Being active will provide you with energy and as a result you will get more things done in less amount of time

Get over the excuses

Many of us find it difficult to get the motivation to become active or to keep up our activity levels. Some of the most common barriers to becoming and staying active are listed below with some ideas on how you might overcome them.

I am too busy

Try to include the 30 minutes of activity as part of your daily routine, e.g. walking to shops Remember you can do 15 minutes of activity twice per day or 10 minutes three times a day.

I am too tired

Being active will provide you with energy and as a result you will get more things done in less amount of time.

I am not the sporty type

You do not need to be ‘sporty’ to lead an active healthy life. Doing everyday activities for bouts of 10 minutes like walking, cycling, gardening, stair climbing, dancing or playing with children will help you to achieve your 30 minutes of activity.

My health is not good

Talk to your GP about what activity would suit you best. Remember activity done at a moderate pace can be very beneficial for most health conditions.

I am too old

It is never too late to become more active. Try choosing some activity you enjoy, being active in later life is important to help you maintain your independence and to stay in contact with your friends.

I am too unfit

Choose an activity you enjoy, start slowly and build up slowly. You will notice how much better you feel after only a few days. Think of the benefits like improved fitness, weight loss, more energy, and many other benefits mentioned here.

I have no one to do it with

It can help to become active with others because they can provide some support and motivation for you. Why not ask a friend to join you or see if there is an activity class that you would like in your local community centre or gym. Check out the event page to see what is happening in your county.

I hate exercise

There is a type of physical activity to suit everyone, try out a few new activities to help you find one that you enjoy. It doesn’t have to be traditional sports, it could be dancing, gardening, or skipping. Ask your friends what activities they enjoy and maybe you could join them.

There are no facilities near me

The best ‘gym’ in the world is probably right outside your door. There are many walks, cycle paths or quiet lanes near you that you can explore and get out and about in nature. Always remember to choose safe well lit routes and to tell someone where you are going.