Physical Activity

Whatever stage of life we and our families are in, it’s important to stay healthy and age well. Physical activity is not only good for your body, but it’s also great for your mind!

Being active doesn’t have to mean taking out an expensive gym membership or running marathons. Finding an activity you enjoy can give you a goal to aim for and a sense of purpose. It can also be a great way to meet people, have a break from daily life and gain confidence. Other benefits include:

  • Less tension, stress and mental fatigue
  • A natural energy boost
  • A sense of achievement
  • More focus and motivation
  • Feeling less angry or frustrated
  • A healthy appetite
  • Having fun.

It’s even better if you’re able to get active outdoors. Research shows that being in nature can make us feel happier, feel our lives are more worthwhile, and reduce our levels of depression and anxiety. Nature doesn’t have to mean forests or national parks either: walking to a local common, visiting a friend’s garden or simply noticing trees and flowers planted by the roadside can boost your mental well-being (Mentalhealth.org.uk).

How active do I need to be?

Any amount of physical activity is better than none. Finding an activity you like and are able to do regularly is more important than pushing yourself to do something you don’t enjoy. You could try brisk walking, mowing the lawn, dancing, swimming, following an exercise video or online class, trying a new sport or anything that gets your body moving. For further information, visit Exercise guidelines - NHS (www.nhs.uk).

There are a range of activities that you can access within the community to increase your activity levels from walking, to low impact exercise classes to exercising within your home.

Physical activities on offer and useful websites:

For professionals:


Healthy weight 

Lifestyle Changes

Does the thought of weight loss feel daunting and you are unsure of how to take the rights steps to improve your own health? The lifestyles team can provide a programme of support, tailored to your needs, where you’ll meet like-minded people going through the same experience or not if you would prefer one to one support.

The Lifestyle Team exclusively supports people who have a Body mass Index (BMI) of 30+.  If you meet the eligibility criteria for support from the lifestyles team, your GP can refer you or simply email lifestyles@LiveWirewarrington.org and begin your weight loss journey today.  If you do not know your BMI we can calculate it with you, all you need to do is share your height and weight measurements with us via the email above. 


Healthier weight during and after pregnancy

Putting on too much weight during pregnancy can increase your risk of gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia.  Here are some resources to help you maintain a healthy weight during and after pregnancy;


Eat well, move well, feel well

Poor health and around 40% of all deaths of adults in England is related to everyday habits and behaviours – such as eating too much unhealthy food, not being active enough or smoking.

The Better Health website can help you avoid future diseases caused by modern lifestyles by taking control of your health by eating a healthier diet, drinking less alcohol, exercising more, and quitting smoking.

Take this online health quiz to identify where you can make changes in your life.


Healthy babies, toddlers and children

The Start4Life website has trusted NHS help and advice for pregnancy, birth and parenthood. It gives advice of how to eat well and keep active during pregnancy. There’s also information on how best to feed a new baby and when to introduce solid foods. There is also a section about the best foods for toddlers and tips to keep them active.

For children, Start4Life helps families understand what foods keep children strong and healthy with easy to cook recipes and ideas to keep kids fit and active.

Cancer Exercise & Wellbeing Programme

LiveWire’s Cancer Exercise & Wellbeing Programme is a free 6 week structured exercise programme for anyone with a new diagnosis of cancer, having treatment or recovering from cancer. This programme is also suitable for those where no further treatment is planned.

For more details about the programme please contact:

Telephone: 0300 0300 0818

Email:  lifestyles@livewirewarrington.org

 

Mind, Movement, Menopause

Mind, Movement, Menopause is a 6 week support programme to help women who are experiencing the different stages of menopause. The programme includes nutrition & weight management, exercise, HRT, and coping strategies.

The programme consists of 45 minutes of exercise followed by 45 minutes of education and support talks to share personal experiences.

For more details about the programme please contact:

Telephone: 0300 003 0818

Email: lifestyles@livewirewarrington.org