Benefits of moving more
Any movement you can do can help you to:
- Manage your physical health symptoms like pain and fatigue that can get in the way of living your life the way you want to.
- Maintain healthy muscles and bones, which can support you to stay mobile and reduce the risk of falls.
- Manage your mood and mental health.
- Prevent you from developing other conditions such as heart conditions, diabetes, stroke, some cancers and depression.
Ultimately, being active can help you live well for longer. So whether you want to be able to play with your grandchildren, take your dog for longer walks or carry your shopping home, follow our ways to get active and hints and tips to help keep you doing the things you love.
Ways to get active
See all ways to get activeFind ways to move that work for you and if you can, aim to do a mixture of different things to achieve different benefits.
Five in Five
Start building small amounts of activity into your day with Five in Five, a five minute mini-workout designed for people living with long term health conditions.
Strength with Alex
Getting stronger with a health condition doesn't doesn't have to mean using heavy dumbells. Join Personal Trainer Alex as he demonstrates simple moves to build your strength, with and without weights.
Balance with Sandra
Improve your balance and coordination with Sandra as she guides you through a series of full-body stretches to centre both your body and mind.
Yoga, Thai Chi, Pilates and meditation
Immerse yourself in a session of yoga and meditation or get moving with Tai Chi and Pilates. Pick a workout that’s within your comfort zone and stay active in a way that works for you.
Hints and Tips
See all hints and tips
Every Body Moves - Home workouts
Free online workouts that are easy to access, can be adapted to your own pace and intensity, and are flexible around your daily schedule! Explore the site to use their local activity finder.
How to get started
We know when you’re living with a health condition you may not wake up feeling the same way every day. Sometimes, that can make being active seem like a challenge. And being active doesn’t look the same for everyone either. It’s all about finding the right balance and movements that work for you.
Finding ways to be active for free
Moving more doesn’t mean you need to splurge on buying fancy equipment. There are plenty of ways to be active that don’t require you spending any money at all.
Building activity into your routine
Getting active doesn’t need to be about doing traditional exercises. It can just be about doing things that fit into your daily routine, as and when you can. Building activity into your regular routine is one of the best ways you can start to build a new habit.
Start slowly and build up
Even the smallest movement can have a positive impact on your long-term health. It might take some time, but once you find the right movements, they will help you get active and stay active.
Our stories
Explore more stories
Phoebe's story
Phoebe was diagnosed with MS, depression, anxiety and asthma in 2020, but has been able to manage her conditions with the help of her miniature dachshund, Noodle.
Heraldo’s story
Heraldo has found ways to stretch muscles he didn’t even know he had after his heart surgery.
Royal Voluntary Service
Royal Voluntary Service is one of Britain’s largest volunteering charities, with volunteers supporting the NHS and people who need a helping hand. As well as supporting people in their communities, many volunteers report improvements in their own physical and mental health too.
British Red Cross
The British Red Cross has been helping millions of people in the UK and around the world get the support they need when crisis strikes. We are also the largest national provider of short-term wheelchairs in the UK, supplying over 58,000 wheelchairs every year, ensuring that everyone who needs a temporary wheelchair has access to one.
Age UK
We’re Age UK and we’re here to make sure every older person feels included and valued. Whether it’s providing free information and advice, campaigning for older people’s rights, or tackling loneliness and isolation – we’ll be there. Your support makes it possible.