Welcome to Let's Get Moving: Healthy Spring! As the flowers bloom and the days lengthen, spring presents the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate your routine and embrace physical activity and the great outdoors. This page is designed to inspire and motivate you to embrace moving more throughout the spring season. Whether you're a seasoned fitness enthusiast or just beginning your wellness journey, we have something for everyone. Let's dive into the wealth of ideas, inspiration, and opportunities to get active this spring!
Walk This May!
Step into a healthier, happier lifestyle with Walk This May! Throughout National Walking Month, we're encouraging everyone to lace up their shoes and hit the pavement for some invigorating walks. Whether you're looking to incorporate more walking into your daily routine, join a local walking group to meet like-minded individuals, or even try a walking sport, Walk This May has something for you.
Here's how you can get involved:
- Integrate Walking into Your Daily Routine: Discover easy ways to incorporate more walking into your daily life, whether it's walking to work, taking a stroll during your lunch break, or enjoying an evening walk in your neighborhood.
- Join a Local Walking Group: Connect with others who share your passion for walking by joining a local walking group. Discover new walking routes, make friends, and stay motivated together as you explore your community on foot.
- Try a Walking Sport: Spice up your fitness routine by trying a walking sport like walking football, walking netball, or Nordic walking. These low-impact activities are not only fun but also great for improving fitness and coordination.
Use the menu below to find local walking groups near you and start your walking journey today. Let's make this May a month to remember by stepping out and embracing the joy of walking together!
Hear from local residents throughout Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland!
Demelza
"The thing that motivates to walk is the feeling of freedom. I love just chucking my essentials (coffee, map, raincoat and plasters) in a bag and heading out. I love unexpectedly seeing a muntjac deer or a beautiful rainbow, I always find something on a walk and love exploring.
My advice to someone just starting out is to find a friendly group or a friend and walk a distance you feel comfortable with. When I first started it was a ten minute walk (that took far longer because of health issues) to the canal. It was just so lovely to be by the water and started me off on walking every day and regaining my health step by step. So chose a small comfortable distance, be with someone or people you feel safe with and go somewhere you would like to go".
TJ
"When I get walking I love to listen to the birds sing and see the seasons change. Along the way I imagine what I can see in the trees or clouds, just letting my imagination runaway. More importantly jumping in muddy puddles on the way home even at 50. For me the walk stops my mind overthinking, calms my anxiety, lifts my spirits, and most of all reminds me SELF MATTERS. If we don't look after ourselves how can we support others".
Kelly
"I enjoy being outside and it always makes me feel better.
If you're unsure about getting started, just try one walk, a short loop. After this you can build it up if you want to.
Walking has allowed me to get outside and meet other mums which I really enjoy. It gives us a chance to share our experiences of motherhood".
Try a walking sport/activity!
Walking sports/activities are fantastic ways to play the games that you love at a slower pace. They are crafted to promote fitness and sustain an active lifestyle, catering to individuals of all ages and fitness levels. Additionally, they serve as a gateway for those looking to reintegrate into sports following age-related changes or injuries.
Sports such as walking football, walking netball, or walking hockey offer a countless of physical health advantages alongside mental and social benefits. Engaging in these activities not only fosters physical well-being but also facilitates social connections, providing an opportunity to forge new friendships and enjoy post-game conversations over a cup of tea.
Find other walking activities near you!
We Are Undefeatable
We Are Undefeatable is a campaign to support the 15 million people who live with one or more long-term health conditions in England and aims to support people to build physical activity into their lives, in a way that their condition allows.
The campaign features real-life experiences of people with long-term health conditions – both visible and invisible – on their own journeys to being active. It also recognises the unique barriers people living with long-term health conditions face.
The We Are Undefeatable campaign understands that how you feel can change from day to day and sometimes, that can make moving more feel like a challenge. It's perfectly okay to feel like being active is a big commitment or something that didn't feel like it was for you.
Ultimately, being active is about finding what works for you. You can start small, and you don't have to get moving when you don't feel up to it.
Inspiration to keep you moving!
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Thinking about having a go at walking, running or cycling? It's a great way to get out in your local area and move a little more.
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Your local Physical Activity, Health & Wellbeing Team
Contact your local Physical Activity, Health & Wellbeing Team who can provide advice and opportunities to support you to become more active.
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How much physical activity should we all be doing?
Find out how much physical activity you should be doing, as well as top tips and activity suggestions!
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Sign up for the Let's Get Moving newsletter for information on local events, activities and sessions along with top tips and advice on how to get active.