Published: 8 September 2022
After an encounter with a neighbour, Chris is using his skill and passion to help the local community through the cost of living crisis by hosting a series of BJJ classes with the entry fee of two tin cans.
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Published: 31 August 2022
Repercussions of the pandemic encouraged Gus to take the leap and join a running group. With the support of his new friends, he has since pushed himself and achieved plenty. Now, he's encouraging others to try something new and see what they find.
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Published: 18 August 2022
After suddenly losing his father in May this year, Lee decided to raise money in his memory by walking. He challenged himself to take part in Diabetes UK One Million Step Challenge. And he’s inspiring others to help themselves by helping others.
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Published: 4 August 2022
In honour of #CycleToWorkDay on August 4th 2022, Juliette shares why she chooses to actively commute to work.
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Published: 28 July 2022
Danielle had always been intrigued by running but was too anxious to go to her first session alone. When she finally did, it opened pathways she had never expected. Now, she's encouraging others to step out of their slippers and into their trainers.
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Published: 12 July 2022
Throughout her life, Susan has always enjoyed combat sports. But after cancer and a few other injuries, she had to adapt and find a new way to stay active. Now at 70, she is still putting up a fight, fencing.
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Published: 6 July 2022
Emma shares how she found ways to stay active while on her period. Now, she's encouraging other women to find out what movement suits them during their time of the month.
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Published: 28 June 2022
Sonia wants to increase the accessibility of physical activity for underrepresented voices, starting with bilingual children in schools.
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Published: 14 June 2022
Bowling Goldies aims to provide an informal and friendly bowling session for older adults in Andover to counter loneliness.
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Published: 7 June 2022
After being diagnosed with hypermobility, Nik had to find a way to be physically active that better suited her needs. Now, at 48-years-old, she is inspiring others to take their first step into their fitness journey.
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Published: 25 May 2022
Helen takes us on her journey of self-reflection and realisation as she creates a new outline for our diversity and inclusivity plan.
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Published: 23 May 2022
It is not the fear of falling, but the fear of not being able to get back up that prevents some from an active lifestyle. That’s why Valley Leisure developed Steady and Strong exercise classes. They wanted to share techniques to standing back up.
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Published: 4 May 2022
Jenny shares how she rebuilt her relationship with exercise after years of hammering her body with little rest. Now she’s helping others to look after themselves.
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Published: 8 April 2022
For Jared, what started as an experiment to find a hobby where he didn’t have to hide that he was trans, turned into a lifeline for looking after his mental wellbeing. Weightlifting has helped him through depression and PTSD.
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Published: 5 April 2022
Julie shares how for her, Squash is about so much more than activity. Playing the sport, she has met a group of friends who are always there to support each other through the ups and downs of life.
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Published: 10 March 2022
When Jasmine found out she was Dyslexic and Dyspraxic as a child, dance was the one thing to lift her spirits. Throughout her life it has been the thing to support her through tough times with her mental health.
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Published: 3 March 2022
For Simon, losing his legs to diabetes completely changed his life. His first operation spurred a return to a sport he loved as a child. He shares how playing table tennis has kept him going through both amputations.
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Published: 18 January 2022
People were always telling Yasmine not to exercise. But she has stopped listening and has now made a career out of her favourite hobby.
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Published: 11 January 2022
After becoming fed up of walking alone, Sindhu decided to learn how to cycle so she and her family could get active together.
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Published: 25 November 2021
Earlier this year we launched the Me & Activity report, showing how young people’s activity habits had changed in response to the pandemic. Here, Emma takes a look at whether all things digital are really the best way to engage Generation Z.
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Published: 18 November 2021
When her daughter and partner started skateboarding together, 44-year-old Helen got fed up with watching from the sidelines. She got her own board, and after getting over some initial fear of judgement, she found her own passion for the sport.
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Published: 16 November 2021
One of the biggest changes in a women's life is having a baby and as life changes so do the ways we choose to be active. Charlotte shares how she has adapted how she chooses to be active during her pregnancy.
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Published: 28 October 2021
Although we have been out of lockdown for a little while now, it's ok to still have nerves about returning to life as it was before COVID. For Sam, returning to the gym has been something she has put off doing due to fear.
