Over the festive period, you may be more likely to indulge in lots of delicious food and drink. After the celebrations are over, you might want to make some healthy lifestyle changes in the new year, and you wouldn’t be alone.
In fact, according to Finder, health changes are the most common type of new year’s resolution with 35% of people wanting to make some improvements in this area.
Staying active is one of the most effective ways to boost your overall wellbeing, and there are many excellent ways to do that close to home.
Read on to learn five ways to get active in and around Chobham.
1. Take a walk around Chobham Common or Water Meadows
Walking is a simple, low-impact way to increase your activity levels. Regular walks could help you improve your cardiovascular health, potentially lose weight, and strengthen your joints.
There are some beautiful walking spots on your doorstep, such as Chobham Common. The relatively short circular walk starting at Staple Hill car park takes you through the heathlands and forested areas, where you can spot some unique wildlife.
Alternatively, you might head to Chobham Water Meadows where you’ll find a picturesque circular walk right in the town centre.
Our previous article on the best winter walks in and around Chobham has more inspiration about routes if you want to make walking part of your regular routine.
2. Sign up at Profound Fitness
If you’re looking to join a gym in the new year, you might consider Profound Fitness in Chobham. The fitness studio, located near Fairoaks airport, has all the latest equipment for you to engage in whatever activities suit your lifestyle and ability levels.
The use of the studio at Profound Fitness is free so there is no membership to pay. Instead, you will arrange and pay for sessions with a qualified personal trainer. They can discuss your goals with you and create tailored workouts that help you achieve a fitness routine that works for you.
As there is no membership to pay, this could be an excellent way to see if exercising in the gym is right for you without committing to a lengthy contract. Plus, you have the expert support of a professional personal trainer.
The trainers can also conduct specific sessions for those with injuries or medical conditions, so you can benefit regardless of your health and fitness levels.
3. Try yoga at Chobham Community Centre
Yoga could help you stay flexible and improve your balance, which may be increasingly important as you get older. Many people enjoy the practice for its mental health benefits too, as it can help to reduce stress.
Chobham Community Centre hosts weekly classes run by Just Love Yoga, where you can learn from an experienced instructor. The classes vary, with some offering guided group practice while others provide one-to-one guidance to help you improve your skills.
Classes are held on a Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday so you should be able to find one that fits around your schedule.
4. Join the Woking Park Run
The Park Run is a free worldwide event that sees runners around the world complete a 5km route in their local parks.
The Woking Park Run takes place every Saturday morning at 9 am in Woking Park. The event is open to all ages and abilities, so whether you want to push yourself for a personal best or walk the whole route, the Park Run is the place to go.
The community spirit of the event can also be a very useful motivator if you find it difficult to remain consistent with your exercise.
You won’t need to pay to enter but if you want to record your time, you can register on the Park Run website to be issued with a barcode before you attend.
5. Go for a swim at Dumsey Meadow
Open water swimming has grown in popularity in the past few years due to its numerous health benefits. Swimming of any kind is an effective low-impact exercise that improves fitness and strengthens various joints and muscles throughout the body.
Swimming outdoors may also bring additional benefits. For instance, the colder temperature of the water has been shown to boost your immune system, and spending time outside in nature can have a positive effect on your mental health.
If you want to try outdoor swimming, you may consider a visit to Dumsey Meadow – a small area of grassland on the bank of the Thames. The area is a popular outdoor swimming spot as you can easily get in and out of the water from the bank.
Bear in mind that the Thames is a tidal river so you may want to wear safety equipment such as a life jacket if you plan to swim.
Will you get involved in some of these healthy activities in the new year?
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