Moving more at home or work

A study undertaken in 2001/02 found that over 1 million people in Great Britain had a musculoskeletal condition caused – or made worse – by their current or previous job. An estimated 12.3 million working days are lost every year through work related musculoskeletal problems, therefore it is important to try and reduce sedentary behaviour at work at try to get active where possible.

There are many things you can simply do at home or work if sometimes you are faced with potential barriers!

Here are some ideas:

At Home:

• Join a walking group in the neighbourhood or at the local shopping centre. Recruit a partner for support and encouragement.
• Take your baby and small children for a walk in the pram or sling
• Get the whole family involved — enjoy an afternoon bike ride with your family.
• Walk up and down the playing field side-lines, while watching the kids play.
• Walk the dog.
• Clean the house or wash the car.
• Walk, skate, or cycle more, try to drive less.
• Do stretches, exercises, or pedal a stationary bike while watching television.
• Mow the lawn with a push lawnmower.
• Look after a vegetable patch or a flower garden.
• Play and do activities with the kids — tumble in the leaves, build a snowman, splash in a puddle, or dance to your favourite music, whatever you can!
• Exercise to a workout video in your living room.

While at WORK:

• Get off the bus one stop early and walk the rest of the way.
• Replace a coffee break with a brisk 10-minute walk. Ask a friend to go with you.