NHS Dorset

Lets Get Active

Welcome to Lets Get Active. Please click on the links below to find out more about activites for health provided by NHS Dorset.

Regular physical activity can be an enjoyable way to improve your physical health, mental health and overall well-being. Although the benefits are well established, it can still be a struggle to fit physical activity into our daily lives. Our role is to help people choose the physical activity that works best for them and to make it as easy as possible to be active in North Dorset.

What are the benefits?

Regular physical activity:

Regular physical activity can promote well-being in many ways:

go to top

What's Stopping You?

I don’t have time

Being physically active doesn’t take much time and can be easily incorporated into your lifestyle. Why not try to do something in your lunch break, like going for a walk. Taking time out to do some activity can help you to relax, so try to set aside some time out for yourself. Why not try walking to work, or getting off the bus a few stops earlier. Or leave the car at home for shorter journeys and walk instead. Use the stairs rather than a lift.

I’m not sporty

You don’t have to be sporty to be physically active. Most of our local groups are suitable for people of all ages, sizes and abilities. Remember, being active means walking more, avoiding using the lift, choosing an activity you enjoy doing.

At my age I need to take things easy

Physical activity helps older people to have a better quality of life and stay independent for longer. It can help to reduce your risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and stroke, and can help reduce the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.

I don’t have anyone to do it with

There are a variety of group exercise sessions which provide the opportunity to meet new people and have fun. Why not try one of our walks and make new friends.

Work gets in the way

Try to find something you enjoy that fits into your daily routine. Start an activity in your workplace. Some people exercise before going to work. If you’re not a morning person, try exercising at lunch time or in the evening. The average person in the UK watches four hours of TV a day. If you can make exercise a priority you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to fit it into your life.

I don’t want to injure myself

Don't attempt to do too much too soon. Start from where you are now. Moderate intensity exercise (that makes you breath faster than normal and feel warmer) is associated with a reduced risk of injury, so start off slowly and build up gradually. Examples of moderate intensity exercise are brisk walking, dancing, housework (washing floors, windows) etc.

I don’t have the energy

Exercise is a great way to recharge your batteries. It can give you energy and make you feel more mentally alert. It is also a great way to relieve stress and sleep better. A lunchtime walk in the fresh air makes you more alert in the afternoon.

I’m not in good health

Exercise is often recommended to people who have medical conditions, as it can help to manage some conditions and improve your quality of life. There is an exercise to suit most people.

I’ll never keep it up

It is important to participate in activities that you enjoy doing. Set yourself small goals that you can achieve, for example, a 10-minute walk once a day, and the following week perhaps walk for 15 minutes.

I can’t afford it

Becoming more active needn’t be expensive. For example, walking is free and don’t forget that dancing, gardening, walking up the stairs instead of taking the escalator, walking the dog, jogging, cycling and skating are all forms of physical activity.

I don’t have any childcare

Involve the whole family in becoming more active, for example, arrange to go on a walk as a family once a week. Also, many exercise facilities now have childcare provisions for children.

I’m too fat

Being active helps to burn calories and can also help to burn stored fat. It also helps build muscle which will increase the amount of calories you burn even when you are inactive. Avoid high intensity, high impact activities such as running and jumping as this will put unnecessary stress on your joints. Non weight bearing exercises such as cycling and swimming may be more comfortable. Walking is an ideal activity as long as it isn't too uncomfortable on your joints.

go to top

How much do you know about physical activity?

 

The recommended amount of physical activity necessary for health gain is 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity five times a week or more.
True To achieve health benefits it is recommended that adults aim to accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity five times a week or more.

Most people are not physically active enough to benefit their health.
True 63% of men and 75% of women do not achieve the minimum amount of activity necessary for health gain.

Deaths from heart disease are more likely to be linked to smoking than physical inactivity.

False 37% of CHD deaths are linked to physical inactivity compared to 19% from smoking. This is because the number of people who are inactive is two to three times more than the number of people who smoke.

A third of all heart disease in the UK could be avoided if people were more physically active
True It has been estimated that 33% of all coronary heart disease could be avoided with regular physical activity.

Older adults should rest more and avoid doing any form of exercise
False There are a number of health benefits associated with regular physical activity, including prolonged independence, reduced risk of having a fall, improved mobility and management of conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

go to top