Benefits of physical activity

1. Physical – Physical activity reduces your risk of many diseases, as well as increasing your lifespan. In addition it helps with weight loss, and reducing musculoskeletal pains.
2. Mental - Physical activity has been show to be an effective treatment for combating depression and anxiety. It also has been shown to improve your self-esteem and self-image.
3. Social – Physical activity helps increase social participation.
4. Intellectual – Physical activity has been shown to have positive changes in brain function.

How much do you need?

Every little counts (extra 15 minutes a day shown to have large impact). Each week you should aim to reach:

• 150minutes of moderate activity.

or

• 75 minutes of vigorous activity.

and

• two resistance training sessions.

Three types of activity

1. Daily physical activity – such as walking to lectures. 
2. Sport – huge variety at the Students' Union.
3. Exercise – this is what Get Exercise Confident is going to focus on!

Main message

Make up your 150 minutes (or 75) with activities that suit you and your lifestyle. If you enjoy it, it will be much easier to make it a habit that sticks!