Get Sporty

It’s something most of us know we should do more of, but trying to find time to squeeze regular exercise routines into our already busy daily lives is something that lots of women across Wales struggle with.

But, thanks to a top footballing competition that’s taking place in South Wales this week, the issue of healthy and regular exercise, especially for women, has become a hot topic. The county of Carmarthenshire will this week be home to hundreds of young female footballers as it plays host to the UEFA Women’s Under 19 Championship.

And Welsh Sports Minister John Griffiths hopes that the competition will inspire a new generation of girls to take up not just football, but to enjoy a whole variety of sports as part of their daily activities. A new campaign has been launched in Wales called Sport Wales, which aims to get the women of Wales to fall in love with sport and exercise all over again – an interesting prospect to visitors to self catering holiday cottages in the area.

Research has shown that fewer women in Wales take part in regular sport than men, and so the Sport Wales campaign wants to encourage women to dig out their trainers, get fit and enjoy sport. There will be a whole host of events taking place across the country, from community sports events to taster classes at local leisure centres. You can find out more at the Sport Wales website.

In the meantime, here are our favourite hints to help you squeeze a little more exercise into your busy day…..

• Try combining exercise with chores – is it possible to walk to school with the kids rather than drive, or could you jog to the post office instead of jumping in the car? Or if you get the bus to work then jump off a stop or two earlier and walk the rest of the way.
• Some housework chores are quite labour intensive (like hoovering and cleaning windows) but you could put a little more effort into the ones that aren’t so intense and really increase your work-out potential. Incorporate dance moves as you clean the bathroom or some squats as you do the washing up (and just hope no one is watching!!).
• Always take the stairs rather than the lifts or escalators.
• Walk the dog an extra half a mile – it’ll only take you another 10 minutes or so, but just 10 minutes more a day will add up. And why not increase the pace and really push yourself for those ten minutes?
• Rope in your friends – rather than meet up for cake, dinner or drinks, why not encourage your friends to get fit too and join the local gym or a fun exercise class. High energy classes like zumba or aerobics are loads of fun, you’ll barely notice you’re exercising!
• Play with the kids – spend just twenty minutes a day running around the garden after the kids or kicking a football with them and you’ll burn 150-200 calories, more than enough to burn off that mid-morning kit-kat. And the kids will think you’re ace too!
• Work out at your desk – move your legs, hold in your abs or do some arm lifts with your morning cup of tea; all possible while you’re sat at the computer. Just remember to do them regularly.
• Get an exercise ball or mat in the front room and do a work out while you watch television – use the advert times to do some sit ups, press ups or star jumps.
• Make family time active – use the weekends to spend time with the family and get fit. Rather than watching films or going out for lunch why not try a new family sport together, jump into the local swimming pool or head out for a cycle ride or walk?

Image by katagaci on scx.hu

The above tips are fun guidelines only – the Oakeley Arms cannot be held responsible for any injury, loss or damage resulting from the use of any of the above. You should consult your doctor before embarking on a new exercise or fitness programme. Thanks!