(World Health Organization, 2018)

More than 60 years of research has shown that regular physical activity can help prevent and manage over 20 chronic conditions and diseases, more than any other single intervention. The benefits of physical activity are broad and include better mental health, a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, improved sleep, and a lower risk of some cancers. Even in later life, it can help treat and offset the symptoms of a range of chronic conditions (e.g. depression, CVD, Parkinson’s disease).

Higher levels of physical activity, at any intensity and less time spent being sedentary, are associated with a substantially reduced risk for premature mortality. The maximal risk reduction for all-cause mortality is around 60% by undertaking just 24 mins MVPA per day.

Physical activity isn’t just about playing sports or going to the gym. It can be things like gardening, walking to the shops, or going on a bike ride as well.

For many people, they are the first generation that needs to make a conscious decision to build physical activity into their daily lives. Fewer people have manual jobs. Technology and labour-saving devices dominate at home and at work, the two places where many people spend most of their time. Societal changes have unfortunately designed physical activity out of our lives.

In Wales, around 56% of the adult population report that they meet the current Chief Medical Officer’s guidelines for physical activity, but the rates vary significantly between age groups, sex and levels of deprivation.