What types of activity count?
Many people believe that only vigorous exercise or playing sport counts as healthy activity. Yet substantial health benefits can be achieved from regular activity. When you do moderate intensity activity, your breathing and heart rate will increase and you will feel warm. You should still be able to talk without panting in between your words.
Moderate intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking, painting, hovering and mowing the lawn, all count and are enough to benefit health and prevent illness in adults. It's possible to achieve your 30 minutes at least five times a week target.
Examples of everyday activities that count include:
- Getting off the bus to work one or two stops earlier than usual
- walking up stairs instead of using lifts
- walking up moving escalators
- walking instead of driving for short journeys
- doing the housework at double-time
- DIY and gardening