Keeping fit
Keeping active not only keeps you warm by generating body heat but also helps you maintain your strength and muscle mass while keeping your heart and lungs healthy. It can also reduce your risk of major illnesses, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer and lower your risk of early death by up to 30 per cent .
You don’t have to run a marathon to keep active. Even just taking a daily walk will help you get some fresh air and keep your muscles moving.
Check physical activity guidelines for your age group including how much you should do and what type of exercise:
- Children (under 5 years)
- Children and young people (5 to 18 years)
- Adults (19 to 64 years)
- Older adults (65 years and over)
You don’t have to put lots of time and money into the gym to keep active. There are many ways to easily build activity into your day that will help you stay fit and healthy.
Walking is simple, free and one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight and become healthier. Check out Hertfordshire Health Walks for gentle guided walks near you. There are also walking groups and other activities on offer in Essex - visit the Active Essex website for more. Find other activities in Hertfordshire on the Hertfordshire County Council website.
You can also get active at home:
- The NHS website has free exercise videos for aerobics, pilates, yoga, strength and resistance. The videos range from 10 to 45 minutes and are led by instructors.
- Active Essex has over 200 free videos to help you get active, from high impact, to family activities and gentle exercise.
- Age UK has a series of physical activity videos to help you find ways to move that are right for you.
Visit the NHS Better Health website for more advice on becoming active.