Getting active doesn’t have to mean running marathons or spending hours in the gym. Small, positive changes to how we move, eat and look after our bodies can make a big difference to both our physical and mental wellbeing.
Throughout our Move More. Feel Better. campaign, we’ll be sharing practical tips, advice and useful resources to help you take simple steps towards a healthier lifestyle.
Over the coming months we’ll be covering:
- Free local groups and activities to help you get moving and stay active.
- Nutrition advice to support your energy, health and wellbeing.
- Healthy recipes that are easy to prepare and enjoy.
- Know Your Numbers – understanding key health measures such as blood pressure, cholesterol and BMI, and why they matter.
- Musculoskeletal health advice to help prevent aches, pains and injuries, whether you’re at work or at home.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking for new ways to support your wellbeing, there’s something for everyone. We hope you’ll join us throughout this summer campaign and discover how moving more can help you feel better every day.
Find Free Ways to Get Moving in Your Local Area
Getting active doesn’t have to cost a thing. Whether you’re looking for a walking group, a beginner-friendly exercise class or a local sports club, there are plenty of free opportunities available.
There are lots of ways to find an activity by spending a little time searching online:
Please share our poster, which you can find at the end of this document and on the UK News download page HERE.
Use social platforms and community apps
Many free groups advertise through:
- Facebook (search “walking group”, “fitness group”, or “community sports”).
- Meetup – https://www.meetup.com/
Whatever your interest, from hiking and cycling to book clubs and pilates, there are thousands of people who share it on Meetup. Local events are happening every day.
- Nextdoor – https://nextdoor.co.uk/
Instantly connect with your local neighbourhood – free to sign up.
Search your local council website
Most councils list free or low-cost activities such as walking groups, fitness classes, cycling sessions and community events.
Search: “[your town/city] wellbeing activities” or “[your town/city] leisure activities”.
Use the NHS Better Health activity finder
https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/get-active/
The NHS website provides ideas, support and links to local opportunities.
Get running with the Couch to 5K
https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/get-active/get-running-with-couch-to-5k/
Starting something new like running can feel overwhelming, but that is completely normal. Many people feel this way at first. The free NHS Couch to 5K programme makes it easier by guiding you from the couch to running 5km in just nine weeks. Let’s take it one step at a time.
Find a local parkrun
Parkrun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. Parkrun is 5km and takes place every Saturday morning at over 1.5k locations across the UK.
Check Active Partnerships
Active Partnerships connect people with local physical activity opportunities.
https://activepartnerships.org/
Active Partnerships is a nationwide movement, physical activity and sport network that exists to make active lifestyles the norm for everyone. They partner and connect with local and national stakeholders to transform lives and affect widespread social change.
Visit your local leisure centre website
Many leisure centres offer:
- Free taster sessions
- Community classes
- Walking football
- Chair-based exercise
- Beginner activity programmes
Remember…
The best activity is one that you enjoy. Whether it’s walking with friends, gardening, dancing in your kitchen or joining a local sports club, every movement counts towards improving your health and wellbeing.
Move More. Feel Better.