Move More, Live Better - Types of activities

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Physical activity means moving your body and using energy. It can be anything from everyday tasks like walking the dog, cleaning or gardening to things like hiking, swimming, going to the gym or playing sports.

Move more and live better

Being active is great for your body and your mind, it can help you feel stronger, less stressed and more full of energy. The best kind of activity gets your heart beating faster and might make you a bit sweaty – that’s a good sign! Learn more about some types of physical activity and decide what’s right for you.

Walking

Walking is a great free way to get moving and it’s the perfect place to start. Whether it’s a gentle walk around the park with friends, walking to school or work, exploring your local area or a day out hiking through Northern Ireland’s beautiful landscapes there’s something for everyone.

Walking can help you feel healthier, lift your mood and connect with others. Joining a local walking group is a great way to walk with others and enjoy a bit of company while staying active. You can also explore Northern Ireland through its many walking trails, scenic spots and outdoor spaces, or visit historic monuments and places of interest to experience a bit of history as you go. You never know where walking might take you.

Running

Once you’ve started walking and feel ready for more, running is a fun, free way to keep going! You can begin with a simple plan like Couch to 5k, which helps you go from walking to running a 5km race step by step. Or why not join Parkrun a friendly, free event where you can run, jog or walk with others in your local park every Saturday. Running makes your heart stronger, boosts your energy and helps build healthy habits to stay active for life.

Cycling

Cycling is a fantastic way to get around and stay active! Whether you’re riding to school or work, exploring scenic trails or tackling mountain bike paths there’s a type of cycling for everyone. It’s a fun way to keep your body moving, feel healthier and enjoy the fresh air, and with over 100 cycling trails in Northern Ireland you’re bound to find one nearby. To find a cycling trail near you access the links below:

Water sports

Water sports are growing in popularity and provide a great opportunity to get active, have fun and try something a bit different. Northern Ireland has some of the most beautiful beaches and coastlines in the world ready to be explored. From sea swimming to kayaking and paddleboarding to sailing there is something for everyone. There are lots of opportunities to give it a go with many clubs offering beginner sessions throughout the year in activities like canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, wake boarding, sailing, rowing, angling and scuba diving, so take your pick and give it a go!

For more information on beginner events with a watersports club near you visit the link below.

Get Wet NI

Swimming

Swimming is a fun way to get active and stay healthy, giving your whole body a great workout while being kind to your joints. Many local council leisure centres in Northern Ireland have swimming pools where you can dive in and enjoy these benefits. If you can’t swim and would like to learn many local leisure centres offer beginner lessons. Find out more about what is available in your local area.

Open water swimming is also a great way to enjoy physical activity and take in the natural beauty across Northern Ireland. Staying safe is the most important thing when it comes to taking part in open water swimming, which is why the Get Wet Stay Safe campaign offers free open water safety courses across every council area. Find a Get Wet Stay Safe session near you by clicking the link below.

Get Wet NI – HAVE A GO FOR LESS

Fitness classes and the gym

Fitness classes and gym sessions are a fantastic way to boost your energy, build strength, make friends and have fun while staying active. From dance and yoga to spin classes and weight training there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Find out more about what is available in your local area.

Other sports

When it comes to sport there is a huge variety of opportunities available in Northern Ireland, from football, rugby, basketball and hurling to athletics, ice skating, tennis and parkour there really is something for everyone. Trying different sports can provide a new challenge and an opportunity to have some fun, meet new people and be part of a community. To find more information about local sports clubs you can contact Sport NI or the Governing Body for the sport – a full list of Sports Governing Bodies can be found on the Sport NI website linked below.

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