Inactivity has been identified as becoming more prevalent in today’s society and this has been linked to many diseases and conditions that people develop over their lifetime. Unfortunately, a decrease in activity and an increase in sedentary based behaviour occur in young children through to older adults; as a result many initiatives and campaigns have been initiated to target this inactive behaviour.
There are many benefits to reducing inactive behaviour, below are a few:
- Reduce body fat
- Increase energy
- Improve mental health
- Increase independence
- Reduce risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke
- Improves immune system
- Feel strong and fit
- Improve quality of life
- Keep you and your family healthy and happy
Activity doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym. There are many ways that you can be active in daily life and with the family. Building activity into daily life is the most effective way to stay active, here are some ideas:
- Pick an active hobby i.e. dancing, bowling, sight seeing
- Make yourself walk to the shops
- Swap your car for a bicycle or make a family bike ride a regular activity
- Schedule time into your day in advance, use 10-20 minute workouts to slot into your day
- Find out what free activities you can take part in
- Join local free walking groups
- Get active in the garden
For more ideas of how to get active and reduce your inactive behaviour, visit www.nhs.uk/change4life
