Keeping active is an important part of a healthy, happy lifestyle.
In children and young people, regular physical activity can help with:
- improved learning
- better mental health
- maintaining a healthy weight
In adults and older people, benefits include:
- improved physical and mental health
- general wellbeing
- maintaining a healthy weight
- reducing the risk and management of many long-term health conditions
Taking part in regular physical activity is also a fantastic way to:
- meet new people
- have fun and socialise with others
- boost your self-esteem
- lift your mood
- improve sleep quality
- increase energy
Keeping active in Solihull
The amount and type of physical activity that is recommended varies:
- Young children (Under 5 years)
- Children and young people (5 to 18 years)
- Disabled children and disabled young people
- Adults and older adults (19 years and over)
- Disabled adults
- Pregnant women
- Women after childbirth (birth to 12 months)
What activities you choose to do will depend on your lifestyle, age, health, what you enjoy and how and when you can fit it into your day.
Solihull has a wide range of gyms, fitness centres, and sports and leisure facilities. There are opportunities for people of all ages and fitness levels - so everyone can start getting active in the borough by:
- finding ideas, opportunities and support to get moving at solihullonthemove.co.uk
- feeling encouraged to ‘move more, more often’ by the new year-long physical activity campaign, So Go!
- taking a walk through our parks and open spaces
- joining in with courses and activities listed in The Solihull Directory
- visiting the Age UK Solihull website
- visiting the AccessAble website
Activities for older people and exercise with a health condition
If you are an older person or have a diagnosed health condition it may be important for you to take advice from your doctor before starting a new exercise regime.
You can find support to get active with Solihull on the Move.
Opportunities include:
- DocSpot exercise referral, a 12-week physical activity programme to help adults with long-term health conditions get started
- home-based exercise options and advice from national organisations and charities, such as the NHS
- local exercise groups and advice for people with heart conditions, cancer, MS, Parkinson’s disease, conditions that affect your breathing and to prevent falls
- Step into Solihull, a gentle exercise and activity programme aimed at people aged 45+
Healthier families
The Healthier Families website has information for adults, children and families, it’s Activities pages can help you make positive decisions to keep moving every day.
It also has a great range of healthy eating tips to give you the energy to get the most from your exercise.
You can find support and ideas to stay active with Solihull on the Move.
How are you?
To find out how well you are and get some recommendations on how to improve your health, take the How Are You quiz.