Sit a little less and move a little more this winter

With shorter days and longer nights, winter can make it feel like there are less opportunities to be physically active, and it can be tempting to just stay in and watch TV instead. Especially on wet and cold days, you may not want to leave the house at all, and that’s OK!

However, it’s good to know that getting active doesn’t need to be about doing traditional exercise like running or cycling outside. It can mean doing things that fit into your daily routine, as and when you can. This includes things you can do at home, such as cleaning, playing with your children or even lifting a can of beans whilst the kettle boils! Building activity into your regular routine is one of the best ways to start to build a new habit.

It’s up to you how you and where you get active, but the more fun you have, and the easier it is to fit into your routine, the better. Thirty minutes of activity each day is a great target to aim for, but it doesn’t have to be all in one go. Every minute of activity counts and little things can make a big difference.

There are plenty of short-term benefits to moving your body, like improved sleep, a boost in concentration, and relieving stress. In the long run, moving more helps protect against serious illnesses like cancer, heart disease and strokes too.

Let’s not forget that physical activity not only helps our mental and physical wellbeing, but local activities can also help to build stronger communities and bring people together. This includes volunteering or watching on from the sidelines.

Find out more about the benefits of moving on the Movement for Movement website.

There are lots of ways to getting active where you live. Many people find that being part of a group helps lift their mood, makes things more fun and is a great way to meet new people.

From volunteer led walking groups, to larger, free events like parkrun and park yoga, there are plenty of things to explore.

Our family and friends can have a big impact on how active we are – often without realising it. If you’re thinking about helping someone close to you to move a bit more this winter, your encouragement and support can make a huge difference. Find out more about encouraging your friends and family to move more.

Parkrun – free community events where you can walk run jog or volunteer a 5k route where no one finishes last. Runs take place every Saturday morning across Dorset

The Parks Foundation – Active events at parks and open spaces across Dorset

Dorset Council health and activity team -A full activity programme to support you to move more through a range of entry level activities in the Dorset Council area.

NHS Better Health – No matter how much you do, physical activity is good for your body and mind. Adults should aim to be active every day. Some is good – more is better still.

For more information and resources visit Movement for Movement website.

Many may find being in the dark a daunting prospect, although there are plenty of ways to help you stay alert and stay safe while you are outside getting some fresh air.

If you are new to moving more, it’s important to start small and increase the amount you do slowly. Listen to your body and remember, doing something is better than doing nothing.

Whether you are new to movement, or have been for a while, here are some top tips for staying safe this winter:

Tell someone your plan – Having a trusted person you can tell your plan to is always a good idea. It needn’t be much, just a text or chat, so long as they can be alert and know if to contact you.

Exercise with a friend – Not only is it motivating but it’s safer too!

Avoid loud music – Yes, it is great for motivation, however it can be distracting and stop you from being alert to your surroundings. Try using a low volume to ensure you are aware of everything going on.

Encouraging others to move more – Our friends and family have a huge impact on how active we are– often without even realising it. Whether you’re wanting to help a partner, parent, friend, or someone you care for to move more this winter, your encouragement can make a huge difference.

Whether you are new to movement, or are already active, we want to help more people across Dorset move. Visit Movement for Movement for inspiration, resources and stories of how others have used benefited from moving more.

Visit Dorset’s Activity Finder to discover local groups and activities