Getting active every day
The benefits of being active every day are huge, being active benefits both physical and mental health and wellbeing at every age and not just that it can be a lot of fun too!
The chief medical officer recommends different levels of activity at different stages of life to get the most benefit for health. In essence, children should be getting at least an hour a day of moderate intensity physical activity and adults should be getting at least 150 minutes a week, with muscle strengthening activity at least two days a week. As you age this should be increased to include balance and strengthening exercises.
The links below (from the government website, GOV.UK) explain in more detail the physical activity needed for general health benefits for all age groups, disabled adults, pregnant women and women after childbirth:
- Physical activity for early years: birth to 5 years
- Physical activity for children and young people: 5 to 18 years
- Physical activity for adults and older adults: 19 and over
- Physical activity for disabled adults
- Physical activity for pregnant women
- Physical activity for women after childbirth: birth to 12 months
National free advice and support available
Page last updated: 15 January 2025
