Physical activity doesn't require special equipment or spaces, just regular movement that gets your heart racing and your body active.
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.