The NHS is urging people living in Devon to celebrate how they move as part of the South West ‘Every Move Matters’ campaign.

Devon is a fabulous county, with lots of green and blue spaces – brilliant coastal and countryside areas where you can grab your jacket and go and explore with family and friends, lots of wonderful cycling, walking and wheeling opportunities, such as the impressive Tarka Trail and the South West Coast Path, ready to support your aim to be more physically active every day.

But you don’t need to go to the gym everyday to feel the benefits being active can bring. The South West ‘Every Move Matters’ campaign is about highlighting how moving just a little bit each day can build a stronger, healthier future for us all.

Starting with simple movements could be the first step towards reaching the Chief Medical Officers physical activity guidelines which recommend that adults should aim for 150 minutes a week (just 20 minutes a day).

Movement looks different for everyone, from walking the dog to dancing in the kitchen, to joining an exercise class or going with friends cycling. There is no wrong way to move, and each person has different needs and reasons that motivate them to try to be more active for their health and wellbeing.

Dr Justin Varney Bennett, South West Regional Director of Public Health said:

“Every move, at every age and at every ability can have an impact on how we feel. Being active every day is a really simple way to be healthier at every stage of life, whether it’s playing catch with your grandchildren, dancing round the living room or walking to work, getting moving has huge benefits for physical and mental health, and it’s fun!

“The Chief Medical Officer recommends for adults at least 150 minutes of moderate activity every week with strength building exercises on at least two days. Moderate physical activity is the kind that gets you a bit warm and breathing a bit harder, but you can hold a conversation, and there are loads of ways to build it into everyday life.

“That’s why we’re championing Every Move Matters, from walking the dog to adding in a couple of trips up and down the stairs, it all counts. You don’t have to run the coastal path to feel the benefits. By making movement part of daily life, we can all build our strength, boost our mood, and improve our long-term health. Being active every day has health benefits from reducing the risk of some forms of cancer to improving the symptoms of fatigue caused by many drug treatments, from diabetes to dementia being active can make a difference.

“You can choose what works for you, dancing in the kitchen, walking with friends along the beach, going to the gym, playing kick about with your mates in the park, small steps taken regularly lead to lasting change. For people who don’t know where to start, there are some fantastic resources and websites that can support people to try simple movements and build up gradually, and don’t be afraid to try different things and find what works for you.”

Starting with simple movements could be the first step, so we’ve listed some ideas and resources below to help you get started.

Discover free cycle training sessions for over 18 year old’s with Active Devon
Cycle, wheel or walk around Devon with accessible trails on Explore Devon’s website
There’s so much nature and wildlife to spot whilst being active outside in Devon – Devon Local Nature Partnership offer suggestions to help you get started
Stay active and connect with nature at our award-winning Country Parks – Stover Country Park and Grand Western Canal
Get running with Couch to 5K – Better Health – NHS– An NHS running app for absolute beginners, as well as recent Couch to 5K graduates.
Active 10 – An NHS walking tracker, Track and build up your daily walks – start with 10 minutes every day!
How to be more active – Better Health – NHS – ideas to build more activity into your day, tips to stick with it and free exercise plans to help you get going
Home workout videos – NHS – NHS pages of 10-minute home workouts.
parkrun | walk, jog, run – parkrun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate.