Keeping fit
Physical activity and exercise is good for our bodies and minds. It not only helps us stay healthier and more independent for longer, but can also help reduce the risk of developing major long term conditions. Keeping fit also boosts our self-esteem, mental wellbeing, energy levels and sleep quality, along with lowering the risk of stress, depression, anxiety and other mental health problems. It can be a fun way to get together as a family too!
Adults need to be active for at least 150 minutes every week and this can be in moderate intensity bouts as short as 10 to 30 minutes.
It is important that children and young people (aged 5 and up) take part in a variety of physical activities throughout their week to develop movement skills, muscles and bones. As a goal they should be active for around 60 minutes each day.
Getting fit doesn't have to cost money or involve trips to the gym, stay fit as a family by exploring our top tips!
Top tips
- We're lucky to have so much beautiful countryside on our doorstep in Herefordshire - why not get outside and enjoy a family walk?!
- Get the whole family moving by making a playlist including everybody's favourite songs and get dancing. You could even turn it into a game and play musical statues.
- Explore our holiday activity packs and download a scavenger hunt, to turn a walk into an adventure.
- Try a new activity and enjoy getting fit together.
Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire run a number of campaigns to help people become more active across the two counties. They also have a very useful activity finder to help you find different sports or activities in your area.
Choose How You Move has a range of information on local walking routes / led walks, cycle routes / lessons, park and share, park and cycle, rail and cycle and much more.
Halo has a number of leisure centres and swimming pools across Herefordshire and offer a range of different classes and activities for all ages.
There are so many fantastic footpaths available across Herefordshire, including over 25 circular walking routes, ranging from 2 to 10 miles. Download your free route guides from Herefordshire Council or Visit Herefordshire..
Take a look at the Making Every Contact Count (MECC) physical activity leaflet...
Activity Alliance website help disabled people to enjoy active lifestyles.
Better Health offer information and advice to help you kickstart your journey to improved health, whether you want to eat healthier and lose weight, be more active, stop smoking or drink less. There's also a range of apps available, along with the How Are You quiz, which can help point you in the right direction.
The NHS provide a range of information to help you get more active, including exercise tips and fitness guides.