GETTING ACTIVE BY NUMBERS
January 1st usually represents a fresh start.. Many people like to use the new year as a time to improve their health and fitness, by signing up to gyms or starting to run. The number 1 can mean the first day of a different lifestyle and signify the perfect moment for a new beginning.
However, these efforts are, on average, forgotten about just six weeks later. The extra effort becomes too much or too inconvenient so our commitment falters and we return to pretty much the same routine as before.
Maybe it is because we do not see an instant reward. More likely, it is because we set ourselves such difficult targets that we become discouraged if we fail to achieve them. If your goal is to be more active, going from sofa to strenuous exercise may be a step too far.
Buckinghamshire Council’s Active Communities initiative is a programme for everyone that recognises the difference we can make to our wellbeing simply by sitting less, standing often and moving more. It is not about covering large distances or hundreds of push-ups, but the benefits of small change as part of your everyday routine
Instead of trying to run for half an hour, or cover a large distance you’re not used to doing, why not aim to stand up every 20 minutes even for just a minute instead? This small, regular movement alone can reduce the dangers of diabetes, heart disease and can even reduce the risk of some cancers. Standing up an extra three hours a day can increase life expectancy by two years and uses around 30,000 calories’ – the same amount burnt during 10 marathons!
Similarly, if the idea of going to the gym seems too much, why not go for short walks? If you have to use a vehicle or public transport, you could get off a stop early, or park a little further away than usual and walk the rest of the distance. On average, you use one calorie every 20 steps and three calories if you climb 20 stairs. By parking your car 100 steps further away than usual, you can walk up to 23 miles in a working year*.
By walking or standing just a little every day, the numbers add up and suddenly become very big after all.
Carl Jackson, Buckinghamshire Council’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing (Public Health) said: “Making sure we move our bodies regularly is so important, not just for our physical health and wellbeing, but for our mental health and wellbeing too. The New Year is the perfect time for a fresh start, a time to take on new challenges. If you are going to make one resolution, then make one you can easily stick to and that will have a fantastic effect, not just in 2022 but for the rest of your life. Get involved with our Active Communities movement and add a little bit of regular movement to your daily routine – sit less, stand often and move more.”
To find out more about the Active Communities initiative and how to participate visit: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/activecommunities
Enjoy local walks and be active in your community. There are 3 in Aylesbury and 5 in Wycombe. You can download them below and spread the joy of park walks! https://www.activemovement.co.uk/active-community/active-park-walks
Finding a designated space to walk is not only good for your physical health, it is good for your mental health. Physically active people have up to a 30% reduced risk of becoming depressed. Walking helps boost your mood because it increases blood flow and blood circulation to the brain. That’s why we have created these active park walks in Aylesbury and Wycombe. Find out where they are below and track your progress by scanning the QR codes on every walk! https://www.activemovement.co.uk/active-community/active-park-walks
* Based on 1 step = 1 yard
‘ Based on using 0.7 calorie per minute more standing than sitting
Hi Active Community partner
I hope you are well.
As per my previous posts, although the programme has ended the parks are still in place and now under the stewardship of Buckinghamshire Council.
I attach the latest leaflets as pdfs. Please send on to your family, friends, residents, neighbours, or other local community organisations so they might get the benefits of using the walks.
Many thanks again.
https://www.sportinmind.org/find-an-activity
Healthy choices lead to rewards with new BetterPoints Bucks app
With 1 in 5 adults in Bucks doing less than 30 minutes physical activity a week, most of us realise that it would be good for our health and wellbeing to be more active. Even small lifestyle changes can bring big health benefits – increased physical activity can reduce our risk from a range of health conditions including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and even some cancers.
The good news is that making these lifestyle changes has just become a lot more fun with the new BetterPoints Bucks app.
BetterPoints Bucks rewards you for being active and for making other positive changes, such as giving up smoking or getting support to lose weight by providing you with points. The points can then be redeemed with high street shops and local businesses or donated to a choice of charities and local food banks.
There are three simple steps to earn the rewards:
- Download the BetterPoints Bucks app
- Complete activities such as walking, cycling or wheeling and collect points
- Spend your vouchers on the high street or donate to charity
Download the app now at https://bucks.betterpoints.uk/
For more details, please contact Jess Keeley, Public Health Programme Officer [email protected]
