Benefits of exercise and guidelines on physical activity
The UK Chief Medical Officers Physical Activity Guidelines recommend that adults:
- try to be active every day
- aim for at least 150 minutes of activity a week
- take part in a variety of activities that suit their needs and abilities
These guidelines cover the amount, duration, frequency and type of activity recommended for different groups:
- Physical activity for early years (0-5 years).
- Physical activity for children and young people (5-18 years).
- Physical activity for adults and older adults.
- Physical activity for adults with disabilities.
- Physical activity for pregnant women.
- Physical activity for women after childbirth (from birth to 12 months afterwards).
Health benefits of physical activity
Being physically active can help you live a healthier and happier life at any age and can also lower the risk of early death by up to 30%.
There is strong scientific evidence that regular activity reduces the risk of frailty, stress, protects mental health, and reduces major illnesses including:
- coronary heart disease and stroke
- type 2 diabetes
- bowel cancer
- breast cancer in women
- early death
- osteoarthritis
- hip fracture
- falls (among older adults)
- depression
- dementia, including Alzheimer's disease
Physical activity can also improve your self-esteem, mood, sleep, energy levels and reduce stress.
For more information visit the NHS exercise webpage.