One of the most common misconceptions about exercise is that you have to sweat buckets to feel the benefits. In reality, every step counts.
In fact, moving a bit more, then a bit more than that is the most effective way to develop an enjoyable activity routine that sticks. That’s why our Body Magic programme focuses on five active habits, to help members gradually build up their fitness levels at their own pace.
Slimming World’s five active habits
Each of these habits brings its own benefits, and when you add them all together you give your body, health and wellbeing the best possible support. If you’re new to activity, everyday movement is the perfect way to start moving more, and finding opportunities to squeeze exercise into your daily routine will help you make it a lifelong habit. Read on to find out more…
Why is everyday movement important?
The latest government fitness guidance emphasises that any movement you do is better than none – and the more you do the better. The great news is, you don’t have to sign up to endless workout classes (unless that’s what you love). Dr Jacquie Lavin, Slimming World’s Head of Research and Scientific Affairs, tell us more:
“The more time we spend being physically active while we’re going about our daily lives, the more effortless it feels and the greater the benefits. If you aren’t already active, a few extra steps a day is a big stride in the right direction. Build on that, and you’ll soon be surprising yourself with how many ways you can sneak a little extra movement in.”
Getting started
Look for opportunities to move more, more often and while you’re out and about. Once you start thinking about it, you’ll notice there are loads:
- Take the stairs instead of the lift.
- Park a bit further away at the supermarket.
- Get off the bus a stop earlier.
- Leave the car at home and walk the kids to school.
- Get busy giving your house a spring clean!
MORE FOR MEMBERS: Our exclusive 10-minute activity videos are a fun introduction to moving more – and they’re easy to squeeze into busy days.
When Jacque Jones joined Slimming World, her back and legs ached constantly and she struggled to walk short distances. After discovering our Body Magic programme, she gradually built up her fitness – and now she walks at least 10,000 steps a day and has even climbed the Brecon Beacon mountains! She says:
“When I decided to add activity into my week with some walking, I knew I had to take it slowly. I still suffered from back and leg pain, so I started small by parking further away at the supermarket. Once I’d got used to that, I tried walking a little way down my street. At first, I’d be gasping for breath after just a few minutes. But as the weeks went by, it became easier, and eventually I was walking for miles at a time.”
READ THE FULL STORY: Find out how a January challenge helped Jacque lose 8st
Our Body Magic programme is different to everything else out there. It’s designed to help members overcome their personal obstacles, to get moving and make activity part of their lifestyle whatever their weight, age or fitness levels. When you join Slimming World, you also get access to our get-fit toolkit, which includes:
- more than 50 on-demand activity videos, with workouts for every ability
- easy-to-follow exercise guides and activity ideas
- an online activity tracker, so you can chart your progress towards your next Body Magic award
- the FIT log tool, to help you identify any barriers and put strategies in place
- exclusive fitness-themed podcast episodes