Out and About Spring 2021

Out&About wellbeing

FITNESS

VICKI BROWN has various suggestions to help you get a spring in your step as the world starts to open up again

N ever have we been so acutely aware of the bird song, spring flowers, blue skies and longer days that come with the arrival of spring. The fresh spring air and beautiful light of the sun shining will draw us outside more than ever after a winter indoors. As the weather improves, the days get longer and we start to be able to meet with friends and family. If there is one thing we can take from the last 12 months it’s how important our physical and mental health is and how important it is that we maintain focussed on this, incorporating movement, connection and self-care into our lives every week, for life. Here are a few ideas for you to try this spring, old or new. Let’s find ways to get moving and live well. Running Whether you are starting for the first time or returning to running, companionship increases the likelihood of sticking with this long term. You could try some of the following ideas with friends or make some new ones along the way. Couch to 5k: a free app you can download and in nine weeks go from not being able to run, to being able to run 5km. A great challenge and the structure is already there, you just need to start. Parkrun: sign up to this free 5km event, you can walk, jog or run.

Suitable for all levels, supportive and encouraging whatever your ability. Sign up to set your intention of doing it when they restart and as a great encouragement to start practicing now. Running clubs: join a group or make your own to gain a community to support you in your running journey. Cycling Apps: lots of routes have already been plotted for you to simply follow (you can get hiking versions too). Strava: great to track your rides and compete for KOM with locals and friends alike (you can also track hikes and runs on this app). Events: these are great if you want to follow a marked route somewhere new and have a support crew on hand if needed, and some will include competitions too if that motivates you more. Signing up may also give you the impetus to train – you could also choose to raise money for charity along the way. Outside Sports Cricket: head to your local park to practice or join a local club. Social, fun and a great way to find a community to be a part of. Tennis: search for your local court and find out how to book a place (it is often possible to rent equipment if you don’t have your own yet). Netball: get your own team together or find local teams that are looking for new teammates. Be social, have fun and get fit.

Outdoor Swimming: head to a local lake/ pond, pool or seaside to give this a go. There are some great clubs and groups online to find out more about this to ensure safety. You don’t need to have played a sport before to give something a try this spring. Resistance Training Going to the gym and lifting weights is something many people have missed over the last 12 months. How about training together with a partner or friend? Perhaps you could get a personal trainer, to share the costs and support each other towards your goals. Classes Sign up to classes together, outside or online and commit to sessions together to help keep each other on track. From fitness focus to yoga, Pilates to strength, there are many types of classes available. Why not try a few different kinds? Join a community that allows you to connect with like-minded people who want to work towards similar things. Let’s make the most of spring 2021 – setting intentions for the next few months, using connection and movement to improve our overall health and wellbeing. Remember it is important to make time for you, why not try and note down what you do and how it makes you feel? Wishing you all a wonderful spring.

Vicki Brown runs: LiveFitNow, Wash Common, Newbury. Telephone: 07879 447829. www.LiveFitNow.co.uk

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O&A SPRING 2021

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