Keeping active
Keeping active is great for your body and your mind, from playing footie to trying to walk to school everyday. Take our quick quiz and discover which activities would really suit you.
Why is exercise so good?
Stay fit and healthy
This in turn helps you feel good about your body.
It can be fun!
You just need to find the right exercise for you.
Develop new skills
Learn a new sport and make new friends.
It releases endorphins
There are ‘happy chemicals’ which help make you feel good.
Find the right exercise for you
There’s loads of ways to get your 60 minutes exercise. Not just straightforward walking, but team sports, yoga and even adrenaline sports and martial arts training. Take our quiz to discover which activities would really suit you.
Everyday exercises
In your everyday life there are some activities which can be swapped for more active options. Swipe the items below to see how you can become more active.
Driving or getting the bus
Sometimes you need to get the bus, but there are other options that can help you to move more.
There are other ways to get around!
It can be fun to travel on a bike or a skateboard instead of relying on public transport.
Lazy lunchtimes
Used to sitting inside at lunchtime or not moving about much?
Active lunchtimes
Instead could you play a game of footie or netball or go for a walk?
Playing computer games
Watching TV or playing computer games can be a good way to relax but they don’t help you to move much!
Exercise can still be relaxing
Why not try a quick 30 minute blast of exercise, such as a walk, a bike ride or yoga?
Sneaky shortcuts
It’s easy to get the lift or to sit down on the bus but could you be moving more?
Keep active
Take the stairs, choose a further bus stop or stand up on the bus!
Boring evenings and dull weekends
It can get boring sitting inside watching TV or milling around the house.
Plan some activities!
Head to the park and get your family and friends involved! You could try dog walking, a treasure hunt or a big team game of rounders or basketball.
Just remember, everything counts! Even getting off the bus a couple of stops early when you’re going into town. If you choose a sport you love, whether that’s martial arts or gymnastics, it shouldn’t feel like a chore. And afterwards, you’ll feel great.
Overcoming exercise fear
Serious question, are you worried about exercising? Is something stopping you, or you’re not sure where to begin? Here we’ve tackled some issues that you might be having and asked our experts for advice on getting past them…
What about exercising at home where you can quickly jump in the shower? Or try gentle exercise like yoga or walking – everything counts.
Build your confidence by exercising at home first, then join a beginners’ team of like-minded people, so you can all make a start together
If you already feel unfit, it’s actually the perfect time to start. Try a more relaxed activity such as yoga or walking first. Start slow and you’ll soon make progress
You could join a beginners’ sports team, where everyone’s starting from scratch. It’s a great way to develop new skills and make new friends
Let’s get real here, exercise isn’t the most glamorous activity. You might sweat, your face might get red and there definitely isn’t an Instagram filter involved!
But who cares?
The most important thing to remember is, you’re exercising for you. The more you exercise, the more you enjoy the way you look – because you know that sweat and a red face mean you’ve been working really hard…
…which means you’re going to feel great – inside and out.
For more inspiration, visit the This Girl Can website which is a celebration of active girls and women all over the country. Discover new activities and read real-life stories from girls and women just like you.
Don’t be embarrassed. Don’t ‘forget your gym kit’ or feel ashamed about how you look. Feel proud of your body and embrace what it can do. Get started today!
Still unsure or have a question? Try speaking to your sports teacher at school or get more information from the NHS’ useful factsheet.
Ready to start exercising?
Just a few small changes will help you feel happier and healthier every day.
Remember, you’re aiming for 60 minutes of activity every day. That’s four 15 minute slots, which you can fill-up with any sport or activity – from walking to school to games lessons or joining a sports club. Don’t worry if you don’t get 60 minutes every day – it’s just important to try your best, because then you’ll feel even better.
There’s lots of local activities to get involved in!
Sports clubs in Leeds
Find sports clubs in Leeds and your local area and find out how you can take part.
Sports clubs in Leeds
Cycle Leeds
Cycle Leeds has bike training courses for everyone, so you can learn how to ride safely in your local area.
Learn how to ride safely
GoTri
GO TRI is for everyone. They offer sessions, to give you a try of a triathalon, no matter your level! Find a swim, bike or run session or take part in your very first multisport event.
Find GO TRI session near you
LGBT sports
Find loads of information on sports clubs for anyone who identifies as LGBT. Join up, meet new friends and get active.
LGBT sport clubs in Leeds
Disability Sport
If you’re disabled, this page has plenty of information about sports clubs and events in Leeds for you to get involved in.
Disability sports clubs
Leeds Let’s Get Active
Find FREE sports sessions in your local area, including gym and swim sessions. You can register and find out more about cycle and dance sessions too.
Free sport sessions
Netmums
Discover loads of unusual activities in your local area, from junior bootcamp classes to capoeira (a Brazilian form of martial arts and music).
Netmums
Breeze Active
The Breeze Active website has loads of information about sports and activities in Leeds, including lessons and sports club searches.
Breeze Active