MOVING
How much have you moved today?
Fitting some physical activity into your day is easier than you think.
Being active is really good for your body, mind and health – and there are lots of easy ways you and your family can get moving!
Moving and you
To stay healthy or to improve health, you need to do two types of physical activity each week: aerobic and strength exercises. If you're not as active as you should be you are putting your health and quality of life at risk.
Protect your body
Being active every day helps you stay physically healthy. If you aren't very active you increase your risk of getting serious conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.
Protect your mind
Being active is really good for your mind as well as your body. Getting some physical activity each day can help prevent you getting depression, anxiety and other mental health problems. Moving more can also help you get a good night's sleep, which helps your brain to rest and recharge.
Age well
Being active is critical to maintain a healthy body and mind for later years. Not being active increases your risk of many conditions that will impact on your future quality of life, including dementia, osteoarthritis and general physical limitations in older age.
Why move more?
There are lots of reasons to be more active. Moving more is good for your body and mind, helps stop you getting serious health problems and it can help you sleep better.
Just a few small changes can make a big difference to your life and how you feel.
For your body
Being active has lots of benefits for your body. As well as lowering your risk of developing serious health problems such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, being active helps keep your heart healthy, keeps your muscles, bones and joints strong and can help improve your balance.
For your mind
If you are suffering from depression or anxiety, being active every day can help to ease the symptoms. Physical activity can also help with stress. Although it won't make your stress disappear, it can help clear your thoughts so you can deal with any problems more calmly.
Enjoy life now and tomorrow
Being active slows the natural breakdown of your bones and muscles, and helps you maintain a healthy weight and good circulation. It also helps maintain your brain. Being active helps keep you healthy and prevents health conditions that can hold you back – so you can make the most of every day now and in the future.
Get moving now
It's easy to move more and doing something is better than nothing. Start small and build up gradually – just 10 minutes at a time can be really good for you.
Make a start today. It's never too late.
Move more
Find a way of being active that you enjoy and you're more likely to stick to it. Get your heart beating faster and your lungs working harder for at least 10 minutes at a time. Try going for a brisk walk – keep up the pace for 10 continuous minutes and it counts as exercise!
Sit less
Find ways to be more active each day. Start with reducing the amount of time you spend sitting down – get up, stretch your legs more often and do more steps each day. Take the stairs whenever you can and go on a brisk walk to the shops instead of driving.
Build strength
Building your strength helps keep your muscles, bones and joints strong. Start small with exercises using your body weight, like press ups and squats. This will help you feel stronger, more flexible and full of energy.
Other Health Information
How healthy is the food you eat?
What you eat, and how much, is so important for your health. Choosing healthier foods for you and your family is easier than you may think.
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