In this area you will find information of the importance of physical activity and ways in which you can become more physically active.

Physical Activity- How much is enough?
Health Scotland recommends that every adult participates in “30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise on most days of the week”. Physical activity is any form of bodily movement. This can take the form of household chores such a hovering and gardening, climbing the stairs, walking and even play. Physical activity can also take on a more structured approach such as exercise classes and sports. Moderate intensity activity basically means participating in activities they cause you to breath a little deeper and feel a little warmer.

“30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise on most days of the week” may seem like a lot but it doesn't have to be. It can be accumulated activity. For example why not park your car a bit further from work and walk 15 minutes to work and then 15 minutes back at the end of the day. The same works if you get the bus to work. Just get off a stop early and walk that extra few hundred metres to work. There are other good examples of making your life more active without having to do a great deal. Take the stairs instead of the lift, do the housework with a little more vigour or even washing the car is enough activity to benefit your health.

Here is a list of even more ideas of how you can implement Active Living into your daily schedule:

• Park a bit further from work, or ride your bike
• Get off the bus a stop earlier so you have a little further to walk
• Take the stairs instead of the lift
• Go for a walk during lunch break
• Wash the dishes by hand instead of with the dishwasher
• Take the children to the park and make sure you play too!
• Do stretches during a commercial break or while watching TV
• Take up gardening.

Other types of physical activity include: Swimming, Working out in the gym, and Dancing, Cycling & Exercise classes. It's important that you think of activities you can work into your own personal schedule.

Current Projects
East Lothian Council are currently jointly funding 3 projects to provide and promote physical activity opportunities. These include:

• Active For Life; East Lothian's Ageing Well Project-Promoting physical activity amongst the 50+ age group
• Walkin' East Lothian: promoting walking throughout East Lothian
• Get Going: activities for children and teenagers For further information click about these projects click on the link