foodfitness: healthy eating, active lifestyle: Healthy Lifestyle Tips > Tip 4

Foodfitness - Practical advice on healthy eating and an active lifestyle

	Take pleasure in active leisure





		Check out different types of activity Choose something you enjoy Do some simple stretches before and after any activity Build up activity levels gradually Be realistic about what you can achieve To progress even further, be a bit more vigorous, or continue for longer Have plenty of drinks (non-alcoholic!) to prevent dehydration Remember your target: 5 x 30 minutes per week

Think about adding some activity to your leisure time. Your local parks and leisure centres will have plenty of activities to try: bowls, cricket, football, roller blading, swimming and lots more. See which one suits you best. Alternatively, try dancing, gardening or energetic DIY to keep you active.

Set realistic goals for yourself. Begin gradually and build up both the length and level of activity. Dolittles should start off with one or two 30 minute sessions a week. If 30 minutes in one go is difficult, try two 15 minute sessions.

If you have a medical condition, or are recovering from illness, check with your doctor before you start.

For maximum health benefits, Activaters should aim to build up to 30 minutes of moderate activity five times a week. That means moving about enough to make you feel warm and slightly out of breath. There's no need to push yourself too hard even if you think you are fit. You should never be too breathless to talk.

Vary your activities so that all your muscles get exercised. This will also reduce the risk of injury.

Regular, moderate activity is much better for you than occasional bouts of strenuous exercise.