REPS NEWS

Changing the habits which have become ingrained in the lives of so many of us is a tough challenge. Thankfully, it is one which many individuals are beginning to take up.

In 2011, the UK’s four Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) took action in order to help improve the nation’s health. Working together they jointly issued recommendations for the levels of physical activity of our population.

The recommendations were: lChildren of pre-school age under 5 years old capable of walking unaided should be active for at least 180 minutes spread throughout the day

lChildren and young people aged 5-18 should be active at a moderate to vigorous intensity for at least 60 minutes or more a day

lAdults aged 19-64 should aim to be active daily. During

a week, activity should add up to at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity in bouts lasting 10 minutes

lOlder adults aged 65 and over should aim to be active daily. Spread over a week, activity should add up to at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity in bouts totalling 10 minutes or more.

Achieving the CMOs’ guidelines can bring about major health

benefits. Even relatively small increases in physical activity are associated with some protection against chronic disease, and can improve the quality of life. In 2010, about 47% of adults were inactive, i.e. doing less than 30 minutes of activity a week.

It is clear that there is a need to increase levels of physical activity across the whole population, and more so for those who lead sedentary

lifestyles. Being active is simply about moving more in our daily lives. From walking and cycling as part of everyday life, to exercising in a gym, playing sports, or just tidying up the garden. Simply by being more active we can look to benefit from a range of positive health benefits.

Read more about CMO guidelines in Start Active, Stay Active. http://spxj.nl/149Tev5

It Is Normal To Be Physically Active

www.exerciseregister.org

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