Now you have discovered your “why” in the Rethinking Being More Active blog, it’s time to get moving! Knowing how to start an activity routine can be daunting, particularly if you have a chronic health condition or disability, but Wyre Moving More is aimed at making movement accessible to everybody and breaking down the stereotypes of what exercise looks like. If you’re ready to start moving more, we’re sharing 5 suggestions to get you started on your activity journey, but as always, please speak to your health professional if you have any concerns or you have been inactive for a long time, before starting a new exercise routine.  

Good News - You’re Already Moving!

First of all, let’s recognise that you are already moving. Physical activity is just another term for moving the body, which everyone does everyday. Think about the movement you already do- walking the dog and moving around your house, propelling your wheelchair, using the stairs, hoovering, or getting in and out of bed. Most of us are already doing some form of movement each day, and it all counts.

Consider what you’re already doing and think about how you might gradually build on it for a natural increase in movement. Can you take a slightly longer walking route or slightly increase the time or frequency of your walk? Can you incorporate seated stretch breaks while working at the computer? If you can make small increases to the movement you already do, you will already be making progress. 

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Try gradually increasing the frequency of your daily movement. Walk a little further, do some gentle stretching - small adjustments can make a big difference!

Find Your Move: At Home

If you’d prefer to be more active at home or if it’s simply more accessible to you, there are plenty of ways to get started. Try searching for free online classes for all ages and abilities on websites like YouTube. You can search for beginners classes, low impact exercise, classes for seniors, supine and wheelchair-based classes, or for classes suitable for people with a specific health condition. These can be accessed on a mobile phone and so can be done from most places. There are also a host of DVDs that provide guided exercise classes for people of all ability levels if you prefer to exercise at home.

Try not to feel restricted on the type of activity you try, as there are lots of options out there. You might try out different forms of movement such as chair yoga, pilates, seated cardio & strength classes, dance aerobics or tai chi. Keep things interesting by mixing up your movement and find what makes it enjoyable for you. 

Having fun with your activity will keep you coming back. Being active at home is as impactful as going to a gym, and is often a great option for people whose health may prevent them from sticking to a rigid schedule or being able to travel easily. Ditching rigid expectations and making activity work for you is a key part of building up a successful practice. 

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Search online for a beginners class that suits your needs

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Try a brand new form of activity and see how you like it- have fun!

Find Your Move: In The Community

If you’d prefer to go for a more traditional route with your movement, ask your local leisure centre about accessible classes. 

If you’re looking to move with others, there are a wealth of local classes and clubs. Joining a leisure centre, club or regular class provides the bonus benefit of social interaction, and the sense of community and wellbeing that brings. Classes or clubs that offer a pay-as-you-go, low cost or free option are a good choice for those who may struggle to commit on a weekly basis but still enjoy the connection of moving with others. 

Low impact exercises tend to work well for people with chronic conditions and disabilities. Walking football, water aerobics, accessible walking clubs, adapted bicycle cycling and inclusive dance classes are options that can work well for those with a range of needs. 

Click here to find accessible clubs in your area.

Check with local leisure centres or gyms to see what classes are available to suit you.

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Go traditional and try an accessible gym 

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Join a local club or class that suits you and enjoy the benefits of social exercise

Wyre Moving More aims to make people feel empowered and inspired, no matter what your move is. The benefits of being more active should be available to anyone and our resources section is full of clubs and classes to try. Whether you’re dancing, cycling, walking or scoring goals, finding our move is transforming how we think of activity.