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Adults should aim to: do strengthening activities that work all the major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms) on at least 2 days a week. do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity a week.
Exercise can reduce your risk of major illnesses, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer, and lower your risk of early death by up to 30%. Check physical activity guidelines for: children (under 5 years) children and young people (5 to 18 years) adults (19 to 64 years)
- Summary
- Health Benefits of Physical Activity
- Wider Role and Benefits of Physical Activity
- The Scale of Physical Inactivity
- The Barriers to Physical Activity For Those with Long-Term Conditions
- Physical Activity Resources, Programmes and Campaigns For The Public
- Physical Activity Initiatives and Training For Healthcare Professionals
- Call to Action
This edition of Health Matters focuses on the benefit of physical activity for the prevention and management of long-term conditions in adults. The government’s prevention green paperhighlights that becoming more active is good for our mental and physical health, and reduces our risk of developing a number of health conditions. It also sets out the...
In the new UK Chief Medical Officers’ (CMOs) physical activity guidelines launched in September 2019, the CMOsreiterated a clear message about physical activity: “If physical activity were a drug, we would refer to it as a miracle cure, due to the great many illnesses it can prevent and help treat.” Regular physical activity provides a range of phy...
In addition to supporting good physical and mental health and functioning, regular physical activity also contributes to a range of wider social, environmental and economic benefits for individuals, communities and wider society. Addressing physical activity can also benefit a broad range of wider priorities at a local level, such as reducing air p...
In England: 1. 1 in 3 (34%) men are not active enough for good health 2. almost 1 in 2 (42%) women are not active enough for good health 3. 1 in 5 (21%) men are classed as physically inactive 4. 1 in 4 (25%) women are classed as physically inactive 5. 44% of disabled adults are physically inactive 6. only 34% of men and 24% of women undertake muscl...
Insight work has found that 61% of people with long-term conditions and 68% of people with multimorbidities are not content with their physical activity levels and wish to be more active. The Richmond Group of Charities’ Sport and Physical Activity projectidentified a need for insight into physical activity and long-term conditions. It commissioned...
OneYou resources: Active 10 and Couch to 5K
PHE and the NHS’ OneYou resource exists to help the public make small changes that fit their life, so that they feel better and healthier everyday. As part of OneYou, Active 10 and Couch to 5K are resources that support the important physical activity message that ‘some is good, more is better’ and that you can start small and build your activity up. A rapid evidence reviewfound that a reduced level of health benefits can be achieved through activity at less than the optimum 150 minutes, with...
NHS Health Check
The NHS Health Check is a health check-up for adults aged 40 to 74 in England, which plays an important role in the prevention and early detection of CVD. According to the WHO, CVDis the leading cause of death globally, but an estimated 50% to 80% are preventable as they are caused by modifiable risk factors. One of these risk factors is low physical activity (less than 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity). Everyone having an NHS Health Check should receive tailored lifestyle...
NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme
Type 2 diabetes is a major cause of premature mortality, with around 22,000 people with diabetes dying early each year in England. Being overweight and obesity, driven by the obesogenic environment and physical inactivity, are significant risk factors in the development of type 2 diabetes. The NHS DPP is a joint commitment from PHE, NHS England and Diabetes UK. The programme provides evidence-based behavioural interventions at scale for individuals identified – for some through the NHSHealth...
More than 1 in 10 people visit their GPevery 2 weeks and there are 1.2 million health-related visits to a community pharmacy every year. In most cases, those who are regularly engaging with healthcare professionals have, or are at risk of, developing health conditions and are more likely to be inactive. In addition, 1 in 4 people would be more acti...
The role for healthcare professionals
As discussed above, healthcare professionals play a unique role in supporting people living with, or at risk of developing, long-term health conditions to get more physically active. With this in mind, healthcare professionals should: 1. increase their knowledge of individuals’, communities’ and populations’ needs related to physical activity 2. use the resources and the services available in the health and wellbeing system to promote physical activity, including those outlined in the section...
The role for local authorities
Local authorities are the main investors in physical activity in local areas, and should adopt a whole systems approach to ensure that physical activity is embedded across their relevant functions. A local whole systems approach enables local stakeholders, including communities, to come together, share an understanding of the reality of the challenge, consider how the local system is operating and where there are the greatest opportunities for change. Stakeholders agree actions and decide as...
The role for NHS organisations
NHSorganisations have an important role to play in the management and prevention of long-term conditions in adults through physical activity. Their role involves: 1. identifying a senior lead for physical activity in line with NICEguidance 2. sharing and encouraging training leads to include Clinical Champions training sessions within the staff training sessions 3. promoting the use of the e-learning and Moving Medicine resources 4. creating a culture that promotes physical activity, includin...
Jun 26, 2024 · Key facts. Regular physical activity provides significant physical and mental health benefits. In adults, physical activity contributes to prevention and management of noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, enhances brain health, and can improve overall well ...
Oct 3, 2024 · Regular exercise offers a wide range of benefits for both physical and mental health, from improving mood and brain function to supporting strong bones and muscles. Talk to your healthcare provider for advice on an exercise program that is right for you.
Apr 15, 2024 · Guidance on activity can be confusing. Many of us know that we need to be physically active and move more, but we’re not sure what counts or how to do it. Below, we explain what’s meant by ‘moderate’, and ‘vigorous’ in relation to physical activity and how to recognise each phase.
Aug 8, 2023 · Here, we list what you need to know about each exercise type and offer examples to try, with a doctor's okay. 1. Aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise, which speeds up your heart rate and breathing, is important for many body functions. It gives your heart and lungs a workout and increases endurance.
