Being active (Easy Read)

We should all try and move more in our daily lives.  

There are lots of easy ways to be active. 

Moving is good for your body and mind.  

Being active can help reduce the risk of many illnesses.  

It can help us feel better about ourselves.  

It can also improve our physical and mental wellbeing. 

Adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity a week.  

You could exercise for 20 minutes per day.  

Or you could exercise for 30 minutes for 5 days.  

During moderate activity:  

• your heart rate will rise  
• you may feel sweaty  
• you may feel short of breath  

You should still be able to hold a conversation.  

You could:

• have a 10-minute walk to work or at lunchtime
• vacuum and clean
• do some gardening  
• walk the dog
• dance in front of the TV
• climb the stairs 

Northamptonshire Sport offer lots of activities.  

For example, there are walks in the countryside and extreme sports.  

There is something for everyone.  

Visit the Northamptonshire Sport website. 

Exploring nature is a great way to keep active.  

It can help your mental health and wellbeing.  

Find out more about country parks. 

You could volunteer for local clubs and activities.  

Volunteer with Northamptonshire Sport.  

Keeping active as we age has lots of benefits.  

It can:  

• improve our mental wellbeing  
• maintain our independence  
• maintain our quality of life  

We should do strength and balance exercises in our daily routines.  

Get Up and Go sessions are a fun way to improve strength and balance.  

Steady On Your Feet has ideas about how to stay safe and well at home.  

There are lots of ways to keep active if you have a disability. 

Find local information through Northamptonshire Sport.  

Activity Alliance have information on being active.

It is for people living with an impairment or health condition. 

Find out more on the Activity Alliance website. 

The Activity on Referral (AOR) Scheme is for inactive adults (16 years plus). 

To be eligible you must be overweight or have a health condition.

It offers a 3-month gym membership at a reduced cost.

You will get a tailored exercise programme. 

Find out more about the Activity on Referral scheme. 

Ask a health professional at your medical practice if they can refer you. 

The NHS offers:  

• Couch to 5k
• Active 10  
• other national initiatives  

To find out more, visit the NHS - Get active website to find out more. 

Northamptonshire Walks is a free walking blog.

It encourages people to enjoy the Northamptonshire countryside.

This blog has hundreds of walks across the county.

The routes vary from 20 minutes upwards and are fully mapped.

Sensory walks are made with complex disabilities in mind.

They can be enjoyed by anyone.

No specialist equipment is required.

You can enjoy them independently or with a group.

The walks can be any length you like.

You can go on foot, use a wheelchair or walker.

Find a sensory walk near you.

At a Parkrun event, you walk, jog or run a 5k every Saturday at 9am.

They are free to join.

They are for people of all abilities.

Find out more about Parkrun.

There are many jogging groups in Northamptonshire.

They are good for people who are new to running.

They are also good for people who aren’t sure how to get started.

Jogging groups normally cost a small fee.

They might start at £3 to £4 per session.

Jog Northants has more information on finding a local group.

Run Talk Run is a weekly 5km run.  

It takes place at Northampton Racecourse, every Thursday at 6:50pm.  

It is free to join.  

All abilities are welcome.  

Run Talk Run focuses on mental health.  

It is a peer support group and a running club. 

Cyclists can use Northamptonshire Bike Park.  

Beginners to skilled mountain bikers can use it.  

It has a range of trails, tracks and facilities.  

It is free to use.  

You only need to pay for car parking.  

Plan your visit to Northampton Bike Park.