Physical Activity
Every Move Counts
Any amount of physical activity – no matter how small – is good for you.
There are many ways in which to be physically active, both indoors and outdoors, It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as it’s something you enjoy and keeps you moving.
We are all physically active – even when we don’t know it. Anytime we move we are being active, even standing, and moving is good for us. The benefits for our physical and mental wellbeing are well proven – and the good news is that every move counts.
Every Move Counts Video
Benefits of Physical Activity
Immediate
A single session of moderate to energetic physical activity provides immediate benefits for your health:
Improved Sleep
Reduced Anxiety
Reduced Blood Pressure
Long-term
Regular physical activity provides important health benefits to help prevent chronic diseases:
Heart Health
Bone Strength
Improves bone health
Balance & Coordination
Reduces risk of falls
Brain Health
Lower Cancer Risk
Tips to Incorporate More Movement Into Your Day
Small Movements for a Big Difference:
- Make a start today – it’s never too late, and every movement counts!
- Move your way, every day – if it’s gardening, walking, cycling or sport… find something you enjoy!
- Some is good, but more is better – sit less, move more – stay active to stay healthy!
- Find a walking buddy – getting outdoors is good for us, and having someone to walk and talk with will keep you motivated – why not take a look at our Get Walking Lanarkshire programme?
We can be active at home, in the garden, and in our community. We can also be active at work as well as on our way to and from work.
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Finding Ways to Move More
Little amounts of physical activity, if done regularly helps manage our health better. Focus on why it matters to you and do things you enjoy.
Keeping Active Guidelines – BSL
To stay healthy, adults can view the keeping active guidelines for their age group in BSL.
Useful Links
South Lanarkshire
- Active Health is a programme for residents of South Lanarkshire living with long term conditions. Residents are referred via Acute, Physio & specialist nurses to a 10-week programme.
- South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, Sport and Physical Development Services Programme.
North Lanarkshire
- North Lanarkshire Leisure’s Active Health Programme in partnership with NHS Lanarkshire provides a range of supported programmes to help individuals realise the benefits of becoming more physically active whilst also assisting those who are recovering from minor or even more serious illness.
Resources
- Aimed at children, there’s an excellent collection of family health & wellbeing resources with a dedicated section on physical activity
- Select a workout from the NHS fitness studio, Instructor-led videos across aerobics exercise, strength and resistance, and pilates & yoga categories.
- A programme of weekly, inclusive health walks free to attend – running across Lanarkshire by volunteer walk leaders.
- The voluntary action groups for North and South Lanarkshire manage service locator tools, which includes a range of community based physical activity & health and wellbeing opportunities.
- Tips to reduce sitting time for people of all ages, as there is increasing evidence that, unless you are a wheelchair user, sitting down too much can be a risk to your health.
