ACTIVE FRIENDS:
WHAT IS PHYSICAL ACTIVITY?
Physical activity is any movement that uses energy. We can be physically active during leisure time, at work, through active travel and everyday household activities. Just a few examples of physical activity include walking, cycling, dancing, and gardening.
KEY MESSAGE
Any movement is better than none, any time is good to start!
UK CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER’S GUIDELINES
Below is the UK Chief Medical Officer’s guidance on the amount of physical activity we should aim to achieve. We recommend going at a pace most suitable for you and those you are supporting, even if that means doing one step at a time.
EVEN SMALL CHANGES CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
Although we should work towards achieving this level of physical activity, some health benefits are achieved below these guidelines.
This diagram is taken from the UK Chief Medical Officers’ Physical Activity Guidelines. It shows that the biggest health benefits of moving can come from starting just a little bit of activity, compared to doing no physical activity at all.
It is recommended that we are active every day. Aiming to do small amounts of activity each day (e.g. 10 minutes at a time), can be effective for people just starting their physical activity journey. This is a great first step to getting closer to meeting the physical activity guidelines.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
View the NHS physical activity guidelines and resources here.
REFLECT AND ACT!
REFLECT
Think about the ways in which you are currently active and note them down.
ACT
- Make a list of opportunities for you to be more active. For example, during TV adverts, walking, or biking with the kids to school.
- Set a reminder for during the week to give it a go.
KEY MESSAGE
Any movement is better than none, any time is good to start!
ACTIVE FRIENDS TOOLKIT
To move onto the next part of the toolkit, click the Benefits of Physical Activity button below.
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