Physical activity

Physical activity is a great way of keeping your weight down and reducing your stress levels – and all it takes is around 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day, and you can do that in bite sized chunks.

Physical activity can help you gain:

• better health
• more energy
• less stress
• stronger bones and muscles.
• better balance, strength, suppleness and mobility
• improved sleep
• a better body shape
• more social opportunities
• a sense of achievement
• more independence in later life

Even a little bit of activity can cut the risk of illness such as coronary heart disease, stroke, some cancers and type two diabetes by up to 50 per cent, and cut the risk of premature death by between 20 and 30 per cent.

You’ll find plenty of general information on the Live Well section of NHS Choices.

Active for Life

NHS Brighton and Hove is a partner in Active For Life – a city-wide project designed to help city residents to get active more often. It includes:

• Zest exercise referral scheme (ZestERS) which is designed to initiate long-term lifestyle changes with a programme of supported physical activity options for residents of Brighton and Hove.
• an Active for Life Directory with details of over 400 local sports clubs and groups (available online, from libraries or by phoning 01273 292724)
• physical activity workers in local communities (information from ryan.edwards@brighton-hove.gov.uk /01273 292569
• a regular programme of easy walks in the city and surrounding countryside, led by trained walk leaders (information from healthwalks@brighton-hove.gov.uk /01273 292564)

For more information visit the Sports Development Team at Brighton and Hove City Council.