Health Services

Physical Activity

hysical inactivity is one of the most prevalent risk factors in our population. It has an impact not only on the prevalence of obesity and overweight, but also reduces cardio-vascular fitness which increases the risk of heart disease.

Regular physical activity can not only help improve your health and well being but can be fun and enjoyable.

Physical activity can:

- Improve your quality of life
- Help maintain a healthy weight
- Improve your mood and wellbeing
- Reduce the risk of heart attack, diabetes and some cancers

Recommendations

Any physical activity is a step in the right direction; however, the table below highlights the recommended amount of physical activity to aim for.

Children

Adults

 Older People

Accumulate 60 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity every day.

Accumulate 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on at least 5 days of the week.

Accumulate 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on at least 5 days of the week.

Incorporate activity to enhance bone health, muscle strength, and flexibility.

Include activities that maintain or increase muscular strength and endurance.

Include activities that maintain strength, balance and flexibility.

Moderate intensity should make you feel warmer and breathe more deeply but without any discomfort (e.g. a brisk walk)

Tips to becoming more active:

- Choose activities you enjoy - more likely to sustain it if you are enjoying yourself.

- Make active choices part of your daily routine ie use the stairs instead of a lift, walk to the shops or work.

- Set realistic and achievable short term and long term goals. 

- Build up the intensity and frequency of activity gradually.

- Accumulate physical activity in short bouts throughout the day ie 10 minutes walking the dog, 10 minutes walk to work, 10 minutes mowing the lawn.

- Exercise with a friend is more enjoyable and you can encourage and support one another.

- Find out about local physical activity opportunities in your area.

Useful Contacts

Please note that NHS Forth Valley Public Health Directorate takes no responsibility for the accuracy or quality of external websites linked to from this page. If you have a query, please contact the Health Improvement & Health Inequalities Team.

 

Contact 

Public Health Directorate
NHS Forth Valley Carseview House
Castle Business Park Stirling
FK9 4SW

Tel: 01786-463031
Fax: 01786-446327

Services

Useful Sites

 

Share this page