Every Move Matters
Every Move Matters: what moves you?
The NHS is urging people living in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire to celebrate how they move as part of the South West Every Move Matters campaign.
In the Bath and North East Somerset 19.8 percent of the population are inactive (do less than 30 minutes of movement a week), in Swindon it is 26.2 percent and in Wiltshire 22 percent are inactive. We know that a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of long-term health conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes, negatively impacts mental health and weakens muscles and bones.
The South West campaign highlights how moving just a little each day can build a stronger, healthier future.
Starting with simple movements could be the first step towards reaching the recommended physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes a week (just 20 minutes a day) for adults, as set out by the Chief Medical Officer.
Movement looks different for everyone, from walking the dog to dancing in the kitchen. #EveryMoveMatters is a call to action – there is no wrong way to move, only your way. Everyone is encouraged to find their own way to move more and to recognise the strength they are building along the way.
- Every Move Matters – any movement is better than none, even short bouts of activity add up and contribute to overall health.
- Move More, Sit Less – break up long periods of sitting with light activity to reduce the risk of health issues like heart disease.
- Start Small, Build Up – begin with what you can manage and gradually increase over time.
Dr Justin Varney Bennett, South West Regional Director of Public Health said:
“Every move, at every age and at every ability can have an impact on how we feel. Being active every day is a really simple way to be healthier at every stage of life, whether it’s playing catch with your grandchildren, dancing round the living room or walking to work, getting moving has huge benefits for physical and mental health, and it’s fun!
“The Chief Medical Officer recommends for adults at least 150 minutes of moderate activity every week with strength building exercises on at least two days. Moderate physical activity is the kind that gets you a bit warm and breathing a bit harder but you can hold a conversation, and there are loads of ways to build it into everyday life.
“However, according to Sport England’s latest Active Lives survey, nearly 1 in 4 adults in England are classed as inactive, doing less than 30 minutes of moderate activity a week, and in the South West about a third of adults aren’t reaching the recommended levels to improve health.
“That’s why we’re championing Every Move Matters, from walking the dog to adding in a couple of trips up and down the stairs, it all counts. You don’t have to run the coastal path to feel the benefits.
“By making movement part of daily life, we can all build our strength, boost our mood, and improve our long-term health. Being active every day has health benefits from reducing the risk of some forms of cancer to improving the symptoms of fatigue caused by many drug treatments, from diabetes to dementia, being active can make a difference.
“You can choose what works for you, dancing in the kitchen, walking with friends along the beach, going to the gym, playing kick about with your mates in the park, small steps taken regularly lead to lasting change.
“For people who don’t know where to start, there are some fantastic resources and websites that can support people to try simple movements and build up gradually, and don’t be afraid to try different things and find what works for you.
“One of the brilliant things about the South West is we have so much on our doorsteps from festivals to farm shows, coastal paths to castles, ballrooms to beachcombers, and as the weather improves it’s a great time to get out and about and get active.
“And don’t forget to tell us about it by sharing photos or stories on social media using #EveryMoveMatters.”
James Watmough, Strategic Lead, Sport England said:
“Sport England is four years into its 10-year Uniting the Movement Strategy; with a significant focus on tackling physical inactivity and ensuring more resource goes to those places which need it most.
“We are proud to support the South West’s Every Move Matters campaign with and through our Active Partnerships across the region.
“Whether it’s walking the dog, dancing in the kitchen, playing sport with friends, what matters most is that it feels good, is fun and fits in with your life.”
