Getting active

Being physically active every day is one of the best things that you can do for your health and wellbeing. If you are currently inactive, there is a lot to be gained by becoming more active. Even small increases in physical activity can contribute to improved health and quality of life.

UK Chief Medical Officers' Physical Activity Guidelines 2019 D o i n g s o m e p h y s i c a l e x e r c i s e i s g oo d a n d ev e r y m i n u t e c o u n t s s o i t ’ s n ev e r t o o l a t e t o s t a r t . M i n i m i s e s ed e n t a r y t i m e b r e a k u p p e r i o d s o f i n a ct iv i t y B u i l d s t r e n g t h an d i mp r ov e b a l a n c e k e e p m u s c l e s , b o n e s a n d j o i n t s s t r o n g t o a g e h e a l t h il y B e a c t i v e f o r g oo d p h y s i c a l a n d m e n t a l h e a l t h , a d u lt s s ho u l d ai m t o b e p h y s i c al l y a c t i v e ev e r y d a y UK Chief Medical Officers' Physical Activity Guidelines 2019 M i n i m i s e s ed e n t a r y t i m e b r e a k u p p e r i o d s o f i n a ct iv i t y B u i l d s t r e n g t h an d i mp r ov e b a l a n c e k e e p m u s c l e s , b o n e s a n d j o i n t s s t r o n g t o a g e h e a l t h il y B e a c t i v e f o r g oo d p h y s i c a l a n d m e n t a l h e a l t h , a d u lt s s ho u l d ai m t o b e p h y s i c al l y a c t i v e ev e r y d a y

Doing some physical exercise is good and every minute counts so it’s never too late to start.

  • Build strength and improve balance – keep muscles, bones and joints strong to age healthily.
  • Be active – for good physical and mental health, adults should aim to be physically active every day.
  • Minimise sedentary time – break up periods of inactivity.

Source: UK Chief Medical Officers’ Physical Activity Guidelines 2019.

Any form of movement can be beneficial for health

Walking, gardening or even household chores are good ways to build activity into your daily routine. As we age, it is increasingly important to choose exercises which build strength and improve balance. Exercises that improve leg strength, balance and coordination can help people maintain and improve muscle strength and avoid falls as they age. Improving flexibility can improve posture, reduce aches and pains, lower risk of injury, and help with continuing to carry out everyday tasks.

stair climbing going to the gym carrying heavy shopping ball games yoga gardening UK Chief Medical Officers Physical Activity Guidelines 2019 going to the gym yoga carrying heavy shopping ball games UK Chief Medical Officers' Physical Activity Guidelines 2019 gardening stair climbing

  • Ball games
  • Carrying heavy shopping
  • Yoga
  • Going to the gym
  • Stair climbing
  • Gardening

Aim to do muscle strengthening and balance activities at least two days a week.

What are the health benefits of being active?

Regular physical activity provides a wide range of physical and mental health benefits. Some of these are:

  • Reduced risk of many long-term conditions, including dementia
  • Better management of existing conditions
  • Better musculoskeletal health
  • Creating opportunities to connect with other people
  • Creating opportunities to be outdoors
  • Helping to maintain a healthy weight
  • Improved sleep
  • Improved mood, self-esteem and confidence

Source: UK Chief Medical Officers Physical Activity Guidelines 2019 Depression 30% 20% C o l o n c a n c e r 40% 30% Falls C a r d i ov a s c u l a r d i s e a s e 35% 20% 20% Joint and back pain

Being physically active lowers the risk of many health conditions, including: 

  • Depression by up to 30%
  • Colon cancer by up to 20%
  • Cardiovascular disease by up to 35%
  • Falls by up to 30%
  • Type 2 diabetes by up to 40%
  • Joint and back pain by up to 20%
  • Breast cancer by up to 20%

Source: UK Chief Medical Officers’ Physical Activity Guidelines 2019.

For more information about the benefits of physical activity visit the NHS website.

For examples of ways to be active whilst living with a long-term condition visit the We Are Undefeatable website.

Finding ways to get active

Use the Energise Me Hampshire Activity Finder to find local activities in Hampshire.

Across Hampshire there are lots of public spaces and activities available for free. Visit Hampshire provides ideas for things to do that will keep you active and enjoying the outdoors.