2010 Challenge: Do Two and a Half hours of Aerobic Exercise a week

Two and a half hours of exercise may sound like a lot but it doesn't have to be done all at once. In fact, experts believe even just three 10 minute bouts of aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, cycling and even just jumping up and down on the spot each day can have a huge impact on our weight and our health helping us to look better and live longer. Recent statistics show that the average person in the UK watches 3 hours of television a week too so, when you think of it like that a measly 2 hours a week suddenly sounds so much more achievable!

What's more, you can choose what type of exercise and when best suits you to do it. There are no hard a fast rules here just that it must be aerobic based e.g. brisk walking, swimming, cycling, stepping, running, dancing, skating you must feel warm and slightly out of breath whilst exercising and it must be done in minimum bouts of ten minutes at a time. Other than that, you decide how best to fit these two hours of extra activity into your life. Here are a few ideas parent friendly ideas of how to do just that ......

• Put baby in the three wheeler and run to the shops and back.
• Rent or buy an exercise bike and vow to cycle your way through Eastenders
• Buy some skipping ropes and let the kids skip along with you.
• Discover your inner child and bounce on the kid's trampoline to your favourite rock music!
• Treat the dog to a 30 minute brisk stroll around the block every day.
• Invest in a child seat for your bike and cycle to and from your local summer fayre or park this weekend.
• Swim or power wade through the water at your local baths.
• Impress the children by learning to roller blade around the local park
• Dance to your favourite fitness DVD while your little one has their mid morning sleep.
• Team up with other school gate mums for a 30 minute power walk after drop off.

Did You Know ...
Thirty minutes of moderate activity five times a week can help manage your weight, keep you fit and can halve your risk of heart disease. Despite these recommendations nearly 70% of people don't do enough physical activity to benefit their health.

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