Health & physical activity

Move more for better health

Physical activity – even simply walking – is widely known to reduce our risk of disease and can make it easier to live with a health condition. Not only that, but the endorphins released can make us feel good too

If exercise were a pill, it would be one of the most cost-effective drugs ever invented

- Dr Nick Cavill, health promotion consultant

Programmes for Surrey Residents

Find out about the health-related activities we help organise

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For health professionals and partners

Information on helping your patients to better health through physical activity

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C M O guidelines - exercise helps avoid strokes, hypertension, 8 cancers, dementia & other conditions

How does moving more make a difference?

It reduces inflammation in your cells – it is this inflammation that can lead to chronic disease It prevents clogging of arteries by breaking up fatty deposits
It increases blood flow, so oxygen (which is carried in blood) can reach muscles and organs, allowing them to work to their optimum
It keeps muscles strong, improving balance and posture and reducing the risk of falls in older people
It can help maintain a healthy weight

Diagram from: Chief Medical Officer's physical activity guidelines report

Inactive people have a 20% to 30% increased risk of dying early

View the WHO factsheet

Sitting isn't as bad for health as smoking, but being inactive can still prove deadly

Regular exercise can boost your mood

Some advice from the NHS

Coronavirus and physical activity

While exercise won’t make you immune, evidence from around the world has shown a link between excess weight and the chance of being hospitalised with COVID-19. And those who exercise more typically have improved lung capacity, which is thought to help you overcome some of the effects of the virus.

Staying active is good for your mental health too, especially if you can exercise in the great outdoors.