Getting active
Thinking of getting active?
Are you sitting on the sofa reading this? Staying inside, out of the cold maybe? Perhaps you are thinking about how you could (maybe even should) be doing something else? Entering a charity challenge is a great way to help you set and achieve your own goals to get physically active and improve your health and wellbeing.
Regular exercise alongside a balanced diet is key to staying in shape. It dramatically decreases your risk of experiencing any number of serious health conditions. Entering a charity challenges will benefit both you and the cause you choose to support. It also has a positive impact of making you feel better – both physically and mentally.
It is not always easy to take on a charity challenge or to know where to start. It really can test your capabilities and resolve. However, here are a few simple tips to help ensure you remain enthused and motivated for your challenge, whatever you choose it to be…
Have a plan
You have a target, now you need to plan how you are going to get there. Go for something you can stick to that fits around your work and other commitments. Try to get active at least 3 times a week, but remember to ensure you include enough recovery time. We can provide you with training plans specifically for your chosen challenge.
Establish a new habit
Training for a charity challenge is a lot more manageable if you can get into the right frame of mind. Getting out before work for a run or heading out on the bike as soon as you get home will feel like a chore to begin with. Remember why you are doing it and how it will help you on the day of your challenge. As the weeks go by the training will become habitual, you will find you look forward to your workouts and the physical and mental benefits they bring.
Find a training Partner
Train with a friend to help keep each other motivated. Exercise is proven to make us think more creatively, with a partner you have a sounding board for all your latest fundraising ideas! You will also find that time exercising seems to pass much more quickly.
Reward yourself
Give yourself something to look forward to whilst pounding the streets or completing that 47th length in the pool. This could be catching up with a friend, the latest box set or even a sweet treat. Just be careful not to overdo it with any food or drink rewards!
Avoid getting cold
It is going to be cold so wrap up well and find the right clothing for you. Get some entry level gear to keep you warm to begin with then look at investing in higher quality kit when you know what works. Don’t forget to warm up properly in cold weather to avoid injury. Remember that you will also be putting your body under more strain than normal.
Be visible, be safe
You are far less visible training on roads at night. Invest in some hi-vis clothing or reflective strips. If conditions are treacherous ensure you have some quality footwear with good grip and do not be afraid to head for the treadmill if the Great British winter bites.
What challenge is right for you?
The charity challenge market is vast and we have so many options for you to choose from. You can travel across the world to climb a mountain or rack up the miles over a 6-week period at your local pool for a swimathon, the options are almost endless.
In order to help match you with the right challenge we invite you to select from the choices below, the factors that you would most likely look for in a charity challenge and how you would best describe yourself. We will then make informed recommendations specifically for you to get you off the sofa and into your challenge!
Think about TLC;
- Type of event – do you want to walk or trek, run, cycle, swim?
- Location – where would you like your challenge to take place? Locally, in the UK or international?
- Current level of fitness; do you consider yourself a beginner, getting there, average, fit or very fit?
Be careful to balance your desire to try something out of your comfort zone with what you are going to be better suited to and the time you will need to train. Running is a popular choice for a charity challenge but not great for those perhaps prone to injury. Cycling is a better option to minimise stress on the body, but some may not be comfortable on the roads.
Whatever your choice or even if you need help choosing, please contact us we are here at Against Breast Cancer to help guide you through your challenge experience. We cannot wait to get started with you……