Being active is so important for our mental health and overall well-being. But life is busy and many of us struggle to get enough exercise.
Doing something as simple as going for a walk locally whist listening to a podcast, taking the stairs rather than the lift, chair exercises when you’re watching TV or sitting at your desk – it all counts!
And the most important thing is that you enjoy it – you’re more likely to keep it up.
At work
Got a meeting? Make it a walking one.
Make your telephone calls standing up. Just roll back your chair and stand up. Simple. Encourage others to do the same.
If you have one, swap your chair for a stability ball. Start slow with this method, swapping out your chair for a ball just 20-30 minutes a day, and build up to more. If you’re prone to back pain or lower back issues, it’s best to check in with your doctor before making big changes to your workstation.
Adopt a 5 in 55 rule. Every 55 minutes get up and MOVE. Fitness apps, devices and mobile phones can help with this. Head for a glass of water/cuppa to keep hydrated throughout the workday.
Take the stairs not the lift. No matter what floor you’re on, this will make a big difference.
Free classes
Exercise doesn’t have to be expensive. Of course it’s free to walk and exercise outside and we offer all colleagues free exercise to an onsite pool/gym. Click here for details.
If virtual classes are more your thing, checkout these links for free from the NHS, Couch to fitness, and Classpass.
And fitness apps can be really helpful. This guide will give you an idea of some useful ones including apps that reward you for exercising, apps that turn getting active into a game and apps that personalise your workout.
And this podcast from BBC sounds explains why exercise is good for your mental health.
Right click on the image below to listen
“We Are Undefeatable” is a collective movement supporting people with a range of long-term health conditions. The campaign is developed by 15 leading health and social care charities and backed by expertise, insight and significant National Lottery funding from Sport England. Our purpose is to support and encourage finding ways to be active in a way that works for you and your health condition.
Discounts
And there are a number of discounts on fitness products and gyms available from Our Trust Hub and The Blue Light Card.
Here are some of the savings you could make. (As of August 2024)
| The Gym Group | Bath, Bristol Avonmeads, Bristol City Centre, Longwell Green, Midsomer Norton………. | Save 10% on new full monthly memberships with Our Trust Hub |
| Nuffield Health | Clifton, Stoke Gifford, Weston-super-Mare, Cwmbran, Yeovil, Taunton …………. | 7 day free trial and 30% off membership with the Blue Light Card |
| Pure Gym | Portishead, Weston-Super-Mare, Bath, Chippenham, Yate, Cardiff, Newport ……….. | Save 10% on new Plus memberships with £0 joining fee with Our Trust Hub and the Blue Light Card |
| Fitness First | Bath | 20% off memberships and pay no joining fee with Our Trust Hub |
| Bannatyne | Bristol and Cardiff | 7.5% off memberships paid by direct debit and half-price joining fee with Our Trust Hub and the Blue Light Card |
| Anytime Fitness | Clifton, Bradley Stoke, Yate, Weston-Super-Mare, Trowbridge, Penarth ………… | 10% off memberships with the Blue Light Card |
| Places Leisure | Portishead, Clevedon … | Up to 20% off premium memberships with the Blue Light Card |