Hemel residents encouraged to keep fit during coronavirus pandemic

Hertfordshire County Council is encouraging people to keep active during the coronavirus pandemic, as a way of improving our wellbeing.

Current government guidance encourages us to exercise inside, where possible, and outside as often as we like, as long as we continue to social distance.

If you can go outside, consider walking, cycling or gardening. Walks in green spaces are also a great way to boost our mood and wellbeing.

Being active at home

- Sport England has good tips for staying active at home. Join the movement campaign, and #StayinWorkOut on social media gives you a range of fun and creative ways to keep moving at home for all ages, abilities and regardless of the size of their living space.

- Herts Sports Partnership have launched their own campaign – Workout from Home. This includes online resources for the body and mind to help keep everyone moving at home, aimed at family, kids and older adults.

- You can find free easy 10-minute exercise videos to try at home from Public Health England.

Older adults - Keeping active

As we get older its more important than ever to keep active for our physical and mental wellbeing. If you are shielding or choosing not to go out, this may also put you at risk of frailty or falls.

Where to get help to keep active:

- Listen to 10 today on the radio or watch the 10 Today exercise videos online which aim to get older people stretching and moving at home.

- Herts Sports Partnership has access to a range of gentle exercises for older people to do at home. These gentle sitting exercises will help to improve your mobility and prevent falls.

- Stop Falls campaign have produced some chair based, standing/balance and circuit exercises that can be followed at home.

- Age UK also has lots of advice on how to look after our physical and mental health during the pandemic.

Reducing your risk of frailty - eating well

As well as keeping active, it is also important to make sure you continue to eat and drink well to help prevent the risk of malnutrition and frailty. As we get older it becomes more essential that we get enough of the right nutrients including protein, fat, vitamins and minerals.

For advice on eating well:

Herts Independent Living Service (HILS) resources info

HILS nutrition leaflet

Herts Help are available to help you find support, guidance and information you may need whilst you are shielding or self-isolating