Regular physical activity will help you to:

• have more energy
• lower your stress level
• maintain a healthy weight
• keep bones and muscles strong and joints flexible
• feel more relaxed and sleep better

Aim for a mix of activities

• Aerobic activities, such as brisk walking, swimming or dancing, will raise your heart rate and improve circulation of oxygen
• Include activities to improve muscle and bone strength, such as climbing stairs, carrying shopping or children or digging in the garden.
• Try Waka ama no matter what your age
• Break up sitting and moving – move more each day
• Ride a bike. If you don’t have one try organisations such as RAD
• Check out free exercise programmes on line
• Look on-line for free cooking classes
• Try breathing exercises:
• Breathing exercises have great value. Go on line to find examples e.g.,Whakatau tinana
• Join a Tai Chi group or learn Tai Chi on line

   

Physical activity reduces your risk of a range of health conditions, and helps you manage the ones you already have. Physical activity also assists your mental wellbeing. It doesn’t have to be half an hour at the gym. Physical activity includes:

• walking
• swimming
• cycling
• dancing
• sport and recreation (structured and unstructured)
• gardening
• housework
• active transport (e.g., walking to the shops,
• a physical job. Remember: Even small increases in physical activity can improve your health.

It’s never too early or too late to start.