Easy ways to add a little exercise into your life

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We know that exercising can impact all areas in your life, for the better, but we also know that getting time to actually do it can be hard. We’ve had a look at how you can fit just a little bit of workout time into your schedule so you feel bright and happy all day long.

Jog on
If you’re not keen on intense cardio training but would like to break out in a slight sweat, then how about some gentle jogging? This exercise helps to strengthen your entire body and keep you in good shape, without putting huge pressure on your joints. We do suggest that you invest in some decent trainers, take water with you, and always warm-up and cool down to prevent injuries.

Speed walking
Taking it down another notch from jogging, we have speed walking. You might not know this but a brisk walk can help build your cardiovascular health and can also boost your mental wellbeing. This really is a low commitment exercise that anyone can fit into their day, and if you have a dog, even better as they need their walk and you can get fit together!

Yoga
As well as keeping your heart healthy, it is also important to ensure you have muscle flexibility and a still mind, and yoga can do this for you. Yoga, as well as tai chi and Pilates, engage your muscles so they stay healthy and you also have the meditative elements that still your mind, allow you to focus on your breathing and bring down your anxiety.

Crunch it out
If you want to work on your abs without going OTT in the gym, simple crunches are the way to go. Crossing your arms across your chest while doing these exercises can help you to avoid pulling on your neck and causing injury. If you aren’t quite sure how to get this right, ask a PT and they will be only too happy to assist so you know you are on the right track.

Shake it out
Dancing is an amazing way to keep fit, stay healthy and make friends. Zumba, ballet, salsa, and tap are just some of the options out there and not only will taking part make you feel good but because of the social element, you will feel like you’ve had a group hug at the end of the session.

Go for a swim
We often think about swimming in the summer but this is a great cardio exercise that will benefit your health and mental well-being all year round. As swimming isn’t dangerous for joints and muscles, it’s something many of us can enjoy, and if you are serious about your strokes, book in a lesson or two and really make this sport work for you.

Raise your heals
Heel raises, which involve deliberately lifting and lowering your heels off the floor, can help to address weakness, balance, range of motion, and coordination of the foot and ankle. This might seem like a really simple move, but it goes a long way to stretch out those muscles and keep you supple.

Skip away
A rope and a little space can really get your heart rate up and those feel-good endorphins pumping! You don’t have to do it for ages, and while you’ll be surprised at how hard it is when you start, build it up over time and your fitness levels will boom.

Team Pure Beauty

Rio 2016 – be inspired

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There is no doubt that the Rio Olympics have been amazing.

From the start of the opening ceremony, we know we were in for a sporting spectacular and we certainly haven’t been disappointed.

With Andy Murray in the tennis, Laura Trott on the cycle circuit and Becky James on the track being just some of the winners, it has been a gripping couple of weeks.

With so much action on screen, this is the perfect time to be inspired by Team GB, and athletes from around the world, to get off the sofa and spring into action.

No matter what your fitness ability or interest, we are sure there is an activity out there that is perfect just for you.

If you are looking for choice when it comes to sport, look no further than athletics. This discipline offers a wide range of options that keep you on your toes and motivated to go for gold. Running, jumping, sprinting, throwing, it is all in this mix. With Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis-Hill leading the way and inspiring a generation, never has it been a better time to join a local club and get involved.

Badminton is a great choice for the whole family. The weightless racquets, low start up costs and easy to understand rules means toddlers, grandparents and everyone in-between can have a bash. Get it set up in the garden in the summer and when it gets colder, book an indoor court to keep your fitness levels up.

Riding a bike isn’t just a way to get from a to b, it is also a fantastic way to get fit, get some fresh air and tone up. This low impact sport is becoming increasingly popular and with a range of bikes for sale at various price points, and to loan or rent, it is easier than ever to get on the Sir Bradley Wiggins bandwagon.

Combining acrobatics, water and speed, there is little more thrilling than diving. Tom Daley has bought edge and excitement back into this Olympic staple and he and the team have a loyal fan base and big dreams. This isn’t the sport for you if you don’t like heights, but if you are looking to get fit and want an adrenaline buzz, this could be the sport for you.

If team sports are your thing, and you have been inspired by Crista Cullen and the GB team why not give hockey a try this autumn? Whilst this is is a fast paced game, it can be played by all levels of fitness and local teams are often looking for new members, and beginners.

Forget the ropes and vaults in the school hall, gymnastics is becoming increasingly popular and it is easy to see why. The men and women in Rio make it look slick and elegant but these performances takes years to perfect. One of the keys to real success is starting young so why not take your toddler to a pre-school gymnastics club and watch them cartwheel and jump to their hearts content?

Table tennis is an Olympic favourite that has viewers sitting on their edge of their seats. This is a fast, fun, easy to play game that gets you fit and as it is mainly played indoors, the British weather can’t spoil it.

With accessible sports like football, rugby, rowing and so much more being broadcast day and night, we hope you will want to put on your trainers and go out and do something less boring instead.

Team Pure-Beauty.