Get active
Top tips
Set a step target
Most smart phones have step counters, why not start using yours? If you're not very active, increase your walking distance gradually. No one expects the recommended 10,000 steps on the first day!
Little things all add up
Perhaps you could:
- get off the bus one stop earlier and walk the rest
- take the stairs not the lift
Plan fun and enjoyable ways to be active
If possible, involve your friends and family so you all benefit and they can help you to stay on track.
Challenging myths about getting active
Being active does not have to take a lot of extra time
It is recommended that adults do 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week.
The good news is that you don’t need to do long period of activity in one go. Try doing 10 minutes of brisk walking, 3 times a day for 5 days. Incorporate activities into your daily routine like taking the stairs, suggest walk and talk catch-ups with friends, mow the lawn – it all counts towards your active minutes.
You're never too old to get fit
You're never too old to get active and improve your health. As we get older it becomes even more important to remain active if you want to stay healthy and maintain your independence.
If you do not stay active, things you enjoy doing now may start to become harder, like gardening, playing with grandchildren or meeting up with friends.
For further information please see our physical activity for older people page.
It does not have to be expensive
Being active doesn't need to cost anything. Walking is a great way to be more active and it is free. Check out some local walking routes.
There are also lots of free or low costs local activities and sessions available across Staffordshire to help you get active. You could use Staffordshire Connects to find something that suits you.
Apps that can help!
There are an increasing number of health and wellbeing apps available. We are making it easier to help you find apps by using our trusted app finder library.
You can search a range of health and wellbeing apps across different areas, such as, stopping smoking, improving your mental wellbeing, keeping active and managing health conditions.
Further information
You may find these web sites helpful:
- The Everyone Health Service is free and can offer support to stop smoking, lose weight, eat more healthily, get active, get out and about more and prevent falls. NHS health checks are also available to residents aged between 40 and 74. For more information call 0333 005 0095 or email eh.staffs@nhs.net.