Keeping active

Child cyclingBeing physically active as part of your everyday routine makes you less likely to have a heart attack than someone who is not active.

Only one in four Bangladeshi men do enough physical activity, according to the guidelines – and only just over one in ten Bangladeshi women do enough compared to the rest of the UK population.

Building up to 30 minutes a day

Being physically active can be anything from going swimming or running, to everyday things like walking, gardening and climbing the stairs. Being active can help you have more energy and relieve stress. It will also help you to be healthy body weight and shape.

Asian Ladies DancingYou should aim to do 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on 5 or more days of the week. Moderate physical activity makes you breathe more heavily than normal and makes you warmer than usual.

If you are starting from scratch - build up slowly:

  • start with ten minutes of activity three times a day
  • start slowly at a level that suits you
  • gradually build up the time and frequency until 30 minutes feels easier
  • choose a variety of activities that you enjoy
  • try to do something every day.

Try going for a brisk walk with a friend, joining specific exercise classes or playing a sport such as badminton, but being physically active could also include everyday things like digging in the garden to grow some your own vegetables.

Choose an activity that you will enjoy and encourage a family member or friend to do it with you.

Talk to your doctor

Stretching fitnessIf you are being treated by your doctor for another condition, it’s important to talk to them, before you start exercising. Remember to stop exercising if you feel pain or discomfort.