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Being physically active is beneficial for your physical and mental health and overall wellbeing. It can help you deal with anxiety and stress. Getting outdoors, if you can, is really important. With many of us spending more time than usual indoors over recent months, getting back to an active routine can be challenging. Here are some tips to get you going.
For more examples of how to get started, go to our partners website in the HSE
Healthy Ireland and Sport Ireland have come together to launch ‘Let’s Get Back’, a national awareness campaign encouraging the Irish public to get back involved in the sport and exercise that they love.
Sport Ireland has been working closely with National Governing Bodies, Local Sports Partnerships, volunteers and local clubs to support you all the way so that you can get back to the sport you love.
Find out what activites are in your local area here
No matter how old, fit, or busy you are - walking works. The most important thing is to aim for a pace that slightly raises your heartbeat and makes you breathe a little faster and feel a little warmer. Once you can still talk, you're doing well!
Find out more about walking from Get Ireland Walking.
More and more people are cycling every day, either as part of their commute to work or school or as exercise. Cycling Ireland has lots of information for cyclists of all ages and abilities
A good place to start is Bike for Life - a 'sofa to saddle' programme which gives people the skills and knowledge to enjoy cycling and cycle safely from scratch
If you had always wanted to start running, there are lots of Couch to 5K programmes online or check out your Local Sports Partnership
Many parkruns have restarted at various locations around the country. Parkruns are free, weekly, timed, 5k events. You can walk, run or jog the course. It’s up to you. These are held on Saturday mornings. For more information go to parkrun.ie
Kids need to be active every day. All activity, no matter how short, counts. Keeping kids active helps them to build strong muscles, healthy bones, agility and co-ordination, while improving self-esteem, mood, energy and sleep patterns.
If you have a garden, playing games outside as a family is a great way to get some fresh air and physical activity in without even thinking. There are some great ideas at START to get you started.
Being active as a family is really important. Why not try some family walks, or a weekend cycle? Parkrun also have a junior version, just for kids, on Sunday mornings. You can find the list of locations here.
Sometimes all you need is a wall and a hurley/football/tennis racket and a ball.
Check out your local sports clubs to see their junior options.
You could also try walking or cycling with your kids to school.
Babies and toddlers need to be physically active too. Chasing games, music and action songs are a great way to encourage them to be physically active. You could also try light activities, such as building blocks or playing on the floor.
As you get older it is really important to stay active. Being active can help your body to stay strong and supple, improve balance and coordination aiding in falls prevention, cheer you up and boost your energy.
Just 30 minutes activity a day indoors or outdoors could have a huge impact on your health.
Here are some tips to get you going:
You will find more tips and information at gov.ie/healthyireland