Being active can definitely feel like more of a challenge at this time of year, but it’s one of the best ways to blow away the cobwebs, feel more energised and boost your mood during the colder, darker months.
Here are 10 ideas to get you moving come wind, rain or snow – how many will you tick off?
10. Musical chores
Vigorous cleaning counts as activity, and music encourages us get moving. So crank up your favourite playlist to speed up your heart rate – and the housework! Slimming World Consultant Kerry gets a fantastic workout by keeping her group venue spick and span.
9. Into the woods
A trip to a local woodland is always a hit with little ones, plus you can turn it into a scavenger hunt by seeing who can collect the best-looking pine cones.
More on the blog: 6 ways to feel fitter for Christmas
8. Ad-break blitz
Use the adverts to reduce the time you spend sitting down. You could offer to make everyone a cuppa, have a quick walk up and down the stairs or set yourself a challenge, like seeing how many lunges you can do before your show restarts.
7. Run for it
Search online for charity fun runs and walks near you – they’re great for getting the whole family moving. You could also download the Couch to 5K app – it’s designed to turn absolute beginners into confident runners in just nine weeks.
Rob has lost 8st 7lbs since joining Slimming World a year ago. He keeps nice and warm on winter weekends by taking part in Parkruns!
6. ’Tis the season to shop
Whether you’re hunting for presents, taking advantage of the sales or getting food supplies in, carrying heavy bags of shopping is great exercise, because lifting any kind of weight creates resistance and makes your muscles work harder.
More on the blog: 8 of the best fitness gifts for Christmas
5. Let the indoor-phins flow!
Gyms are often quietest in December, so you can build up your confidence before the New Year’s resolution crowd arrives. If you’d rather work out at home, there’s a wide variety of free videos online.
Did you know…? Our members have access to 90 fun, easy-to-follow activity videos as part of their membership.
4. Walk and talk
Heading out for a brisk walk can help you to feel more positive and, according to the National Trust, 70% of families say it’s their top way to spend time together.
Did you know…? Lots of Slimming World members have discovered the benefits of walking through our 15- and 30-minute guided audio walks series.
3. Strut your stuff
Take inspiration from Strictly Come Dancing and hit the dance floor (or your kitchen disco)! Dancing is one of the best activities for your overall health, too. It counts as cardio, helps break up long periods of sitting, improves balance and flexibility, and strengthens muscles – that’s four of our five active habits ticked off in one go!
More on the blog: Discover our 5 active habits for a fitter future
2. Strike a pose
Yoga uses your own body weight, so it counts as strength training, and it’s also a brilliant way to de-stress. You’ll find short yoga videos online or, if you’re a Slimming World member, you can pop one of our balance and flexibility workouts on, to quickly feel calmer and in control.
1. Get your skates on
Ice skating is a great option if you want to fit in some fitness and spend time as a family. Many town centres and Christmas markets have ice rinks over the winter months, or you can search for one near you online. Slimming World member and Consultant Mary took her son skating during an action-packed visit to a winter wonderland experience.
Tune into the Slimming World Podcast
Join hosts Anna and Clare on a wintry stroll as they share lots of bite-size activity ideas to help keep your move-groove going strong until Santa calls!
When you join Slimming World, you’ll unlock our full get-fit tool kit, which includes:
- more than 90 on-demand activity videos, with sessions for every ability
- easy-to-follow exercise guides and workout ideas
- an online activity tracker, so you can chart your progress towards your next Body Magic award
- the FITT log tool, to help you identify any barriers and put strategies in place
- exclusive walking podcasts and fitness-themed podcast episodes
Find out more about our unique physical activity programme
