Physical activity

Keeping active is an important part of a healthy, happy lifestyle.

In children and young people, regular physical activity is associated with improved learning, better mental health and helps to maintain a healthy weight.

In adults and older people, benefits include improved physical and mental health, general wellbeing, maintaining a healthy weight and can help to reduce the risk of many long-term health conditions.

Taking part in regular physical activity is also a great way to help you manage any existing long-term health conditions that you may have. It is also a fantastic way to meet new people, have fun and socialise with others, and can boost your self-esteem, lift your mood, improve sleep quality and increase energy levels.

Keeping active in Solihull

Phase 2 of the So Go! year-long physical activity campaign launched in January 2023, whether you are a resident or a local group, find out more including the wide range of activities you can get involved in.

The amount and type of physical activity that is recommended varies:

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:

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 could also:

  • ask your GP surgery for a referral to DocSpot, a supervised exercise programme
  • take a look through the NHS seated exercise pages if you have problems with mobility
  • consider taking part in local specialist exercise groups, for people with Cardiac conditions, Cancer, MS, Parkinson’s Disease, Respiratory conditions and to prevent falls.

Take a look at the following information if you need to know about healthy exercise advice tailored for:

Diabetes

Cancer

Mental health including depression

Heart disease

Older people

Change4Life

The Change4Life website has information for adults, children and families, it’s Get going section 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.

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.