Easing of restrictions must encourage us all to do more exercise, says Sheffield business leader

For those of us who have had little or no real exercise during the pandemic there is every incentive to increase our activity as we become freer to exercise and with it an increase in our motivation and confidence.

Indeed, there can be no better place to commence such activity than Sheffield with many parks and surrounded by the Peak District.

There are an increasing number of groups in the community that cater for a gentle transition to increasing our physical activity as well as those of us who are comfortable accessing videos, to use at their own pace at home.

We can literally take the first steps by taking the bus/tram, rather than the car, particularly for short journeys, and, as we progress, perhaps alight a few stops before our destination to increase the length of our walks.

Indeed, there is a natural progression to join the many walking groups that readily welcome new members and provide added support in those who share similar interests.

Traffic was always a threat to cyclists, but advances in safer cycle ways made has this increasingly an attractive way of getting fitter.

Our own Sheffield City Trust and People for Places, among many others, provide an array of leisure, gym and swimming pools that cater for new starters, or lapsed ones returning.

Indeed, some of these facilities are used to support those recovering from major medical conditions by tailored rehabilitation programmes.

How better to avoid or alleviate such conditions by taking the initiative to improve our health – the pandemic showed being healthy was a greater protection against being a victim and conversely, the unhealthier we are, the greater the risk .

To do so, needs a change in behaviour too, as the thought of entering a leisure centre full of fit athletic participants daunting to many .

However, new entrants will find this is far from reality, as people there will be at all stages of their journey to get fitter and make new friends – like you.

Indeed, there will those like myself who I found highly supportive as, of course, there is nothing like having the support of peers in the same situation, as well as centre staff tuned in to your needs.

After so many months of isolation, many of us will be looking to return to a normality as soon as possible, but psychologically affected by the challenges we have had to face.

As well as the obvious health benefits of physical activity, is the improvement to our mental wellbeing also.

With the support of family, friends, colleagues and local agencies we can look forward to a freer 2021, but plan improving safely our health by increasing our physical activity.

Safely navigate Christmas by observing social distancing, hand hygiene and wearing masks when advised and the new year will bring the opportunity to exercise safely and improve your health.