Being more active has lots of benefits - but what counts?

Physical activity is beneficial for both our physical and mental wellbeing. That’s why the NHS recommends at least 2.5 hours of moderate physical activity a week for adults, and at least 60 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous activity for 5 to 18 year olds. 

It can be spread out over the day, and anything that gets you warm and a bit out of breath counts as moderate activity. It could be in or out of the gym, such as cycling or having a kick about in the park.

15 minutes of vigorous activity- things that make you breathe hard and fast like running or football- is worth around the same as 30 minutes of moderate activity.

Get the whole family involved!

Whether sat at a desk, on the sofa, driving or taking public transport, many of us spend a lot of our day sitting down.

Children who are obese are around 5 times more likely to remain so in adulthood, and obesity is the biggest preventable cause of adult cancers after smoking. Finding ways to be active as a family, such as swimming or walking to school, can help everyone to keep a healthy weight.

Involving the whole family in getting moving is a great way to spend time together, develop new skills or hobbies and adopt physical activity into everyone’s daily routine!

Why not try a new sport or sign up for an event together?

If you want to find out more about physical activity and cancer visit cruk.org/activity