Parasport's Top 10 tips to try something new!
2020 is done and while challenges remain, there’s never been a better time to add a bit of spice to your life and try something new.
Life may still be very different for us all - but the world of movement and activity is always open and it’s never been more important to be in touch with body and mind.
Here are ten nuggets of advice from Parasport powered by Toyota to kickstart your year!
1. Take on a challenge
January promises to be tough for many up and down the country, and holding yourself accountable to a monthly challenge could help!
Charity Sport in Mind are running a ‘Join Red January’ Challenge, a flexible, goal-setting challenge to help raise money to improve the lives of people experiencing mental health problems through physical activity.
Or perhaps WheelPower's Winter Walk & Push can help inspire you!
Throughout January WheelPower are encouraging everyone to help raise some much-needed funds for the charity by completing your own walking or pushing challenges across the month.
Not only will the money raised help support the lives of thousands of disabled children and newly injured adults, but the activity will also boost your mental and physical health and well-being.
2. Whatever the weather
The nights are long and the days are cold, but sometimes there’s no substitute for getting out there and doing it. You always end up feeling better, even if it’s just fresh air.
We loved seeing Shaun Gash’s ‘wheelchair on ice’ routine as he braved snowy conditions in the north-west!
3. Be in it to win it!
Why not enter a competition and see if the new year brings you a new streak of good luck!
Parasport’s first-ever Club of the Month Dance Syndrome have linked up with website Disability Horizons to run a competition to win 11 free tickets to their virtual sessions. Enter here!
4. Get the coaching bug
Lockdown is a great opportunity to expand your knowledge base and equip yourself with new, exciting skills that will come into their own when life is more normal.
For instance, Disability Sport Wales are running a series of online workshops to support clubs with being inclusive for disabled people. Autism awareness and mental health are just two of the options on offer.
5. Get inspired
Like the general public, elite athletes with a disability have had to show resilience to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions to continue chasing their dreams.
The ParalympicsGB+1 series tells a behind the scenes story of how some of Britain’s best athletes have conquered challenges to keep up preparations for the Tokyo 2020 games.
6. Freshen it up
January could be the month to give the wardrobe a spruce up and make sure you look fly.
If cycling is your thing, In Tandem Clothing’s t-shirts look ace and for each purchase, money is donated to inclusive cycling charities!
7. Ramble on
Walking has been a lifeline for millions during the pandemic and is a perfect adaptive activity.
There are many brilliant online resources, but Walking for Health is particularly attuned to accessibility and has advice for those walking with health conditions.
8. Hot stepper
Raising your step count is a simple way of boosting - and tracking - your activity level and how much you’re moving on a daily basis.
Different step counts can be right for different people, based on energy and capability, but EveryoneActive are running a challenge to raise your step count in January.
9. Stay safe
Staying active is vitally important but it must be done in accordance with COVID-19 restrictions.
Stay in touch with changes in local regulations on gov.uk/coronavirus and be vigilant at all times.
10. Home workouts for the win!
2020 was the year of the home workout and that’s going to be no different in 2021.
Parasport’s Home Workout Zone continues to grow, with dozens of virtual activities now listed on the portal. With seated yoga, virtual fitness, boxercise and dance classes from a variety of providers all available, there’s a home workout out there for you.
Looking to make 2021 the year of getting active? Share your photos of you getting active with us on Twitter by using the hashtag #AnyonesGame!