Many of us make the pledge to get more active when the New Year rolls around, but how can you find an activity that's right for you? Hannah blogs about tools to help as part of National Obesity Awareness week.
Make the vow to get fitter and healthier in 2015? Sport and recreation is one part of the solution. So what's going to get you going and more active in 2015?
12-18 January 2015 is National Obesity Awareness week. Led by the National Obesity Forum, it’s not only about raising awareness of obesity, as the title would suggest, it’s also about helping people to do something about it.
• 1 in 4 adults are considered obese, trends suggest this could rise above 50% by 2050
• Figures indicate that almost 20% of children leaving primary school are obese
These figures flash up on the National Obesity Awareness week website. They show what a problem obesity is, but what can we do about it? As part of National Obesity Awareness week, people are being asked to make healthy New Year resolutions. So why don’t you? Maybe you could start walking or biking to work or sign-up for a physical challenge to raise money for charity.
Our 320 member organisations show the range of activities out there; from household names like the FA and the England and Wales Cricket Board, to others such as Tchoukball UK and the British Dragon Boat Racing Organisation. Our members also cover disability sport, movement and dance, as well as outdoor pursuits and water recreation. There really is something for everyone!
If you want to join a new club, websites like Spogo can help you find opportunities in your local area. Although trying something new can be scary, many clubs run sessions for different levels and abilities so you can start in a group that you feel comfortable in.
You can also get active by volunteering. Join In is a website where you can search for local sports clubs that need help. I’m a hockey coach for disabled children and young people and it certainly gives me a workout too!
You might also take up the Workplace Challenge which provides challenges and training for employees. Or if you’re an employer, have a think about the work environment and encourage people to be active.
So with all those options and more out there, what are you going to do in 2015? I'm going to find out about London cycle paths and get out on my bike more!
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