- Even small increases in physical activity in those who are
not currently active can make a big difference to your health,
Chief Medical Officers say.
- All activity counts, from walking and taking the stairs to
sports.
- Everyone benefits no matter their fitness level, including
those with long-term conditions.
Updated physical activity guidelines confirm that increasing your
physical activity even a bit can make a significant difference to
your health and wellbeing.
The UK's four Chief Medical Officers recommend 150 minutes of
activity per week for good health. Those who are doing the least
activity see the biggest positive impacts on their health when
they start, meaning everyone can benefit, regardless of their
current fitness level.
Professor Isabel Oliver, Chief Medical Officer for Wales, said:
The evidence is clear: being physically active is important for
our health and every little bit counts. Going from doing no
activity to doing some is one of the best things you can do for
your health
The benefits to health are extensive. In children and young
people, regular physical activity is associated with improved
learning and better mental health. In adults, it protects from a
range of many chronic conditions including heart disease,
diabetes and mental health problems.
Walking, cycling, dancing, sport and taking the stairs all count.
Lasting change is most likely when exercise is enjoyable, useful
or part of your everyday routine.
The latest evidence also shows that it is important that we take
part in a range of different activities including muscle
strengthening activities and balance and flexibility exercises.
A weightlifting club in Pontypool is helping over 60s to improve
their strength while socialising, with big benefits to both
physical and mental health. It helps people get active as part of
Torfaen Council's Thrive programme which also links to the wider
council initiative, The Deal.
, Deputy Minister for Public and
Preventative Health, said: "These new guidelines are a reminder
that every step counts to improve our health. Helping people move
more is central to our cross government preventative health
approach."
