At Slimming World, we understand that finding the motivation to get active can be a big barrier. If that sounds familiar, to we’ve got some simple ideas to get you started in seconds – with no planning or prep required!
Our unique Body Magic activity programme is for everyone – whatever your level of fitness – and you don’t need any special equipment to take part. So even if going to the gym isn’t your thing, there are lots of ways to build in exercise for a more active lifestyle.
Body Magic benefits
When you combine regular activity with Slimming World’s Food Optimising plan, you’ll discover a wealth of health and wellbeing benefits. These include reducing your risk of heart problems, stroke, type 2 diabetes and some cancers, as well as boosting your mood and easing stress.
If you’ve never exercised before (or it’s been a while), or you feel ready to increase your activity even more, doing something that fits into your daily routine will make it easier to turn moving more into a lifelong habit. Here’s how you can begin working towards those Body Magic benefits today…
MORE ON THE BLOG: What is Slimming World Body Magic?
9 – A simple stroll
For many of us, walking is easy to incorporate into daily life, and it uses many of the main muscle groups. Best of all, it’s free and you can do it straight from your front door! In our main image above, Slimming World Consultant Laura (@devizes_sw_consultant) has boosted her fitness and feels on top of the world. And member Sarah (@sarahsw_losing175lb_findingme) fits a walk in before work (with two very willing companions!).
8 – Spruce up your home
Ticking some household chores off your to-do list will pack plenty of activity into your day. Whether you want to get those windows sparkling or you’re revved up for some vigorous vacuuming, a good cleaning session will set your body to work!
MORE ON THE BLOG: 5 ways to spring-clean your way slimmer
7 – Take a stand
Getting up and moving around regularly has many health benefits – including improving your metabolism and boosting your weight loss. Every 20 minutes, take a break from sitting still and move for a minute. A walk to the printer or kettle, a lap of the room, or even a dance in front of the TV will take you another stride closer to those Body Magic benefits.
MORE ON THE BLOG: Fitness tips for Body Magic beginners
6 – Find an online workout
There are plenty of exercise videos which don’t need any special equipment at all. You could give at-home yoga a go, like Slimming World target member Katie (@katieemmahope). Or, if you’re looking for a full-body workout, our members have access to more than 60 activity videos, with both standing and seated workouts suitable for all fitness levels.
5 – Dig for victory
If you’ve got a garden – or space for potted plants – grab your gloves, because mowing, digging and lifting heavy bags of compost is guaranteed to get you nicely warmed up (whatever the weather!). Hilary Sard has lost more than 12st with Slimming World, and she loves pulling on her gardening gloves and getting stuck in at her allotment.
MORE FOR MEMBERS: Outdoorsy types can find more fitness-in-the-fresh-air ideas here
4 – Walk to school
The school run is an ideal opportunity to weave some fitness into your day. A brisk walk to school three times a week will set you well on your way to achieving your bronze Body Magic award (ask your local Consultant for more information). If walking isn’t your thing, how about dusting off your bike or investing in an adult push-scooter to help you whizz through the morning traffic?
MORE ON THE BLOG: Gear up for a bike ride with our expert cycling tips
3 – Wash the car
Make the most of the final days of summer sunshine and save money by giving your car a full valet by hand. A thorough cleaning, with lots of scrubbing, drying, waxing and vacuuming – plus numerous trips to the sink to refill your bucket – will get your heart beating faster and give your muscles a great workout.
MORE ON THE BLOG: 7 ways to park the car and boost your Body Magic
2 – Let’s dance
A quick boogie will definitely get those endorphins flowing! There’s no need to worry about keeping time or looking like a pro – just crank up the radio or put on your favourite tunes and dance like no one’s watching!
1 – In the swim
Swimming is an activity that’s open to everyone, whatever your age, size or fitness level. It can be especially good for people with joint or mobility problems, as the water supports up to 90% of your body weight. Slimming World member Alison Berry (@disco_diva59_sw), who’s maintained her weight loss for more than four years, bypassed her local pool for an exhilarating dip in the sea! You can read about how Alison ticked off her slimming bucket list (including fire walking, and zip-wiring!) here.
MORE ON THE BLOG: Fit tips: Swimming
How Slimming World will help you get active
When you join Slimming World, you’ll get all the support you need to help you build your activity levels, at your own pace. This includes a FIT log to plan your activities, Body Magic awards to celebrate your achievements and expert advice to help you overcome your exercise barriers – as well as lots of encouragement from your fellow members and Consultant. Find out more about joining Slimming World here.