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Published: 20 October 2021
Earlier this year we launched the Me & Activity report, showing that young people had positive feelings about physical activity, but struggled with feeling motivated. Here we explore how the recommendations can help YOU become more accessible.
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Published: 10 September 2021
Nigel shares how karate has supported him through difficult times, allowed him to fundraise and been an important part of his life.
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Published: 17 August 2021
Growing up Patricya was aware of being different. She was a tall tomboy and felt she stood out playing netball. After seeing how inclusive basketball teams are, she realised it was the sport for her.
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Published: 5 August 2021
Gloria shares how having a knee operation led to her start gentle exercise at Active Nation. She has found a sense of community and camaraderie that has kept her going through the loss of her husband.
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Published: 19 July 2021
People often think that because we promote active lifestyles we must all be super sporty. The truth is, we struggle to be active sometimes too.
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Published: 15 July 2021
For Becky and her family, cricket has become so much more than just a sport. It’s a safe space where they can be themselves and feel supported.
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Published: 8 July 2021
With lockdowns and restrictions forcing us to adapt to new ways of being active, Youth Project Manager Emma came out of lockdown keen to try a new activity to keep things interesting. She shares how she has found trying Kettlebells.
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Published: 21 June 2021
For Emily, being active had always been at the bottom of her to-do list. Living with ME, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and POTS meant she had little energy. She shares how using a wheelchair has given her the freedom to become more active.
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Published: 17 June 2021
A’s own experiences with mental health, injury and resilience have helped shape him into the coach he is today. He works to coach the person, not the player, hoping that all his players can become the best versions of themselves.
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Published: 13 May 2021
Completing a Bikeabilty course helped 9 year-old Noah grow his confidence and love of cycling. So much so that he started BMX biking which has helped him feel in control of his bike.
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Published: 6 May 2021
For many athletes, lockdown meant saying goodbye to their training plan and a potential long break from their loved sport. Ava, a 12-year-old figure skater from Hampshire, got inventive to keep her training going off the rink.
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Published: 21 April 2021
The last year has been hard for us all. Teachers have had it particularly hard having to adapt to lessons on zoom and being in and out of school. For Stephanie, exercise has been a great stress reliever during this difficult time.
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Published: 8 April 2021
Georgia had sworn off running for life. Fear and anxiety around running meant she avoided it at all cost. Yet this March she challenged herself to run 27 miles for charity.
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Published: 3 March 2021
After struggling to keep up their usual active routines in lockdown, Helen and her daughter decided to take on a challenge together. They shared how they found supporting each other through the Couch to 5k.
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Published: 27 January 2021
When Jocelyn faced the shock of redundancy in her 50s yoga helped her to move forward in a positive way. So, during COVID she has used her new role as a yoga instructor to ensure people who've lost work can access yoga without worrying about money.
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Published: 25 January 2021
The Lockdowns have had a massive impact on people's work. For those in the arts, there have been many challenges to face. With the help of our Investing in Communities fund, Dance teacher Luke was able to support fellow dancers through online classes
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Published: 14 January 2021
Many people with long-term health conditions have struggled to stay active during the pandemic and have felt isolated. 75-year-old Rosalind wants to stay active as long as possible!
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Published: 11 January 2021
Throughout the first lockdown, Eleanor* knew she needed to find a way to keep herself moving and add structure to her days. She decided to find activity in the everyday tasks she loved doing normally.
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Published: 6 January 2021
Carole had always had her reasons for not joining a fitness class. She had preconceived ideas of what it would be like. But when lockdown forced providers to go virtual Carole saw an opportunity to take the leap from home.
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Published: 18 December 2020
Isla fell in love with tennis when she was five years old. Since then, her passion for the sport has grown and grown. Now 16, she’s training to be a coach so she can share her love of the sport and inspire other girls.
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Published: 9 December 2020
Octavia sees herself as many things. She’s a sporty get up and go person, a Pilates instructor and a physiotherapist. She’s a mother, a wife and a friend. She has many defining factors but her alopecia is not one of them.
