Being active can lift our mood and keep us physically fit and healthy.

Taking part in physical activity is also a great way to meet new people and can provide you with a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Being active can build our self–esteem and confidence, improve our sleep and if we find something we really enjoy, it can give us goals to aim for and a sense of achievement.

You should aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise five times a week.

Build up slowly at a pace that suits you. If you are not ready to do a solid 30 minutes try three 10 minute slots or two 15 minutes each day.

Some ideas to get you started:

Walking
is one of the simplest forms of exercise and quite easy to add to your everyday life.

Dance
around the living room listening to your favourite music or try DVD fitness workouts.

Gardening
such as digging, planting and pruning can be a good workout for both your body and mind.

Cycling
can boost your mood and make a real difference to your physical health.

Swimming
is a great way to relax and give your body a full work out at the same time.

Sporting activities
like tennis, badminton, jogging and football can be a great way to keep fit and meet new people.

Fitness Classes
sign up for Zumba, Aerobics, Spin, Yoga or Pilates at your local leisure or community centre.

Before you start, always check with your local doctor (GP) if you have had an illness, have any worries about your health, or if you have been inactive for a long time.

With your doctor’s guidance you can improve your health with exercise, even after a major illness.