Being physically active is essential for good health.  Having an active lifestyle can help you manage your weight, improve your general well being and prevent some illnesses.  When it comes to exercise, try to find something you enjoy, whether that be walking, gardening, cycling, dancing or an organised sport.  If you enjoy what you are doing you are more likely to keep it up.

What are the benefits of being physically active?

Taking part in regular physical activity can help people feel better in many ways.

It can:

	help you lose weight
	help you improve your general health
	help reduce stress and alleviate depression helping you relax and sleep better
	improve mobility, balance and muscle strength
	promote an overall sense of well being
	prevent some illnesses
	reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity and being hurt in a fall
	help you enjoy activities with family and friends.
	be friendly and sociable
	be free

Experts recommend that the average adult should try to build up to at least 30 minutes per day of physical activity five days of the week.  You can do it in smaller chunks, e.g 3 x 10 minute sessions or 2 x 15 minute sessions.
Everyone is different you should exercise at your own pace and at a level that is comfortable for you.  However, in order to achieve health benefits when exercising you should feel you are breathing slightly harder and feeling warmer than normal.

There are lots of ways of fitting activity into your life.  Here are some ideas to get you started:

	Use the stairs instead of the lift
	Park further away in the car park
	Walk instead of driving if the distance is short
	Walk the dog instead of just letting it out
	Instead of e-mailing or calling a collegue, walk to their desk
	Walk your child to school
	Change the channel on the TV without the remote control
	Aim to climb the stairs 10 times a day
	Avoid sitting for long periods – get up and walk around regularly

When you are ready you could start introducing additional activities into your day such as:

	Walking – It is the most accessible of activities.  Why not get a group of friends together and arrange a walk.
	Swimming – It is an excellent way to be active.  The water supports your body weight so it is a great choice if you are overweight, suffer from back pain, arthritis or have a disability.
	Cycling -  cycling reduces the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity and the most common form of diabetes and there are no real age barriers to cycling, and people of most fitness levels can cycle, slowly and gently if necessary.  The choices are endless!

We need your help! 

We are trying to establish the extent and type of activities and services offered in Carmarthenshire relating to sport, physical activity and active recreation.  These include activities such as short mat bowls, yoga, keep fit and dance classes etc. 

The information gathered will be used for the NHS Direct Wales 'Health, Well Being and Support Directory', in order to provide the public and proffessionals with up to date information on services in the county.  The benefit to your group/organisation is greater public awareness and increased membership.

Please download and complete a questionnaire for each activity you are involved in and return to: