Be active
Staying active is important for your physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. Regular movement can help improve sleep, boost energy levels and reduce stress. There are many simple ways to stay active, such as walking in a local park, dancing at home, or joining a walking group or sports club. Even small changes to your daily routine can make a big difference.
What happens next
There are many ways to get active in Staffordshire. Here are some suggestions to help you get started:
- Explore local walking routes through Walks and Country Trails. Walking is free and supports both mental and physical health.
- Visit Active My Way for advice, information and tips on getting active. You can also read real-life stories from people in Staffordshire.
- Use Staffordshire Connects to find community support groups, organisations and services near you. Search for ‘Getting active’ or ‘Leisure centres, venues and gyms’.
- Visit Staffordshire offers ideas for outdoor activities across the county.
- Better Health – NHS provides advice, home workout videos and apps to help you get started.
- We Are Undefeatable supports people with long-term health conditions to find ways to be active.
Getting active
Finding time to be active can be challenging, but even short activities can make a difference. Here are some ideas based on how much time you have:
If you have five minutes:
- Try simple sitting exercises from the NHS.
- Use stairs instead of lifts or escalators.
- Power walk or jog on the spot to raise your heart rate.
If you have about half an hour:
- Go for a run. If you're new to running, Couch to 5K from Better Health – NHS can help.
- Get off the bus a stop early and walk the rest of the way.
- Walk or cycle to the shop or for errands instead of driving.
If you have a little longer:
- Join your local home | parkrun UK. These free community events take place every Saturday morning.
- Try a Ramblers Wellbeing Walk. These are free, short walks available across England.
- Go for a bike ride. Cycling in Staffordshire | Mountain Biking in Staffordshire offers suggested routes.
Costs
Many activities mentioned are free or low-cost. Walking, home exercises and community events like parkrun do not require payment.
Contact routes
For more information or support, visit Staffordshire Connects to find local services and groups. You can also speak to your local council or health professional for advice on getting active.
Disclaimer
The resources and websites mentioned are provided as suggestions to support physical activity. They are not officially endorsed by Staffordshire County Council.
