Adults across North Somerset are being urged to be more active after statistics revealed approximately one fifth of adults in the area are not meeting national health guidelines.

North Somerset Council’s Sports and Active Lifestyles team have launched a “Your 30 Minutes Your Way” campaign which aims to encourage adults to be more active each day and show that being active doesn’t need to cost money.

Current guidelines from Public Health England recommend that adults should be moderately active – meaning your heart rate is increased but you can still hold a conversation – for at least 150 minutes per week.

As well as the numerous physical benefits, being active can also aid good mental health. It can improve sleep, maintain a healthy weight and manage stress, and improve overall quality of life.

However, the latest Active Lives Adult Survey published by Sport England earlier this year showed that 23% of North Somerset residents aged over the age of 16 are classified as ‘inactive’ and are taking part in less than 30 minutes a week of physical activity.

“This isn’t about sport or finding that one activity you become really good at” said Cllr Mike Bell, executive member with responsibility for adult health. “It’s ok to switch between things or have some weeks when we nail it and others when we don’t.

“What we want to remind people is it’s up to them how they get active – whether it’s dancing or walking the dog – but that being active isn’t just beneficial, it’s fun when it’s done on your own terms, in your own way.”

Residents are being asked to make a pledge to try and take part in 30 minutes of physical activity each day. As an extra incentive, everyone who signs up to the campaign and makes their pledge will be entered into a free prize draw with a chance of winning various prizes including a Fitbit, a free months’ membership at Scotch Horn Leisure Centre, free premium three month memberships at Parish Wharf and Strode Leisure Centre, t-shirts and sports drink bottles.

To sign up to Your 30 Minutes, Your Way and be in with a chance of winning go to www.n-somerset.gov.uk/your30minutesyourway. You can also follow Go 4 Life North Somerset Facebook page for regular updates, news and ideas on how to be more active.

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