The Latest Guidelines for Physical Activity Have Been Issued

In 2010, the UK were among the first Nations in the world to set out the evidence for how much and what kinds of physical activity we need to do to keep ourselves healthy.

Physical activity is not just a health issue. It brings people together to enjoy shared activities and contributes to building strong communities whilst supporting the economy to grow.

This week, an updated set of guidelines have been released by the Chief Medical Officer. These guidelines offer specific recommendations for Under 5s, Children and Young People, Adults and Older Adults.

Key Changes

The key changes include a greater emphasis on strength and balance alongside cardio-vascular activity. This helps mitigate natural decline in Bone Density and Muscle Mass that tends to accelerate around 50 years of age.

New to the recommendations on this latest release, are guidance on being active during pregnancy and after giving birth, and for disabled adults.

Hannah Worth, Director at Active Devon and lead for Tackling Inactivity said:

“It’s fantastic to see the inclusion of the specific guidelines for pregnant women and disabled people as their personal experience of getting active may well be different to others. The specific guidelines will give confidence to and aid health professionals and activity leaders to know what to recommend and encourage for these population groups.”

The aim of the physical activity recommendations is to provide guidance for health professionals, policymakers and others working to promote physical activity.

“If physical activity were a drug, we would refer to it as a miracle cure, due to the great many illnesses it can prevent and help treat.”ort and exercise for health benefits.

Professor Dame Sally Davies