The Chief Medical Officers advises adults that over a week, physical activity should add up to at least 150 minutes (2½ hours) of moderate intensity activity in bouts of 10 minutes or more - one way to approach this is to do 30 minutes on at least 5 days a week.
Things like vigorous housework or gardening can count as exercise, so can a brisk walk.
What are the benefits of being active daily include:
Where do I start if I have never exercised?
If you're new to exercise, or have struggled with it in the past, talk to your medical professional or fitness trainer about your exercise plan, or even a friend that might be able to help. After that, start by incorporating more activity into your daily life. For instance:
What if I am physically unable to exercise due to a medical condition?
There is virtually no medical condition that will keep you from doing any type of exercise. Even people with heart failure, who used to be told not to exercise at all, can benefit from moderate amounts of activity, but see a medical professional if this is the case!
People with limited mobility can often do water exercises, (sometimes called aquarobics) or do yoga or other exercises while sitting in a chair. Of course, if you have any medical condition, seek medical advice before starting any exercise programme.
Does exercise help you lose weight?
Exercise alone does not necessarily make you lose weight, but it will help you to slim and reshape your body by decreasing fat and increasing muscle. Regular exercise:
Remember that exercising does not always lead to weight loss as muscle weighs more than fat, but your body will be more toned and slimmer and you will fit into your clothes better. Additionally, exercise is an excellent way to relieve stress and tension.