New Year is often a time for resolutions. And many of us are probably feeling the after effects of a Christmas well celebrated. For those of us who have piled on the pounds from festive indulgences or inactivity, or for those planning to get healthier in 2016, help is at hand.

While weight gained can take a frustrating amount of time to shift, you would be surprised how a small change in your level of physical activity can make a big difference to your health and well-being.

Taking up a sport or joining a gym offer great opportunities to get fit but there are also loads of fun and easy ways you can get more active for free. Visit activecheshire.org for some great ideas of how you can become more active.

You might think being active involves going to the gym, an exercise class or playing a sport but it’s not just that.

Just think of it in a more everyday way that incorporates some activity into your daily routine – even simple things like doing more walking.

Being active includes any physical activity that you do, including cleaning the house and gardening, travelling on foot or by bicycle and manual jobs at work.

You could benefit hugely from simple activities such as taking the stairs (rather than the lift) or walking briskly to the shops.

It’s not only the big changes that will make the difference to your heart, but also lots of little ones.

Register with Active Cheshire for free, where you can log and keep track of your activity, whatever you do.

This will help you with motivation and give you a better chance of achieving your goals.

So don’t let the Christmas bulge get you down, it’s a new year with healthy possibilities so start being active today.