New Carers UK videos support unpaid carers to be active at home
As part of their Carers Active project, Carers UK has developed a new series of inclusive activity and wellbeing videos aimed at unpaid carers so that they can be active at home when it’s convenient to them.
The video sessions feature real carers alongside professional instructors. They have been specially designed for all abilities and for people who aren’t able to go to gyms or leisure facilities and would prefer to be active at home whenever they like, and for as long as they like.
The video series can be accessed on Carers UK YouTube channel and the Carers Active Hub.
Carers UK hopes that the online videos, which are suitable for a variety of activity levels will motivate carers to be active in a way that works for them, using simple, varied, and fun instructed activities that are designed to improve cardiovascular fitness, strength, balance, coordination, boost energy and reduce stress.
Claire, a carer from Bournemouth spoke about how the videos will support her to be active. She said:
"It can be difficult to find time for yourself when you are a carer, let alone prioritising your own health and fitness and you can feel tired and unmotivated. The new activity and well-being videos feel achievable and sustainable as they’re only 15 minutes long, which is easily slotted into my day. It’s great that I don’t have to travel, get cover for or leave the person(s) I care for to take part, as I can do it in the comfort of my own home. I’m looking forward to making the videos a part of my regular routine and enjoy the benefits of improved strength and movement."
The activity and wellbeing video series features six different sessions, each around 15 minutes long, which can be paused throughout at any time with a chance to take a break, and no specialist equipment is needed. The sessions are:
- Functional fitness
- Seated exercise
- Dance
- Pilates
- Mindful movement
- Boxing exercise
Each one can be tried independently of the others, in any order. No experience or knowledge of an activity is needed. Most of the activities can be done while seated if preferred.
There are also twelve different 30 second functional exercises that can be done around the home including squats, lunges, wall presses and bicep curls.
The videos focus on ensuring the audience are being mindful of their health, and are accompanied by appropriate safety messages, instructions and signposting to more information and support.
