I read an advert on Facebook today

It said that if physical activity was a pill doctors would be rushing to prescribe it to everyone

Physical activity is good for us

It gets our hearts racing and our blood pumping

It brings some colour to our cheeks

It gets us up and moving

And often times out into the fresh air

David and I have been trying to be more active this new year

We are lucky to live in a village surrounded by open fields, fells and rolling countryside

When I do get out I love it

I often think it is too much hassle

I think it is part of my PTSD / depression

But once out

All wrapped up against the cold

I love it

And so does Bea

I am determined to get and stay fit in 2015

I hope that you will too

Here are some ideas for ways to get fit in 2015

Get Fit at Home
It’s the New Year and time for us all to get in shape – but going to a gym can be pretty pricey. Many of us prefer to go it alone when it comes to getting in shape and working out, so here are some fantastic tips on how to get fit in your own home. No matter how old you are or how fit you are – getting fit at home can work for just about everyone!

Whether you live in a house, flat or a McCarthy and Stone retirement home, these tips will work for you! You should work out what time is best for you to exercise and where in your home you would feel the most comfortable. Stick on some music, or watch your favourite TV show whilst you’re doing it, whatever works for you.

First things first

According to experts there are five essential elements to any workout – whether you do it at home or in the gym:
1. A warm up
2. A cardiovascular (aerobic) workout
3. Resistance (strength-building) exercises
4. Flexibility moves
5. A cool down

Now, your warm up could be a walk outside, or in your garden – the choice is yours.

Dynamic stretching
It is really important that you stretch before working out to ensure you do not pull any muscles. As opposed to static stretching where you remain in a certain stretch for a period of time – dynamic stretching involves slow, controlled movements; you should repeat each one for around 30 seconds.
Remember to do your dynamic stretches after your warm up and before your work out.

Cardiovascular
You should always try to include a cardiovascular segment into your workout routine as this will increase your heart rate and get the blood pumping. All workout beginners should do this part of the exercise for 30 minutes, a minimum of three times a week. As you get fitter, you can increase the intensity of this activity by choosing to run rather than walk or cycle etc. You can also choose to do an aerobics video, this will give you a little motivation when you feel tired or warn out.

Resistance exercises
These exercises are used to build strength in your arms, back and legs. You should aim to do resistance for about 20 minutes, three times a week with 10-15 repetitions of each exercise; you will see the largest benefit doing this. Push-ups and dumbbell presses are a great way to do this along with squats and lunges.

Stretch
Stretching or taking part in flexibility moves is really important as it relieves any stress; you should do this for around 15 minutes. Try to hold each stretch for around 30 seconds, but remember that stretching should never hurt. Try to stretch your hamstring, hips and shoulders.

Cool down time
Your cool down should be similar to your warm up, so a short, easy walk or cycle.
It is important to note that when you are exercising you should balance it with a healthy diet and remember to drink lots of water.

With these tips in mind, 2015 will be your fittest year yet!

I wish you luck in any new physical endeavors you set yourself this year

I will be writing about my journey to physical fitness, weight loss and a sense of well being right here on the blog

Good luck!

This is a sponsored post