Friday 24 April 2020
Heath Farm’s Registered Manager, Neil, is no Joe Wick’s but is running PE sessions for children, carers and staff on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays within the agency.
With everyone now in lock down, getting up, out and about is increasingly difficult. Like Joe Wickes, running his PE sessions, Neil has taken the leap to getting on line and running movement classes for everyone involved at Heath Farm Fostering.
Based on the concept of HIIT training, a gentle warm up and then 15 minutes of timed exercises where you can work as hard or as gentle as you want. All you need is a little room and space to move without bumping over the coffee table!
Neil writes “Why am I doing this? Well, I have 32 years’ experience in running martial art and fitness classes. I want to be able to share with the importance of movement. It keeps us physically well and mentally alert. During times of uncertainty, this will keep us focussed and feeling better. So, if you are at home with the children or working from home, it is an opportunity to close the lap top, get up from your desk and move! I guarantee you will feel better for it, more energised and ready to take on the day with more gusto!”
We had 38 people online on Monday, which is a great start to getting the agency moving.
Being physically fit means you are able to engage in consistent exercise because your cardiovascular system is healthy, your body is flexible and your muscles are strong.
Weight Control
Engaging in physical activity burns calories, which helps you lose unwanted weight or stay at a healthy number. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 150 minutes of exercise each week to maintain your weight. Increase this number for healthy weight loss. In addition, being physically fit increases your overall lean muscle mass, which boosts your metabolism and helps you burn more calories.
Reduces the Risk of Disease
Regular exercise creates a physically fit body, which helps control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing your risk of heart disease. Controlling weight, cholesterol and blood pressure with regular workouts also helps lower your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. People who live an active lifestyle reduce their risk of several types of cancer, primarily colon and breast cancers, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.
Improves Mood
Regular activity keeps your brain healthy and enhances thinking, learning and memory. It may also reduce your risk of depression by boosting endorphins in your brain. Even small amounts of exercise are beneficial, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, the recommendation is 30 to 60 minutes three to five times per week for optimal brain and mood benefits.
Strong Bones and Muscles
Aerobic exercise tones and strengthens your muscles, but including two 20- to 30-minute strength-training sessions each week enhances the benefit. Weightlifting, using resistance bands or practicing yoga are strength-training activities that count toward this goal. Creating a physically fit body slows bone density loss and keeps your muscles strong. This reduces your risk of osteoporosis and makes day-to-day tasks easier.
Increases Life Span
People who engage in several hours of activity each week are not only more likely to be physically fit, but they can have a 40 percent lower risk of dying early, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Being physically fit also reduces the risk of falls as you age. More exercise increases life span benefits, but any amount is a good way to live longer.
There’s lots of ways our teams are supporting our carers and their families during the Coronavirus pandemic. Find out more about what we’re doing to ensure our foster carers and their families are supported here, as well as how we’re making sure your fostering journey can still start.