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Published: 25 November 2020
Amanda shares how, with the help of our Investing in Communities project, Move Momentum have been able to get back to dancing.
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Published: 25 November 2020
Getting active solo isn’t for everyone, but sometimes the perfect workout buddy is closer than we think. Steph never liked running on her own. After adopting a spaniel, she realised that mankind’s can also be the best fitness partner.
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Published: 23 November 2020
Since working from home Jake has noticed it is very easy to become sedentary. He shares how a colleague adding active bursts to team meetings has helped him overcome Zoom fatigue.
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Published: 11 November 2020
Working from home, sometimes you find yourself sitting still for hours. So we are sharing how some of the Energise Me team build activity into their day whilst working from home.
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Published: 6 November 2020
During the first lockdown, Sophie built a routine around doing PE with Joe every morning and going for walks. But since PE has finished she found her routine slipping. As we head into another lockdown, she shares how she plans to get back to it.
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Published: 28 October 2020
After hearing the quote “Win the Morning, Win the day” Chris was inspired. Now he uses being active to set up his day right and look after his mental health.
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Published: 7 October 2020
After multiple diagnoses throughout her life, Debbie turned to exercise as a way of energising herself. With the right support network, she now takes on triathlons, sea swimming and Qigong.
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Published: 30 September 2020
Growing up Jane was aware of being a minority at the football academy where she trained. Inspired by her female coach she decided to make a change and become a coach herself. Now she’s starting work bringing better football opportunities to youths.
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Published: 22 September 2020
People who identify as LGBT+ are less likely than heterosexual people to do enough physical activity to maintain ‘good’ health. New research reveals potential to increase participation.
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Published: 21 September 2020
Occupational therapist Kosiwa had never seen herself as a gym person but she was growing to love it. Then lockdown hit. With a stressful job and a need for release, there was only one thing for it: learn to ride a bike!
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Published: 17 September 2020
After a secondary Cancer diagnosis meant Elizabeth needed to retire, she was looking for a new challenge. Having recently moved to Portsmouth, she found running was the perfect fit.
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Published: 16 September 2020
Menopause can sometimes seem like a bit of a taboo subject. But since it affects at least half the population we think this needs to change! Leading the way, our CEO, Julie shares how the menopause affected her journey doing the couch to 5k.
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Published: 2 September 2020
Doreen, from the Isle of Wight, shares how by taking small steps and having the right support, she was able to get back to being active after developing a lung condition.
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Published: 27 August 2020
Our CEO, Julie, recently took on the couch to 5K, vlogging her journey along the way. We caught up with her as she reflected on her journey on the programme.
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Published: 26 August 2020
When Miranda developed post-natal depression after the birth of her first child, she unexpectedly found running was a way to lift her mood. From there she discovered other new ways to make physical activity social and enjoyable.
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Published: 19 August 2020
We've all got dreams of things we would love to achieve. Sarah overcame her fears and feelings of body consciousness to make her dream of swimming the channel a reality. She shares her journey to completing the swim.
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Published: 29 July 2020
As the physical activity sector re-opens, many parents find themselves with mixed feelings about sending their kids back to clubs. Sharon shares her experience as her children return to their favourite sport and physical activity clubs.
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Published: 20 July 2020
Sophie never saw herself as someone who would write a blog about getting active. But lockdown and a lack of outdoor space prompted her to join the movement from Couch to 5k.
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Published: 9 July 2020
Strongwoman, Nat, is lifting less but stepping more! She shares how lockdown has affected her training plan, turning it on its head.
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Published: 6 July 2020
These days there are so many options available to you when it comes to getting active with technology. That’s why we’re on a mission to find the most effective physical activity apps. However, we can’t do it without the help of local people like you.
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Published: 6 July 2020
As restrictions are eased and we look to the future, for many clubs and organisations it is time to start looking at a return to physical activity. We spoke to members of our team who support their local clubs to find out how they are returning.
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Published: 26 June 2020
Getting active outdoors is great for your health and mood. But it's easy to get stuck in an indoor routine. Kelly, our Project Officer for Children & Young People, shares how she got hooked on outdoor fitness.
