Sports and fitness

Exercise and physical activity

Exercise isn't just for fitness fanatics or sporty types.

Taking regular exercise and keeping active can benefit people of all ages and fitness levels. Exercise can improve your health, confidence and quality of life.

Benefits of exercise and physical activity

Physical activity can boost your physical and mental wellbeing and change your outlook on life. Some of the benefits of physical activity include:

  • More energy.
  • Reduced stress.
  • Stronger bones and muscles.
  • Better balance, strength, suppleness and mobility.
  • Improved sleep.
  • Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight.
  • Lowers your risk of developing diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
  • More social opportunities.
  • A sense of achievement.
  • More independence in later life.

How much exercise should I do?

Adults should do at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, 5 or more days a week.

Children and young people need to be active for at least 1 hour every day. This can be reached through active play, taking part in sports or walking to and from school.

Ideas to get more active

Here are some of the many ways you can get out and be more active in the borough:

You can also use exercise as a way to spend time with friends and family or to socialise with new people.

If you find it difficult to fit exercise into your day, a brisk walk, jog or even energetic cleaning can help you reach 30 minutes of exercise.