Physical Activity
Practical information and advice on how to keep active day-to-day
Keeping Active
Any amount of physical activity – no matter how small – is good for you.
There are many ways in which to keep 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.
Local programmes
There is a variety of additional local programmes in Lanarkshire that can support you to become more active, in a way that suits you:
If you would like support to become more physically active, you can ask your GP/Health Professional for a referral to your local North or South Leisure programme.
Where to refer your patients (only for health professionals)
NHS Lanarkshire has partnered with North Lanarkshire Council – Active & Creative Communities and South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture to provide the free programme; Active Health. All Lanarkshire residents who would both benefit physically and mentally from being more active can be referred to this programme via a GP or health professional.
View the Physical Activity FirstPort page to find relevant referral forms and information.
South Lanarkshire:
Active Health
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 12 week programme and then signposted onto a wide variety of mainstream physical activity, sport & outdoor opportunities.
For more information, please email: Ryan.Gilmour@southlanarkshireleisure.co.uk
Physical Activity Prescriptions (PAP)
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Every PAP referred patient will receive 4 weeks free access to SLLC services/activities. Primary and Secondary Care referral information:
- Referrals can be made via the PAP Referral Postcard which is available for all Health Professionals across South Lanarkshire.
- If you would like a stock of these for your department, please email Ryan Gilmour; Ryan.Gilmour@southlanarkshireleisure.co.uk
- Patients are then triaged by qualified SLLC staff before being signposted into the most appropriate evidenced based health intervention programme.
For more information, view: South Lanarkshire Leisure – PAP information
North Lanarkshire:
Active Health
North Lanarkshire Leisure’s Active Health Programme 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.
For more information, please email: Mel Menzies, North Lanarkshire – MenziesMel@northlan.gov.uk
For physical activity guidelines, please visit NHS Inform’s Physical Activity page.
World Health Organisation – Every Move Counts
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.
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.
Resources
- Information on the health benefits of exercise and ideas on how to keep active.
Better Heath: healthier families
- 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.
- 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.
