Get Up and Go - Exercise Tips For Adults & Children

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The Department of Health Promotion at University College of Galway, offers some exercise tips which will help to keep you and your family fit and healthy.

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Just think about it, your body is made to move and be active. Every part of your body will work better and last longer if you build regular physical activity into your lifestyle.

Get into the habit of regular exercise with these easy exercise tips - you'll be surprised at how quickly your energy levels will soar!

EXERCISE TIPS FOR ADULTS

Around the house. You can walk or cycle to the corner shop, walk the dog (even if you don't have one), walk with a friend, get busy in the garden or tackle the housework with lively music in the background.

In your community. Join in local activities that you enjoy or start your own activity group. If there is a local sports team you could join in the training sessions. Remember you don't have to compete if you don't want to!

In your job. Climb stairs or steps where possible (instead of taking the lift), take a 5 minute exercise break during the day or go for a short walk at lunch time.

With children. Have fun and play with your kids. Plan a weekend activity that the whole family can enjoy - a game of ball in the park, collecting cones in the forest, or a local hill or nature trail walk.

EXERCISE TIPS FOR CHILDREN

Young children love to play and be active. Recent studies have shown that as the number of hours children spend watching TV increases, the number of hours they spend being active decreases. Also as they move through adolescence they exercise less and less. Here are simple suggestions to encourage children to be more physically active and participate in regular exercise.

Be Physically Active

• Be active every day - walk, run, skip, play.
• All physical activity counts.
• Pick the activities that you enjoy.
• Active play is a fun way to make friends.
• Get the whole family into exercise and play - show them the way.
• For short trips take the bike, roller blades or roller skates.

Take Regular Exercise

• Get the whole body moving through swimming, cycling and dancing.
• Try active sports with your school or local community group.
• Taking part in activity is what counts - not competing or winning.
• Aim for at least 3 sessions of exercise a week with a "just out of breath feeling".

Active children are more likely to become active adults.