Exercising at home

The NHS have some easy equipment-free fitness routines which are great to do at home.

NHS 10-minute workouts Couch to fitness NHS online fitness studio exercise videos

Physical Activity Guidelines

The UK Chief Medical Officers emphasise the importance of building strength and balance for adults (including older adults), as well as 150 minutes per week of moderate physical activity.

The key messages are:

• Some is good, more is better
• Make a start today: it’s never too late
• Every minute counts

The guidance also advises on safe levels of activity for pregnant women and new mothers as well as for babies, children and young people and disabled adults:

Physical Activity Guidelines: Infographics

Activities near you

There are many opportunities to get active in South Gloucestershire.

• Walking– including recommended routes and details of led walks
• Running– joining a group or take part in parkrun
• Swimming – Go for a casual swim in the pool or join a session at your local leisure centre
• Cycling – cycling is an easy, cheap and healthy way of travelling. Also find out more about Bikeability – a cycling programme developing skills and confidence for all kinds of cycling.

The Well Aware website provides information on a wide range of organisations; support groups, community groups, events and activities that can help improve your health and wellbeing in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. You can also register your own activities.

South Gloucestershire Council also manage a large number of open spaces including parks, playing fields and sports pitches.

Active Wellbeing sessions

These free sessions aim to deliver a variety of physical activities for all abilities in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. They incorporate a mix of strength exercises, cardio activities, and elements of recreational sports. A range of equipment will be used including small weights, resistance bands and mats. You can find more information and check on the project’s current status here:

Active Wellbeing Sessions-Southern Brooks Community Partnerships

Active Lifestyle Centres

There are five Active Lifestyle Centres across South Gloucestershire. These are situated in Yate, Thornbury, Kingswood, Longwell Green and Bradley Stoke.

Find your nearest Active Lifestyle Centre

Free swimming pilot for pregnant women

From the 1st May 2021, pregnant women living in South Gloucestershire have been able to access free swimming as part of a year‐long pilot scheme. This scheme is being run as a joint partnership between Circadian Trust, (who operates Active Centres) and South Gloucestershire Council. You can find more information and check on the project’s current status on the Active Centres website.  

Active in Life

• Do you do less than 30 minutes of physical activity a week?
• Do you live in South Gloucestershire?
• Are you over 18?

If yes then you can get an activity card from Active in Life. With a great range of activities on offer, for only £2 per session you can try out 8 goes at nominated fitness classes, tennis, martial arts, buggy fit and many more. Also on offer are one month Gym tasters or Couch-To-5K courses for only £10!

Also, why not try the Active in life Bingo Card? Each day pick one square to make a small, healthy lifestyle change

Email: AiL@southglos.gov.uk

Phone: 07857 282663

Active in Life

Useful resources and information

• Coronavirus (COVID-19): grassroots sports guidance for the public and sport providers – this guidance sets out information for the public and sport providers on how to participate in grassroots sport and physical activity during COVID restrictions.
• “We Are Undefeatable” – this new campaign aims to help people with long-term health conditions to get more active. Visit the campaign website for more information. Share your personal stories by going to the Wesport website.
• This Girl Can -This website celebrates active women and has encouraged nearly three million women to get more active since launching in 2015. Also, have a look at  their new advert, available on the website homepage. No one gets to choose how you exercise other than you, and whatever that looks like, it’s worth celebrating.
• Physical activity and mental health -Sport and physical activity has a powerful and positive effect on mental health. Visit the Sport England website to find out more.
• Benefits of exercise – Exercise is free, easy to take, has an immediate effect. It can also reduce your risk of major illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer by up to 50%.
• See our top 10 tips for motivation and change.
• Better Health national website
• Download the Active 10, couch to 5k and a range of other One You apps – on the Apple store or Google Play