Before starting or returning to exercise always seek the advice of your GP and fitness professional.

 

To benefit from the health effects of exercise you should be looking to be active at a moderate level for at least 3-5 days of the week for 30 minutes.

If weight loss is your main aim your activity level should be 5 times a week for 30 minutes.

 

 

Exercise can be measured by how hard you feel you are working (your perceived exertion). On a scale of 1 - 10, 1 being light effort and 10 maximum effort, a moderate level is around 4-6. You should be warm but still able to hold a conversation.

 

For more information on the benefits of Walking to health and of short led walks around the district please visit the HealthWatch Walks pages.

 

Fit or unfit, young or old Physical Activity may have a part to play in increasing your quality of life.  In the young it helps keep them fit and helps in the battle of childhood obesity.  In the 55 + age group it can dramatically improve your ability to carry out everyday tasks and help in the fight against many of the ailments associated with ageing.  The following pages include some health related problems where Physical Activity can play a part in improving your health.

 

It is important that before undertaking or making a significant increase in your daily physical activity that you consult your GP and get advice from an exercise instructor who is suitably qualified. 

 

The information contained on these pages is intended as general advice only and should not be relied upon as a basis for planning an individual's medical care, a substitute for medical advice, or substitute for expert advice when undertaking physical activity.