Physical activity

Your health is in your hands, make movement your medicine

Introduction

Being active means moving your body. This could be everyday activities such as walking, gardening, housework or cycling to work. It also includes exercise and sport, such as swimming, running or attending a fitness class.

Moving more is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health. It can help you:

  • Feel better and have more energy
  • Improve your mood
  • Sleep better
  • Stay strong and independent as you get older
  • Reduce your risk of many health conditions

Many people face barriers to being active, such as lack of time, confidence, money or opportunities. The good news is that every movement counts. Small changes can make a big difference.

On this page you will find ideas, local activities and support to help you be more active, whatever your age, ability or fitness level. 

Getting started

Making changes to your routine can feel difficult at first. These simple tips can help.

  • Set a small goal to achieve (going for a walk to and from a place, spend 30 minutes in the garden playing with the children/grandchildren).
  • Make it enjoyable – do not pick something that you dislike or would prefer to avoid.
  • Set a relatively small timeframe (I will do this by tomorrow).
  • Monitor the behaviour change (for example using a tracker).
  • Stacking – try planning two changes together (parking the car and walking followed by taking the stairs).
  • Barriers – think about the barriers you may face in advance and find solutions for these.
  • Social – think about voicing your planned behaviour change, can you join a group or find a buddy to support you though the planned activity.
  • Reward yourself for achieving any part of the goal (even if it’s only a partial achievement – this could be time out reading a book)

Remember, you do not need to do everything at once. Small steps can lead to lasting changes.

Get support on changing behaviours

Find physical activity information by age and life stage

Physical activity for children aged 0 to 5 years

Play ideas and tips to build healthy habits from an early age

Physical activity for 5 to 18 year olds

Activity guidelines, activity ideas, local support and tips for building healthy habits

Physical activity for 18 to 64 year olds

Exercise ideas, local Somerset support and practical tips to move more

Physical activity for 65 years and over

Exercise ideas, local Somerset support and falls prevention advice

Physical activity during pregnancy

Safe exercise advice, activity ideas, health benefits and local support to help you stay active and healthy

Physical activity for children with disabilities

Accessible activity ideas, health benefits and support for parents

Physical activity for adults with disabilities

Accessible activity ideas, health benefits and practical advice

Physical activity information for professionals

Information to support someone to increase their physical activity

Find activities near you

Search for activities and support near you in Somerset, including exercise classes, walking groups, sports clubs and community activities.

Search for activities

Physical activity in Somerset statistics

In Somerset are physical activity levels are slightly higher than the national average with approximately seven out of ten adults meeting or exceeding the recommended physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes per week (1.5 hours).

For more information on the local Somerset data visit our JSNA page.

Visit our JSNA page