Staying active in Surrey during coronavirus
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Help yourself by moving more. Help others by testing.

Our chances to stay active have altered radically since coronavirus emerged thanks to new rules and restrictions (see some of the latest Government advice), but there’s still lots we can do to keep fit.

Whatever our age or ability, finding safe ways to move more – and importantly shed any excess weight which is a proven risk factor– is something that we can all do to lessen the impact of the virus. Keeping active is proven to help both physical and mental health.

We're all encouraged to test twice weekly at home to track the spread of the virus and its variants, especially if you regularly have contact with others. Taking a home lateral flow test is even more important if you feel a bit under the weather with a sore throat, headache, fever or fatigue - potential signs of infection even amongst those who have been vaccinated. You can get home tests online, or pick them up from pharmacies.

To help us get back to normal, quicker, if you have any of the three main symptoms (temperature, continuous cough or loss of smell), don't mix with others and arrange a PCR test online or call 119 straightaway.

workout with 4 legged friend

Join the Movement and get active

Whether the weather is playing ball and you're able to get outside or are looking for indoor exercise, making a conscious decision to move more will help you feel better - whatever your age or ability.

Join the Movement from Sport England lists plenty of free and paid-for services AND has the latest advice on the rules around mixing with others for exercise. It's a one-stop shop for those wanting to start or change their wellbeing routine.

Join the Movement

two people cycling through forest

Feel better: grab some green

Any movement helps but getting outside for our exercise fix gives us fresh air and boosts our mood. So if you can, get out for a walk, jog, or hop on a bike. Plan your route to avoid places where social distancing can be tricky and keep up the good work by washing your hands as soon as you get back inside.

If working from home or the office, schedule some time outside, even if it’s a quick 15 min walk at lunchtime or simply taking the kids to school. Talking of children, make sure you all agree some screen-free activities for them too (Chief Medical Officer guidelines suggest young people should be active for at least 60 minutes a day).

Alongside Sport England's Join the Movement site, we've listed a few of the easiest and most popular (free!) ways to get active below, but check out the NHS Better Health website for more ideas

  • Brisk walking is a great form of exercise. Join a million people who've downloaded the Active 10 app and hit the streets near you, or take to wide open spaces like the Surrey Hills. Fancy walking with others? Check out walks from your local council, or visit Ramblers Wellbeing Walks
  • You know that resolution you think about starting every January, where you take up running? Now's the ideal time - hundreds of thousands have downloaded the Couch to 5k app in recent months.
  • Try hopping on your bike for a local ride (just do the NHS a favour and wear a helmet). If you need some advice, a good place to start is the Bikeability website.   

If you have a bit more time on your hands try a longer walk like those in the Surrey Collection. The hub on the Ordnance Survey Get Outside site also has hundreds of ideas linked to walking, cycling, climbing... and tips for family activities like den building.

Don't feel in the right mood?

Even at the best of times it can be difficult to motivate ourselves, but making a commitment to stay active every day really will help. If you're feeling low or worried, or have concerns for your children, check out NHS Every Mind Matters for advice on boosting mental wellbeing.

If you want to take part in some free online classes especially created to help you lift your mood or just have contact with others in the local area, visit Surrey Virtual Wellbeing. 

Keep up to date

Follow us on social media to be kept up to date with any C-19 developments relating to sport, as well as our latest news and ideas that will help you #StayActive. Don’t forget to let us know what you're up to by tagging us on one of our channels too - we may even repost your news.