Most of us don't do enough exercise - 42% of young men and 63% of young women aged 16-24 years don't do enough exercise. But why not? It can make us feel better and healthier, give us confidence and improve our self esteem. It is also a good way of making friends.
How much exercise should we do?
Aim for one hour per day
If you don’t do much exercise now, start off with half an hour a day.
As well as making us feel great, exercise can stop us from developing heart disease and diabetes, improve our bone strength and reduce the long-term risk of osteoporosis (weak bones) and back problems. But it seems like we're doing less and less exercise.
The number of overweight (fat) and obese (very fat) children is increasing in this country. Being active, together with a proper diet, stops you getting fat.
What sort of exercise should we do?
Anything! Walk, skateboard, scoot, cycle, run, or dance to your favourite music. Get off the bus a stop earlier. Walk upstairs, forget lifts and escalators. Walk or cycle to school/college. Being fit does not just mean sport or team games.
