The Importance of increasing physical activity in everyday life

A new report from the National Institute for Health Research highlights the importance of physical activity in everyday life for both physical and mental health. The report, Moving Matters, reviewed more than 50 published and ongoing studies on ways to increase the levels of physical activity in everyday life for the general public.

The report considered the needs of all from infancy to later life including interventions in both the built and natural environment. There were many recommendations including:

Community organisations and decision makers should consider the whole range of ways people can be active and avoid seeing physical activity solely in terms of sport and exercise.

Improving opportunities for public and active transport enhancing green spaces and changing school and workplace routines to reduce time spent sitting.

Safer streets with reduced traffic and lower emissions.