#JoinMe gets Dorset residents active

Back in the summer, we launched our #JoinMe campaign to encourage residents across Dorset to embrace the fun side of physical activity and ask a friend or relative to join them in getting more active.

Doing exercise can quite often feel like a chore, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are so many fun ways you can get active that don’t involve spending loads of money or taking on big challenges. Walking the dog, playing some active games with the kids or going for a bike ride with a friend all count.

We ran a competition to get Dorset residents to share the activities they were doing to help inspire others and we had loads of great pictures of all sorts of activities – including dancing hospital workers, kayaking dogs, plenty of parkrunners and family bike rides.

We chose a lucky winner to receive a Fitbit to help them continue their active lifestyle. The winner was Nikki, who sent in a picture of her playing for her football team. Nikki said: “I’m nearly 50 years of age and playing in a football match with Broadstone Ladies FC. I’m getting fitter, I’ve made loads of friends and it’s improved my mental health. Love my team mates!”

If you’re inspired to start moving more, take a look at LiveWell Dorset’s activity finder for ideas. As we head into the colder months, don’t be put off by the chilly or wet weather, there are loads of exercises you can do indoors or wrapped up warm in the great outdoors!

Six Dorset organisations also joined in the challenge, sharing pictures of their workplace exercises on social media, including planking and wall squats! Can you find a way to get your colleagues to join you in getting active?