Physical Activity

Getting active

Getting Active

Physical activity (as well as a healthy diet) is essential at any age to help control your weight and promote wellbeing. There are so many different types of activities you can do and what's more, getting active is both fun and sociable.  

Getting started
If you are not used to exercising then you should start gently and then gradually increase your levels of activity. It is important to try and do as much physical activity as you can and that you avoid being inactive. Even 60 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity is good for you.

The 'let's get moving' booklet provides lots of tips to help you to get started.

In the long term, physical activity helps to:

• reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease
• reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes
• reduce your risk of some cancers
• improve your quality of life
• sstrengthen your bones and muscles
• helps with arthritis and other conditions affecting the joints.
• improve your mental health and mood
• improve your ability to do daily activities and prevent falls
• increase your chances of living longer

Everyone can gain the health benefits from physical activity - age, ethnicity, shape or size do not matter.

Change4Life

Change4Life is a national initiative which is all about encouraging families to eat well, move more and live longer.

Click here to access the Change4Life website which has lots of tips and advice about getting active. 

Getting active in Nottinghamshire  

There are so many different sports and leisure activities available for individuals and families across Nottinghamshire.

A good starting point to find out what is happening near you is to contact your local council.

Nottinghamshire County Council
Mansfield District Council 
Ashfield District Council  
Gedling Borough Council
Broxtowe Borough Council
Newark and Sherwood District Council
Rushcliffe Borough Council

Sports Nottinghamshire is also a great source of information and advice about getting active.
Visit www.sportnottinghamshire.co.uk

NHS Olympics tool  

To start to gear up towards the celebrations for the 2012 games, the NHS have created a new tool that matches people to the sports which best suit them. Check it out at www.nhs.uk/olympics.