Getting active: move more, feel better

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Moving Medicine: trusted advice on moving more, made for you

Moving Medicine for Everybody was created by doctors and specialists in exercise medicine, working with people who live with long-term conditions. It tells you, in plain language, how moving more can help your symptoms and conditions, and how to start safely at a level that's right for you.

Explore by symptomTiredness, breathlessness, joint pain, falls and more. Find out how moving helps.

Explore by conditionDiabetes, heart disease, COPD, arthritis, depression, cancer, menopause and more.

Explore ways to moveOver 40 activities, from housework and gardening to swimming, dancing and walking.

It also has a friendly, private Motivational Coachbot to help you build your own plan to move more.

Visit Moving Medicine for Everybody

Living with a health condition?

See how moving more can help you

Choose your condition to read Moving Medicine's advice. The benefits of being active almost always far outweigh the risks.

Heart and lungs

Diabetes and weight

Joints and muscles

Mind and mood

Other conditions

Common symptoms

See all conditions on Moving Medicine

Why it matters

What moving more can do for you

Stay healthy

Being active roughly halves the risk of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, and cuts the risk of heart disease and stroke by about a third.

Stay independent

Moving keeps you strong, so everyday tasks like climbing stairs, carrying shopping or getting up from a chair stay easier as you get older.

Feel happier and more energetic

Activity releases feel-good chemicals that lift your mood and ease pain and tiredness. It helps you sleep better too.

Less impact if you do get ill

Being active can lower the chance of some cancers coming back and reduce the risk of another heart attack or stroke.

Source: Moving Medicine, Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine UK.

Getting started

Not sure where to start?

Start low and build up slowly. Begin at a level that feels comfortable and add a little more each week.
Pick something you enjoy. Walking, dancing, gardening and housework all count.
Make it social. Walk with a friend, join a group or try a class.
Sit less. Get up and move around every half an hour or so.

Is it safe for me? For most people, yes. Read Moving Medicine's advice on starting safely and when not to exercise and when to see your doctor. If you have chest pain, feel faint or very breathless, stop and seek medical advice.

Free local support

Get Active with Better Health North Somerset

North Somerset Council's Better Health service has lots of free and low-cost ways to get moving near you.

1-to-1 support

Healthy Lifestyles Advisors

Free 1-to-1 support for 12 weeks to help you get active.

Walking

Health Walks

Friendly group walks across North Somerset, including 30-minute walks in Weston-super-Mare.

Long-term conditions

Steps to Get Active

A programme for adults living with one or more long-term health conditions.

Leisure centres

Get Active Pass

Five free and five half-price off-peak visits to North Somerset leisure centres.

Strength and balance

Fall-proof

An easy strength and balance plan to help you stay steady on your feet.

Exercise referral

GP Exercise Referral

Supported exercise at Hutton Moor Leisure Centre, Weston-super-Mare. Ask us if this could be right for you.

Visit Better Health: Get Active

Physical Activity Team: 01275 882730 or getactive@n-somerset.gov.uk

More ideas

Free ways to get going

NHS physical activity guidelines

How much activity adults need, with ideas for every fitness level.

Read the NHS guidelines

parkrun

Free, friendly 5k walks, jogs and runs every Saturday morning. Walking is welcome!

Find a parkrun

Looking for help with food too? See our Healthy Eating page and the Tudor Lodge Lifestyle Programme.

For health professionals: Moving Medicine also has consultation guides and training for physical activity conversations.