Active Bucks
During the coronavirus pandemic Active Bucks is encouraging people to stay in and work out. It is important to stay as active as you can. Even a small amount of activity will have a positive impact on your physical and mental health.
You don't need gym equipment at home to stay active. Everyday activities like vacuuming, hanging out the washing and mowing the lawn all count towards your daily activity levels.
Our 5 tips for staying active
- Buddy up with someone in your household or online to make workouts more fun and stay motivated
- Build activity into your daily routine
- Find the activity or exercise that works for you
- Start slowly and build your activity level gradually
- Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet
Activities for adults
There are a wide range of activities, fitness plans and guides available online:
- Join the Movement from Sport England offers advice and tools for staying active
- Physical activity guides, programmes and tips from the NHS
- Active in the Community online classes
- Free online fitness classes on Facebook from Active Slough
- The EXI app (formerly iPrescribe)
- This Girl Can home exercise and activities
- Tips, advice and guides from Sport England
Free home workout resources from qualified trainers:
Activities for children and families
Being active as a family is a great way to create routine, burn off some energy and help children focus. Here are a few resources to help you get started:
- PE with Joe Wick on YouTube
- 5 minute move workouts for kids on YouTube
- Aspire Active Hub
- Super Movers from the BBC
- Burn2Learn TV on YouTube
- Change 4 Life Activites for Kids
- Cosmic Kids Yoga
- Disney Dance-Alongs
- Active Kids do Better from British Athletics and Nike
- Premier Education Activities
- Premier League Primary Stars
- Ready Set Ride from British Athletics
- Youth Sport Trust support for parents
Activites for older adults
There are a wide range of activities, fitness plans and guides for older people available online:
Activites for people with disabilities
Activities for people with long term conditions
If you're unsure about what physical activity is right for you, speak to a healthcare professional.
- Information about staying active from We Are Undefeatable
- Advice on managing Arthritis at home
- Chair based exercises from Arthritis Action
- Get active indoors videos from the British Heart Foundation
- Advice on managing diabetes at home and staying active from Diabetes UK
- The Move More pack from Macmillan
- Mental Health Directory
- Simple exercises from the MS Society
- Exercise and physical activity for osteoporosis and bone health from the Royal Osteoporosis Society
- Pilates and yoga exercise videos from the NHS
Mental health and wellbeing
It's important to take care of your mental health. Being more active can help with this, but there are lots of other things to consider.
Every Mind Matters has put together some useful tips to help with your mental wellbeing while at home. The mental health charity Mind has also put together advice and information on coronavirus and wellbeing.
Some ideas to look after your mental wellbeing:
- Gardening can help tackle depression, stress and anxiety
- Practice relaxation and mindfulness to boost your mood
- Follow an NHS Yoga Workout
- Try a mindful breathing exercise from Every Mind Matters
- Read hints and tips on mindfulness from the NHS
- Look to the future and plan walks or cycles routes
NHS recommended helplines:
- Big White Wall online community for people who are anxious, down or not coping
- The Campaign Against Living Miserably helpline and webchat
- The Samaritans helpline is available 24 hours a day for anyone who's struggling to cope. Call 116 123
- The Sane Charity helpline is available from 6pm to 11pm every evening to offer support and information for anyone affected by mental illness. Call 0300 304 7000
- Shout offer a 24 hour text service for anyone struggling to cope and in need of immediate help