Health Champions – Physical Activity Training

Physical Activity

There are numerous physiological and psychological benefits of physical activity. Exercise strengthens the bones, muscles and joints; improves the function of the lung and heart; helps maintain a healthy weight; and lowers blood pressure.

The mental benefits of physical activity are lowered stress, anxiety and depression plus an improvement in mood, self-esteem, confidence and sleep.

The UK Chief Medical Officer recommends 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week for adults and 60 minutes a day for those aged 5-18. However, in 2021 only 65.9% of adults and 44.6% of children and young people in the UK were achieving these recommended physical activity targets.

The course covers the following objectives:

• An overview of physical activity and its benefits.
• The statistics of activity and inactivity levels in the city of Sunderland.
• The recommended levels of physical activity and intensity.
• Safety advice when starting an exercise programme.
• Physical activity for pregnancy.
• Tips and ideas to remain active.
• How to use Making Every Contact Count (MECC) conversations to get people more active.

**The course may also include an active break depending on time and space