We all know that regular activity can benefit our physical and mental health. However, updated guidance from the UK’s Chief Medical Officers has suggested that not only is the frequency of activity important, but so too is the type of activities being undertaken.
New, scientifically-supported guidance suggests that it is important for people of all ages to incorporate a range of aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises alongside those that focus on balance and flexibility into your daily routine. Some of the life-long benefits of this include improved sleep, fitness and mental/physical wellbeing, accompanied by a number of age-specific benefits such as improved concentration in children, preventing joint and back pain in adults and reduced frailty for those of older ages. To achieve this, pursuing an average of 150 minutes per week is advised, whether that be through walking, running or playing team sports. However, this is only a recommended adult average, with benefits being found at above this figure and children being advised to engage in even more, roughly 60 minutes of physical activity per day.
Additionally, this guidance looks towards the impact that living a sedentary lifestyle can have on our health, regardless of whether they are otherwise active. It is suggested that all of us can see further physical and mental benefits from reducing the amount of waking time that we spend sitting or lying down, regardless of our age.
Overall, this guidance is relevant to each and every one of our lives. Some may find these goals easily achievable, some may have more difficulty. The important takeaway is that you have a go and get involved. Try a new sport, go for a walk, take the stairs over the lift. We can all make minor changes to improve our health for the better and it starts with you.
If you want to read more about the updated guidance and the research behind it, you can access the whole report here.