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Move your way in 2026 – no rules, just you

22nd December 2025

You don't need to transform your life to start moving in the new year – take a look at these simple ideas to help you build more movement into your day and feel better.

January can feel cold, dark, and full of 'new year, new you' pressure – but you don’t need to transform your life to start moving.

Forget extreme resolutions, fancy gear, or chasing performance. This is about finding your own way to move, feeling okay in your own skin, and proving to yourself that it’s possible – whatever’s going on with your body, life or mood.

We've pulled together some simple ideas to help you build more movement into your day, when and how you want to. You can start with just 10 minutes – or even build up to that.

They may not be rocket science but that’s the point – the best types of movement are the ones you enjoy, lift your mood and make you feel better.

Two women stretch on their knees during a living room yoga session.

Five simple ways to get moving

1. Dance anywhere and anyhow you like

Blast your favourite playlist and move however feels good. Two or three songs and you’re done. No choreography, no judgement – just you.

2. Layer up and take a brisk (for you) walk

Even five minutes outside counts. Walk to the end of your street and back. Fresh air and daylight can do wonders. You don’t need to power walk – just go a little faster than you normally would, if you can.

If you want to step it up slightly, the first few weeks of Couch to 5K are a great way of building very short bursts of slow running into your walk. You can take it as fast or slow as you like and you can always stop, start again or do something else. Build up to running at your own pace.

3. Try a beginner-friendly online workout

Search for '10-minute beginner workout' or 'gentle movement for beginners' on YouTube. No equipment needed – just press play.

Couch to Fitness has some great five-minute bite-sized routines to get you started.

4. Drop into your local leisure centre

You don’t need a membership – many offer pay-as-you-go swims or short sessions.

Ten minutes in the pool can feel amazing. Or just go and have a look around and see if there are any sessions or classes that might appeal to you.

5. Turn TV time into movement time

During an ad break or between episodes do a few gentle squats, march in place, or just stand and sway. It all counts.

Three thoughts to help when you’re struggling with motivation

1
Getting started
is always the hardest bit – just focus on that first step.

2
Remember
you can always stop if today is just not the day.

3
Imagine
how you'll feel afterwards – even if you’re just glad it’s done.

Three thoughts to keep you going

  • Every step, stretch, or shimmy is a win – celebrate it.
     
  • Starting small is powerful. Two minutes, five minutes, 10 minutes today is more than zero yesterday.
     
  • You’re proving to yourself that movement is possible – and that’s amazing.
A woman wearing a headscarf walks in a park.

A quick reflection afterwards

Thinking about how moving made you feel can help you build longer-term habits. So after you move, ask yourself:

  • do I feel a tiny bit warmer?
  • did my mood shift even 1%?
  • would I do that again tomorrow?

No journaling, no scores – just notice. And if you have a day where you didn’t enjoy it, notice that too, without any self-judgement.

We like the way you move, however you’re moving. And we want you to like it, too. 

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