Keeping active is a key part of staying fit and healthy. Thirty minutes a day of a steady physical activity is highly recommended, and activities such as walking, swimming and cycling can help your body and mind stay in shape. Being active can help to:
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reduce the risk of heart disease,
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lower your blood pressure,
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reduce the risk of stroke,
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improve glucose control in type 2 diabetes,
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prevent osteoporosis,
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prevent weight gain.
Simple ways to stay active
Simple activities such as climbing the stairs, gardening, and doing the housework are all good ways to stay physically active.
Here are some simple tips to help you.
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Where possible use the stairs instead of the lift,
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Put music on when doing the housework – you generally move quicker with something to listen to,
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Get off the bus early and walk the rest of the way to your destination,
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Cook fresh, healthy food as often as you can. You will walk more around the kitchen while you prepare it,
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Walk to the shops instead of taking the car or bus,
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Walk the children to school, whatever the weather,
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When you're at a loose end at home, and thinking of a cup of tea and a biscuit, go out for a walk instead,
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Cycle to work or to the shops.
Support for people with chronic health conditions
There are a number of exercise programmes which provide specialist support for people with chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and back problems. For more information, download Supporting self care, our directory of free or low-cost health support programmes in Tower Hamlets.
There are also specialist classes available at local leisure centres in the borough. For contact details, see local leisure centres.
Cycling for Health
NHS East London and the City and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets have teamed up with Bikeworks,an award winning local organisation to provide safe, supported cycle training in Victoria Park at no cost.
The 'Cycling for Health' scheme is for people in Tower Hamlets who experience conditions such as depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, obesity/weight problems or diabetes and want to ease their way into physical activity.
Cycling regularly can improve your general health, improve mental health and wellbeing, help with weight and stress management.
Autumn is seen as an ideal time to start the programme as the weather is still mild and not too warm.
What’s on offer?
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One-to-one cycling lessons with a fully qualified instructor
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Participation in relaxed, easy group rides on Saturdays in parks and by canals
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Goal-setting for cycling on a one-to one basis, with support to achieve personal aims
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Free use of Bikeworks’ hire bikes at any time
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Free goody bag give-away with such items as a local cycle route map and bicycle lights.
How do I get involved?
There are still places left and many easy ways to sign up for the scheme. Tower Hamlets residents can be referred by their GP, practice nurses, cardiac nurses at hospitals, and most recently, health trainers. You don’t need to own a bike to take part.
Participants can choose a range of the above options and are not obliged to do any particular ones.
Want to know more?
See the Cycling for Health video at http://www.bikeworks.org.uk/cycling-for-health.php
If you have any queries or would like more information, speak to your GP or contact Bikeworks on 020 8980 7998 or 020 8981 5368.
