Keeping physically active is one of the most fun and easiest ways to protect, maintain and improve health and well being, from early years to older life. Physical activity can take place in different settings, and in a number of different ways, including active recreation (dancing,playing, walking, cycling), everyday activities (housework, gardening, DIY) and through more organised exercise classes and sports.
It is recommended that adults should build up at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week (150 minutes per week) Children should build up to at least 60 minutes each day of the week. These can be broken down in sessions of 10 minutes throughout the day.
Moderate means that your heart rate should increase a little, and you should feel warmer and slightly out of breath. Brisk walking is an example of moderate activity.
Regular physical activity has a range of benefits:
Ten Active Choices YOU can make
Ways to stay motivated:
You will find a range of opportunites on this website to be active in Midlothian, whatever your age. Anyone over 50 years of age should check out the range of activities offered by Ageing Well and if you or someone in your family has weight management problems and would like to get active ask your doctor or nurse about MAC (Midlothian Active Choices for adults) or Get Going (for children and parents)
You can also find more links and information on the NHS Health Promotion Service Physical Activity website.