We are all aware of the benefits of staying active, especially as we get older. The positive effects of regular exercise have been proven to improve sleep, manage stress, reduce cardiovascular disease, and enhance the quality of life. However, when you have a caring role, staying active can fall to the bottom of the “to-do” list. There are several barriers for carers to stay active, such as not having the time, motivation, and cost implications.
However, staying active as a carer is not just about maintaining physical health; it’s about ensuring you have the strength, energy, and resilience to provide the best care possible. By incorporating simple, manageable exercises into your daily routine, prioritising your mental health, setting realistic goals, and seeking support, you can find a balance that works for you. Remember, taking care of yourself is not a luxury but a necessity. Your health and well-being are just as important as those you care for.
Solihull Active is Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council’s leisure, sport, and physical activity team in Public Health. They aim to improve lives by inspiring communities to be more active and supporting the provision of targeted services for the least active individuals in the borough.
This summer, they have launched their “So Go” campaign to encourage everyone to get active. Their free programme includes a wide variety of physical activity sessions based in community spaces in Solihull, with inclusive opportunities for all ages and abilities. You can view some of what they have planned below.
Park Active
A range of inclusive activity sessions in local parks for all ages, such as table tennis, multi-sports, fun games, walking sports, gentle exercise and more.
- Gentle Exercise (Indoor / Women’s Only): Seated or standing exercise to help improve strength and balance.
- Inclusive Family Multisport & Games: Activities including Football, Rounders, Cricket, Scavenger hunts and much more.
- Fundamental Movement & Games (18 months – 7 Years): Fun sessions which uses child friendly themes to promote children’s development.
- Tai Chi (Adults only): Gentle movement through Yang style Tai Chi and Qigong (breathing exercises).
- Walking Tennis (Adults Only): a gentler version of Tennis. Walking Tennis is safe, fun and inclusive and a fantastic way to stay active.
- Pickleball (Adults Only): Pickleball is fun, social and friendly. The rules are simple and the game is easy for beginners to learn.
- Touch Tennis (Adults Only): Is a sport for people of all abilities thanks to its specially-designed ball and unique rules.
- Family Orienteering: Score 45, Race against the clock to find as many markers as possible.
- Sensory Walks: Use your senses to connect with your surroundings and stay active.
- Outdoor Table Tennis: come and try table tennis sessions for all ages.
Cycling: Beginner cycling activities, including adult learn to ride, ‘Get Pedalling’ for children & families and short family-friendly guided bike rides, with bikes/helmets available to borrow. To book your free cycling sessions please use the hyperlinks.
Bike Festivals: Enjoy a variety of free cycling activities for all the family (11am-2pm). Saturday 27th July at Shirley Park, Tuesday 30th July at Tudor Grange Park, Saturday 10th August at Babbs Mill Park and Saturday 24th August at Elmdon Park.
Swimming Festivals: Take part in our swimming festivals on Sunday 4th August at Tudor Grange and Sunday 11th August at North Solihull, both 1-3pm. Put the date in your diary. To find out more and register your place visit Swim Solihull – Solihull On The Move
Click the below image to download the full timetable of activities.
It is not just during the summer months that Solihull Active can support you to get active and live a healthier lifestyle all year round. Across the borough, there are a range of services that can help you get active and support your health and wellbeing. These include physical activity services for families, older adults, people with disabilities and long-term health conditions, plus a wide range of other healthy lifestyle services. You can find out more via their website by clicking HERE.
When thinking about getting active as a carer it is important to remember that every little counts! A short walk, housework, gardening, all count towards being more active and contribute to our wellbeing. We encourage you to try new things, whether that is joining a walking group, attending a class with the person you care for or even follow a workout online. The NHS website has a great resource of workout video for all abilities which you can find HERE.
Remember, every bit of activity adds up, so start small and keep moving forward toward a healthier, happier life!