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Published: 26 June 2020
Kate from Southampton opens up about her relationship with physical activity and how it has played a part in overcoming difficult hurdles.
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Published: 25 June 2020
Physical activity is changing all the time during the pandemic. Alex Marshall from Spot the Gap shares her thoughts on tackling inequalities and grasping opportunities as restrictions are slowly lifted.
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Published: 25 June 2020
For lots of students and young adults who were already living relatively unsettled lives, COVID-19 has (quite literally) sent them packing. Here's how our placement student, Charlotte, is coping with a new-found lack of independence...
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Published: 25 June 2020
Ros shares how she’s managing to juggle being a key worker with her online classes and staying fit and healthy herself.
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Published: 25 June 2020
Lockdown has had everyone's routine up in the air! Whilst trying to keep active at home we've all had to overcome many hurdles. Ten year old Poppy shares how she's been dancing her way through it all
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Published: 25 June 2020
There's no one-size-fits-all solution to this global challenge. We hope that bringing together insights and top tips from virtual activity leaders with different perspectives will help you shape your own virtual destiny!
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Published: 25 June 2020
Group exercise instructor Christine Saunders shares the challenges and surprises of going from delivering classes in leisure centres to setting herself up in a home studio from her garage.
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Published: 25 June 2020
Nancy talks about how corona-chaos could have brought back her long-forgotten anxiety but, instead she seized back some control and found sanctuary in exercise.
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Published: 25 June 2020
Some of the Energise Me team have been building time into their schedules for a bit of online learning. Here’s a taste of what we’ve been enjoying:
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Published: 25 June 2020
Some families find that money can be a barrier to being physically active. Emily chats to us about being active on a budget and how you can overcome this barrier.
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Published: 25 June 2020
Many activity providers have now adapted to delivering sessions online. Meanwhile, developers have been busy adapting activity finders to help promote sessions to new audiences.
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Published: 25 June 2020
“Sorry I was on mute”, “Is everyone here”, “No you go ahead, you talk”. By now we have all adapted to the many quirks of virtual life. But when your whole organisation is built around accessibility, how do you adapt for your audience?
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Published: 25 June 2020
When our financial models are torn apart, how can we rebuild our business models and make our finances stack up?
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Published: 25 June 2020
The virtual world has boomed recently, so we wanted to share some ways that you can get active together using technology. So although you may not be together, you can still feel connected!
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Published: 25 June 2020
Satellite Clubs and group activities might be on hold for the time being, but our Youth Project Manager, Emma, has some ideas for online learning that will help your Satellite Club come back even stronger when social restrictions are lifted.
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Published: 25 June 2020
Emily talks about how her physical activity habits have fluctuated throughout different stages of her life. From childhood and teenage years, to pregnancy and motherhood.
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Published: 25 June 2020
Everyone's routines are up in the air right now. With children off school and many parents working from home, everyone is tackling new hurdles. Emma shares how her family are finding their way through and learning to Stay In Work Out.
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Published: 25 June 2020
Sophie shares how social distancing and working from home have positively impacted her relationship with activity.
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Published: 25 June 2020
Life changes such as starting a new job can be a busy time. Charlotte talks to us about how she increased her activity levels by saying yes to something new and scary!
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Published: 25 June 2020
January is usually a month of making excuses and feeling guilty. Jen decided to turn her January around and signed up to Red January. She shares her story of trying to increase her activity levels and improve her mental well-being.
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Published: 25 June 2020
Satellite Clubs are local physical activity and sports opportunities that are designed around the needs of young people. This is what one Satellite Club lead had to say about the impact this opportunity had on Kit...
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Published: 25 June 2020
Being the new person at a fitness class can be hard enough as you feel you’re joining an already established group. Going through the process alone can be even scarier.
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Published: 25 June 2020
As a parent of two children (9 and 10), Sharon knows what it's like trying to prise them off their PlayStation, tablet and tv and get them out of the house to be active. Sharon shares how she encourages her children to step outside and get moving.
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Published: 25 June 2020
With lockdown throwing everyone's routines off track and the normal ways of getting active not an option, being active as a family is taking over! Sharon shares how her family are using lockdown to get active together.
