Join the 20 Minute Movement and get moving this summer!
The 20 Minute Movement is here to help everyone in Bradford district move more – any way that works for them!
We’ve got resources for people:
- With long-term health conditions
- Looking for ways to get active that don’t involve joining a gym
- Who want to get active and volunteer in their community
- Who just need a little bit of support to get started.
You don’t have to join a gym to become more active if it’s not your thing, there are lots of other options you can try instead.
Getting active in your community
You could combine being active with local volunteering with GoodGym a community of people who get fit by doing good! They run, walk, and cycle to help local community organisations and isolated older people by doing practical tasks. These include (but are not limited to!) planting trees at the local park, sorting cans for a foodbank, cleaning up a community centre, helping an older person with maintenance around their home, gardening or moving furniture around.
Read about some of the fantastic already work carried out by Bradford Goodgymers
Getting active with long term health conditions
We Are Undefeatable is a national campaign led by Sport England. Their resources are available to support and encourage people with long term health conditions to become more active.
When you’re living with a health condition you may not wake up feeling the same way every day. Sometimes, that can make being active seem like a challenge, and being active doesn’t look the same for everyone either. It’s all about finding the right balance and movements discovering what works best for you.
Even small amounts of activity can make a significant difference for people living with long term health conditions. Being active can help you manage your condition and improve your quality of life.
Find out more about We Are Undefeatable
The Living Well BEEP exercise referral service (Bradford Encouraging Exercise in People) offers free physical activity support, encouraging people who are inactive, to become more active, with a 52 week programme.
BEEP is a great way for people living with long term health conditions to increase their physical activity levels and improve their health. The team will work with you to find options you will enjoy that will work best for you.
Some of the benefits of regular physical activity are reduced risk of heart disease and stroke, better control or reduced chance of developing high blood pressure and diabetes, improved mobility and can also help to reduce pain. Being more active can help decreases anxiety, stress and depression improving self-esteem, confidence and independence.
The benefits of walking
Walking is simple, free and one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose excess weight and become healthier. Health benefits include reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, obesity and diabetes. Being more active also releases ‘feel good’ hormones and can have a positive effect on mental wellbeing and sleep quality.
Find out more about the benefits of walking
If you would like to get outdoors with others and walk more in your local area, the Well Together Service offer a range of health-led walks for adults across the district, led by trained volunteer walk leaders. Each month they publish a walking list where you can find details of walks taking place.
Find out more about the Well Together Service
Staying stronger for longer
As we get older, our bodies naturally go through some changes. From the age of 40, we start losing muscle mass, which can affect how we move and function in everyday life. But don’t worry, it’s not all downhill from here, strengthening activities are key to keeping us feeling strong, active, and independent for years to come.
Strengthening activities can also improve your mood, help maintain a healthy weight, improve sleep, and boost your overall wellbeing. If you’re managing a health condition, they can also help reduce risks and keep you feeling in control of your body.
Watch our short film about the benefits of staying Stronger For Longer
Two new Living Well Heroes to inspire you!
Before lockdown Ellen walked daily but working from home and her son starting high school meant she found less reason to walk regularly. Ellen decided to join the 20 Minute Movement and combine it with litter picking in her local community!
Ellen’s steps have increased by more than 50% in the past year and she has benefitted from the social interaction and connections she’s made. Ellen says: “Litter picking creates a talking point and the social interaction has been very welcome, as working from home can be quite isolating. I now feel more connected to my community”.
After lockdown Frances felt she had become a bit of a ‘couch potato’. She heard about the free offer from Living Well that gives people 12 weeks free membership to weight management groups. She chose the Slimming World offer and hasn’t looked back! She also joined local dance and yoga classes which boosted her confidence and wellbeing. Frances says she now feels fitter at sixty than she did at fifty!
There are opportunities for everyone to be active in a way that works for them, whether you are living with a long term condition, looking for options that don’t involve going to a gym or if you just need some motivation to take the first step, the 20 Minute Movement is here to help you.
