people with different hobbies and
interests. You may always have wanted to go scuba diving or orienteering - so
seize the chance and have a go - it could just be the best thing you have ever
done.
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Active for Life - Getting started Service Request Form
If you would like more information on Active for Life - Getting started or would like to request a service please complete this form.
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