The topic for this week’s update is staying active, something we all know we should do but can sometimes slip to the bottom of the priority list.
Over the past few months, as well as restrictions being placed upon us in relation to where we can go, we have also experienced restrictions around where and how often we can exercise. When asked about your physical health in our latest survey, 40% of those who responded said they have been less active during the pandemic, with 10% saying they were concerned by the lack of physical activity they have been doing. Whilst we may not have been able to hit the gym, visit our local park or favourite National Trust venue, or have been able to attend team sporting activities, there have still been many things we have been able to do.
Some of us have been exercising with Joe Wicks in the week, the fancydress Friday pictures and videos have been particularly amusing, or going on family bike rides and dog walks to keep ourselves active. 25% of those who responded to the survey have increased the amount of exercise they normally do since the pandemic – well done to you!
For me personally, since working from home full time and the lockdown I’ve really had to kick myself up the bum to get more active. As I said at the start, fitness can so easily slip down this list of things to do. Anyway, I had a word with myself and I’ve been working through the zero to 10K the last few weeks – last week I achieved my 5K with a very red face. I’m so glad I’m doing it as it’s had a really positive impact on my wellbeing.
As we know, over the past few weeks the Government have started to lift some of the restrictions, and we are now allowed to exercise more than once a day. We can also exercise with up to five people who are not from our household, providing we adhere to the two metre distancing measures. Whilst many indoor activity places remain closed such as gyms and swimming pools, this lift has seen some outdoor places open such as tennis courts and golf courses (although some outdoor places such as outdoor gyms and pools remain closed). For many of us, providing we maintain social distancing this will be a positive and we really don’t have an excuse anymore.
You can find the Government Guidance relating to the changes here. Always remember to make sure you are reading the latest version.
Why exercise?
Some of the benefits of excercise:
- Physical health – helps to manage a healthy weight, strengthens muscles and can reduce the risk of serious health conditions.
- Mental health – taking time out, connecting with ourselves or nature, can bring many benefits to our mental health and wellbeing, as it can reduce the risk of depression and anxiety, something we have probably all experienced especially in recent times. It can also help us to sleep better which naturally brings mental and physical benefits. Some choose to use exercise time to tune out of daily routines and pressures and use this to listening to podcasts/audio books and music (Mind report that Scientists found there is a strong link between music and mental health and wellbeing as music is said to release the feel good chemical in the brain).
- Not to mention if used as a way to travel the benefits this can have on our environment.
How have you been keeping active?
We would love to hear your stories of how you have been keeping active to share our page. There are also lots of walking challenges you may wish to sign up to on your own or make it a competition as a team, including the Walk all over Cancer 10,000 steps a day. Business Growth Hub (BGH) have also set up challenges you may want to get involved in:
During the month of May, BGH launched the #GM50 and #GM100 challenges which were set up to encourage people to keep moving throughout the month of May by covering either 50km or 100km by walking/running/cycling. The goal was to ensure that people are making the most of being outdoors whilst they can to improve both physical and mental health. Over 120 colleagues got involved and even a client, Rowlinson Knitwear who have 7 employees join up too who said:
“It's been great to be part of something positive which has us thinking about our fitness and wellbeing and couldn’t have come at a better time when it would have been easy for colleagues to feel isolated or trapped indoors. We’ve had loads of fun cheering each other on too really enjoyed dusting off bikes and running shoes to join in.”
Due to its popularity, BGH are continuing the challenge throughout June and have added a few more challenge levels for those individuals who want to push even further, up to 250km (however you can opt for whichever level suits your needs). All you need is Strava and the desire to stay active.
It’s not too late to join in, if you would like to sign up to the challenge, you will need sign up to Strava (the app is free) and search for the club GM50 (or if you want to give yourself a bigger challenge you could sign up for the GM75, GM100, GM150 or GM250). Once you have joined the club, all you have to do is open the app and press record every time you start exercising. If you would like to know more about this then please contact Liam Connors.
Cycle2Work
Also don’t forget you can still access the Cycle2Workwork scheme, a great employee benefit which offers the most cost-effective way to get new cycling equipment. The scheme is run via a salary sacrifice meaning you won’t pay tax or national insurance. This reduced cost is simply deducted out of your pay over 12 months, so no need to worry about large one-off costs! For more information, visit the Hive.
So, whether it’s a walk around your local area with family, a bike ride with a friend, running or playing team sports with others, go out and enjoy the full benefits of being active, at a safe distance.
Vicky Barton
Director of HR and Organisational Development