Welcome to the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Physical Activity webpage. Here you will find everything you need to know around the topic of Physical Activity – why it’s important to be physically active, how to be more active and what programmes and opportunities are out there to help you move more in your local area.
To find out more click on the “Get Active” button below or if you are a Health Professional looking for guidance for your patients please click on “Guidance for professionals” button.
Physical Activity for Adults and Older Adults
Any level of activity is linked to health benefits
Physical activity:
- improves sleep
- maintains healthy weight
- manages stress
- improves quality of life
Physical activity reduces your chance of:
- type 2 diabetes by up to 40%
- cardiovascular disease by up to 35%
- falls and depression by up to 30%
- joint and back pain by up to 25%
- cancers (colon and breast) by up to 20%
Be active everyday
Make a start today: it’s never too late. Every minute counts.
Any activity is better than none, and more is better still.
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity per week (increased breathing, able to talk) or at least 75 minutes of vigorous intensity per week (breathing fast, difficulty talking), or a combination of both.
Build strength
To keep muscles, bones and joints strong, build strength on at least 2 days a week.
Minimise sedentary time
Break up periods of inactivity.
Balance activities for older adults
Improve balance
Take part in balance activities 2 days a week to reduce the chance of frailty and falls.