Keeping active

What is physical activity?

Physical activity can come in many different forms, and can be different for everyone. It is important to find an activity that you enjoy and meets your personal goals. Physical activity is all movement that uses more energy than resting. For example:

• Swimming
• Dancing
• Gardening
• Walking
• Gym

Why should I be active?

Physical activity can reduce the risk of early death and ill health from:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Diabetes
• Several cancers
• Dementia
• Diagnosed depression

Other benefits include:

• Socialising and meeting people
• Improved mental health and wellbeing
• Improved community spirit
• Cost saving
• Improved mood
• Maintaining independence 

How active should I be

The UK Chief Medical Officers' medical offer has set some guidelines, recommending how active we should be.

There is no minimum amount of physical activity required to achieve some health benefits. Every minute counts, even if 150 minutes isn’t achievable.

As well as aerobic exercise (e.g. running and swimming), we need to undertake activities that improve muscle function, bone health and improvement in balance – this doesn't need to be going to a gym and lifting heavy weights – there are a number of alternatives that are more suitable and practical for patients including lifting shopping bags, gardening and using resistance bands. 

Top Tips for getting active:

• Choose something you enjoy
• Make small changes and build new habits into your daily routine
• Get outdoors if you can
• Start slow and build gradually
• Buddy up 

Where can I find support

The NHS exercise support pages offer advice, support and also related facts. 

The One You Cheshire East service is available to help you live a healthy lifestyle. This includes information, advice and free services to help you to exercise, eat healthily and to lose weight.

Everybody Health & Leisure run the leisure centres in Cheshire East. They run a variety of different classes and activities for all ages