Get active in your area

We’re not talking expensive gym memberships or daily football matches. Being active is about introducing regular exercise into your lifestyle. It can have some great benefits.

Top tips:

• Set goals. Make sure they’re personal and realistic – take into account what kind of activity you’d enjoy doing and when you’d want to do it. Our top tip is to write your goals down in detail, and then share them with someone, so they can help to motivate you to achieve them.

• Keep an activity diary. You’d be surprised how much you do already, so keep a log and you might even find it a great way to get you motivated and to do that little bit extra. Why not set yourself physical activity challenges?

• There are lots of schemes that you can tap into on your doorstep ranging from swimming and cycling to green gyms and mobile gyms, fitness centres and conservation work. Perhaps you’ve been thinking about taking up a sport you used to enjoy and want a gentle introduction back in. Take a look at what is on offer in your area:
• Breckland
• Broadland
• North Norfolk
• Norwich
• South Norfolk
• West Norfolk

 Check out www.activenorfolk.org/physicalactivity for loads more information about building activity into your life and to search for activities in your local area. Or, if you have any questions, call on 01603 697011 or email getactive@activenorfolk.org and they’ll do their best to help.

Over 60 and want to be fitter?

NHS Norfolk is encouraging everyone aged 60 and above, or those who are less able, to take part in Extend, a specialist exercise programme which has classes across the county.

Extend is a national registered charity, and has its roots in exercise, health and movement to music. It is also a great way to meet new people.

Classes are for anyone who is over 60 or people under 60 who have health problems.

Twenty minutes of seated exercise is included in each class as some exercises are safer and more effective when sitting down. They also use equipment, including stretch bands, hoops, balls and scarves.

Lucy Macleod, an NHS Norfolk Consultant in Public Health, said: "Moderate physical activity has so many positive benefits. As well as maintaining bone and muscular strength and improving mental health it improves co-ordination and balance and can reduce the risk of trips and falls."

To find an Extend class local to you, please visit the HERON website or call Pam Redwood on 01493 748830 (9am to 5pm).

Life 4 Life weight management programme

Life 4 Life is a four week weight management programme that is designed to improve wellbeing and promote a healthier lifestyle. The programme will help people find ways to improve their health by making simple, healthy lifestyle changes. The group sessions are interactive and fun and will be run at local venues by qualified LIFE trainers.

Life 4 Life is coordinated by the Norfolk Life team at the Great Yarmouth Community Trust. The programme is run in partnership with NHS Norfolk, and all adults in the county who are overweight (BMI 25-40) are welcome to join.

If you would like more information, contact the Norfolk Life team on 0800 023 4798 or email norfolklife@gyctrust.co.uk