Physical activity
Taking enough physical activity is crucial for good health and wellbeing, but most of us aren’t nearly active enough. Physical activity is especially important for our children if they are to grow into healthy adults. Getting active now will help them to develop healthy habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.
There are many benefits of physical activity. Adults should accumulate a minimum of 150 minutes of physical activity per week, which for example, can be divided into at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity on five days of the week. This is the minimum recommended level. The activity should be a combination of aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activities.
Benefits of physical activity
The benefits of regular physical activity are extensive. Evidence exists to show that regular participation in physical activity can reduce the risk of:
- Coronary heart disease
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Obesity
- Colon cancer
- Breast cancer
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Falls and injuries from falls
Regular physical activity can also provide a substantial therapeutic role for adults and older people with the following conditions.
- Coronary heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Osteoporosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Physical activity also has a role in the management of:
- Depression and anxiety
- Dementia
- Pain
- Stroke
- Back pain
- Constipation
Social benefits include:
- Empowerment
- Opportunities to meet new people and develop friendships
- Widening of social networks
- Enhanced intergenerational activity between different age groups
- Promotion of a more positive and active image of older people
- Maintenance of caring skills
- Provide opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment
- A chance to let off steam and have fun
Children and young people
There is a strong justification for encouraging children and young people to be physically active.
- Physical activity can play an important role in delaying the ageing process and in helping older people to maintain functional capacity and to reduce their risk of health problems.
To promote and maintain good health and physical independence, the following activities should be undertaken on a minimum of two days each week:
- Healthy growth and development of the musculo-skeletal system, which can reduce the later risk of osteoporosis
- Energy balance for the maintenance of healthy weight
- Opportunity for social interaction, achievement and mental wellbeing. Those who have a positive experience of physical activity are more likely to continue into adulthood.
- All children and young people, including those with disabilities, should take part in at least one hour a day of physical activity, which could include physical education, play, sports, exercise, dance, outdoor activities, active travel, and support to be active in their daily tasks at home, school and in the community.
Leisure centres
Leisure centres can be found in each of the four councils within the Northern Trust area.
- Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council
- Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
- Mid and East Antrim Borough Council
- Mid Ulster District Council
Useful links
There are lots of ways to get active and enjoy your leisure time and lots of websites and societies within the Northern Health and Social Care Trust area to help take the first steps. Here is a list of a number of helpful walking, hiking and sporting websites
Age Concern/ Help the Aged NI
British Heart Foundation National Centre for Physical Activity & Health
Disability Sports Northern Ireland
Get Active
National Trust
Active Places NI
Cycle NI
Highway to Health Walking
Sport NI
The Ramblers Association
Ulster Federation of Rambling Clubs
Walk Northern Ireland
Waymarked Ways of Ireland
