Check out Paddy Barnes’s top tips for getting active

Facing into the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, I’m upping my game when it comes to my own training. The rewards to be reaped from getting active are many, both physically and mentally.

I know people can be intimidated and apprehensive about exercising, just remember you’re not competing with anyone. Getting active is purely for you own benefit, and more importantly, enjoyment.

Check out some handy tips I’ve put together to kick start anyone on their journey to a fitter future:

1. The first suggestion is very simple: walk to work. It’s the easiest way to squeeze activity into your routine and it will make you fresher and more awake when you get to your job. Other ways to easily incorporate activity include taking the stairs instead of the lift, walking instead of driving for any short journeys you have to make, and getting off the bus a stop early.
2. See what facilities are out there in your local community and what your local leisure centre has to offer.
3. Try something new – there are loads of sports out there and you probably haven’t tried them all. I gave hurling a go and had a great time. I was absolutely no good at it to begin with but had a blast and built up a new skill over time.
4. Exercising to your favourite songs can help keep you motivated. Find that tune that gets you into a positive headspace and feel those calories burn.
5. Sign up for a training programme. This year I’ve come on board as an ambassador for the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund which is awarding €125,000 to new initiatives enabling people to get more active, more often in local communities. Check out the projects the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund has supported on its website (coca-cola.ie/thankyou) or look at the wide range of other sports programmes that are out there to take part in. I’d advise choosing a project that has a milestone you can reach so you have a clear goal – something like a run or marathon is perfect.

Olympic athlete Paddy Barnes is an ambassador for this year’s Coca-Cola Thank You Fund. Voluntary and non-profit organisations in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are being encouraged to apply for the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund (the Fund), which will award a total of €125,000 in five separate grants this year. The grants will serve as major funding for innovative projects with new ideas to get us more active, more often.

Applications for the Fund are being accepted online until 6pm on the 29th of June at www.coca-cola.ie/thankyou.