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Published: 25 June 2020
Coaches are masters at supporting others to develop. But when you’re used to being in a room with participants, online classes present a new challenge. Lynne and Gerry from Bluewave Korean Martial Arts share how they're coaching differently online.
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Published: 25 June 2020
Many people have had their lives shaken up reccently. Having been recently furloughed Jen struggled at first and wondered how she would keep busy and fill up each day. Keen to stay optimistic Jen turned to exercise to keep her mind and body working.
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Published: 25 June 2020
Insecurities can stop us doing all kinds of things. For many women, fear of judgement is the biggest barrier to being active. So when Charlotte, our Project Support Intern, told us her story we asked if we could share it.
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Published: 25 June 2020
It doesn't matter how passionate we are about physical activity and sport. There are likely to be times in our lives when we struggle to be active. A curve-ball like an injury can throw a regular routine and force us to find new ways to move.
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Published: 25 June 2020
Sharon, our Strategic Lead for Children and Young People, talks about becoming a secret runner and embarking on a new challenge to improve her fitness and activity levels.
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Published: 25 June 2020
Chauffering, cleaning, catering, peace-keeping: we're endlessly impressed with all the roles a busy parent plays. For many, the thought of exercise on top of that can be a stretch too far.
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Published: 25 June 2020
What happens when lockdown forces us to say goodbye to the social side of exercise? Kelly from Atlas Fitness shares how they’ve gone above and beyond to maintain community spirit in their club.
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Published: 25 June 2020
A core value of the Satellite Clubs programme is co-production. Youth Project Manager, Emma, talks about what this means, and some ways you can co-produce clubs with young people.
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Published: 25 June 2020
Swanmore CE Primary School launched a daily running initiative to increase education progress, health, and wellbeing in its school.
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Published: 25 June 2020
St Bede School's teachers and headteacher are big promoters of getting kids active every day. The school has an extensive variety of outdoor PE, however, there was not the same excitement from pupils when it came to indoor PE.
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Published: 25 June 2020
When managing a long term health condition, getting active is about what works for you. Sophie from Basingstoke tells us what has worked for her and how doing the Couch to 5k improved her wellbeing.
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Published: 25 June 2020
For 20 years, The Children’s Society’s Include Service and YMCA Fairthorne Group have hosted the annual Young Carers Festival. The largest gathering of young carers in the world.
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Published: 25 June 2020
Youth Project Manager, Emma, talks about falling out of love with physical activity and finding her way back.
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Published: 25 June 2020
Having felt generally unfit, Mags from Fareham has surprised herself by swimming 2.5km and raising £180 for charity in the process. Mags told us how swimming has changed her life.
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Published: 25 June 2020
If your New Year fitness goals are already slipping then it's time for a rethink...
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Published: 25 June 2020
When you work full-time and it’s dark before and after work, it’s hard to stay motivated to run through the winter. If you weren’t a keen runner in the first place then we’re impressed if you’re still going.
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Published: 25 June 2020
Back in 2018 we recruited some Tech Explorer volunteers. The idea behind this was to discover apps that make it easy for people to embed exercise into their daily routine.
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Published: 25 June 2020
Eager to find a quicker and more active way of getting to work, Jen changed her commute by swapping four wheels with two.
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Published: 22 June 2020
Niton Primary school wanted pupils to be active in an enjoyable and relaxed way. Teachers saw The Golden Mile as a good way to improve the general health and fitness of its pupils.
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Published: 22 June 2020
Lock down has changed how we all work and many of us have had to adapt to work from home. But when working from home means virtually inviting a whole yoga class into your house, what impact does this have on the rest of your household?
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Published: 22 June 2020
Georgia tells how being active helped her through lows with her mental health and how she still uses exercise as a way of managing her anxiety.
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Published: 22 June 2020
Staying motivated to exercise can be tough. For many, it's harder than ever right now. If you're being self-critical, maybe it's time to be a little kinder to yourself. Personal Trainer, Ruth, shares her rollercoaster relationship with exercise.
Read moreHelping us tackle inactivity to boost health and happiness
