Hannah Colston, from Active Devon gives us advice on the ‘Underrated Wonder Drug’

MacMillan Cancer Support has hailed physical activity as ‘the underrated wonder drug’. Public Health England and the Department of Health promote physical activity as a priority for our nation's health. Why? Being regularly physically activity can reduce the likelihood of acquiring long term conditions such as coronary heart disease and some cancers by up to 50%.

We know that being physically active is good for us. But how much should we be doing? What even counts? Do I need to be spending endless hours in the gym? The answer to that question is ‘no’.     150 minutes a week (or 2 ½ hours) is the golden target for adults, made up of any physical activity that increases our breathing rate and makes us feel warm. They call it ‘moderate intensity’. This can be gardening, walking, housework or more commonly recognised activities such as running or cycling. On a couple of days a week we should also aim for some sort of resistance or strength activity. Don’t worry though, that doesn't mean diving on to the floor for lots of press-ups, (although that’s great) carrying shopping bags and regular lifting, like lifting your baby, all counts.

I would encourage anyone to look at how they can build a bit more activity into their daily routine and make it the norm. Many of us can refer to a time when we were ‘really fit’, perhaps with a gym membership or training for a special event and that will have had significant benefits. But I challenge us all to think creatively about the little things we can do to be more active each day. You definitely don’t need to be ‘sporty’ to be active.

Modern technology and various Apps are a great tool, lots of us hitting the common goal of 10,000 steps a day. But for those who are really new to activity perhaps after illness, an injury or having a baby, it can be really daunting knowing where to start. If you’re currently doing very little, there are massive benefits to just upping your activity levels by 10 minutes a day.

I’ve started walking or cycling to local meetings and social occasions, where previously I would have automatically jumped in the car. It takes a little more planning but I always feel better, and slightly smug for managing it!  I’m also quietly confident that Tavistock and surrounding areas is one of the most active places to live, with a strong social movement of people being active locally and I think we should take pride in that, celebrate it and help those who find it harder.

At Active Devon we help local communities and organisations to develop the right opportunities for people to start and stay being active. This may include setting up a local Walking for Health scheme in a village, or providing funding for volunteers to train as a Run Leaders and set up their own jogging group. To find out more visit: www.activedevon.org or email: hello@activedevon.org

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