Getting Started

Getting more active can make a huge difference to how you feel. If you're ready
to take the first steps to a fitter, healthier lifestyle, we're here to help. With simple
tips and easy activities, here's everything you need to get started.

Top Fitness Tips


Ever wondered what you should eat before you get active? How to get back in to a routine? Or do you just want to spice up your exercises? Our health and fitness professionals are here to get you back on the road. This week, our personal trainer Claire Wyllie answers your questions.

stretching

How often should I exercise?

Throw out the rule book! Getting active is about fitting more activity into your every day life, and enjoying it, too. It could be walking with friends, cycling with the family, swimming, jogging, bowling, salsa dancing – you name it. Even a wee bit of regular exercise is better than nothing and it's easy to include it into your daily routine. See Question number 3 below for smart, simple ways to get active while you're out and about.

How do I stay motivated?

That's what Active Nation is here for. Think of it your very own online personal trainer! Use our Activity Finder to help you figure out what you'd like to do. Then, once you've decided, you can set your goal and keep a diary of your progress with the clever Activity Tracker. If you need some 1 to 1 encouragement, it's a great idea to exercise with friend – you can motivate each other and have fun while you get active.

 I don't have time to be more active – how can I fit it in?

When you're busy, stressed or tired, exercise goes to the bottom of the To Do list. But being more active doesn't have to be a major chore. On days when you're too busy, don't despair – take the stairs instead of the lift, or get off the bus a couple of stops early. When you're nipping out for a pint of milk, try going to a shop a bit further away, or if you've got a dog, vary your route when you take them out for a walk. You'll be busy getting active in no time!

What exercise can I do at home?

Lots! Cardio wise, skipping in the garden, hula hooping, running up and down stairs, jumping jacks, step ups, to name a few (you can get weighted hula hoops too now). Body weight exercises such as press ups sqauts, lunges, tricep dips are all possible to do at home. If you want to add resistance and you dont have any dumbells why not use food tins or water bottles?

 

 

ClaireAbout Claire

As a personal trainer and past jogscotland running coach, Claire Wyllie has lots of experience in providing tailored workouts and helping people get fit. She says: "I love the challenge of helping people reach their goals, no matter how fit or unfit they may be to start with, and promoting health and fitness as part of everyday life!"