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

In the South West, 22 percent of the population are inactive (do less than 30 minutes of movement a week) and we know that a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of long-term health conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes, negatively impacts mental health and weakens muscles and bones.

The South West campaign highlights how moving just a little each day can build a stronger, healthier future.

Starting with simple movements could be the first step towards reaching the recommended physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes a week (just 20 minutes a day) for adults, as set out by the Chief Medical Officer.

Movement looks different for everyone, from walking the dog to dancing in the kitchen. #EveryMoveMatters is a call to action – there is no wrong way to move, only your way. Everyone is encouraged to find their own way to move more and to recognise the strength they are building along the way.

• Every Move Matters – any movement is better than none, even short bouts of activity add up and contribute to overall health.
• Move More, Sit Less – break up long periods of sitting with light activity to reduce the risk of health issues like heart disease.
• Start Small, Build Up – begin with what you can manage and gradually increase over time.

Erin, a nurse from north Somerset, carrying her baby daughter Daisy on a walk by the coast

Erin, 28, a nurse from North Somerset found physical activity while pregnant after being referred to “Hen”, a pre and postnatal exercise and diet referral programme.

As part of the course she did weekly exercises with other mums including strength training, weight lifting and pelvic floor strengthening. This inspired a love for the gym and she now goes three times a week, has lost four and a half stone, reduced her visceral weight by 50 percent and has reduced her resting heartbeat.

Erin said: “Go for it, everything can be amended to suit you and you won’t lose anything by trying.”

Sophia, 57, an accommodation officer for Bristol City Council who lives in Bristol, always had a passion for walking and in her spare time runs a walking group for Black women and women of colour in Bristol called “Steppin sisters”.

During the Covid pandemic, Sophia used walking as a coping mechanism and wondered if there were other women who (like her) who would like to go out on a walk to feel better.

Sophia, runs a walking group for Black women and women of colour in Bristol called “Steppin sisters”, and knows the benefits of moving more for your physical and mental health.

With this in mind, Sophia shared a Facebook post asking if anyone would like to join her on a walk and 25 women turned up. There was a lot of emotion, tears and laughter and the women said “can we do this again” and that is when Sophia decided to set up a walking group for Black women and women of colour.

The walks have been so successful that they now have 1800 women from across the South West joining the group with over 75 people on each walking waiting list.

Clive, 68, from Okehampton, said: “I am really behind the Every Move Matters campaign, I know how easy it is to slip into inactivity and become more sedentary but physical activity, along with a real food diet has changed my life, I have used being more active to reverse my type two diabetes.

“I found a real love for walking and I am now a wellbeing walk leader myself with Active Devon who run fantastic wellbeing walks across Devon.  I see the huge social, emotional and health benefits to literally taking small steps and walking together.

“The walking groups I am a part of have a real sense of community, belonging and connection and I think combining physical activity, connecting with others and spending time outdoors is great for your physical and mental health. I would encourage anyone to take those first steps and find the activity they enjoy.”

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.

“However, according to Sport England’s latest Active Lives survey, nearly 1 in 4 adults in England are classed as inactive, doing less than 30 minutes of moderate activity a week, and in the South West about a third of adults aren’t reaching the recommended levels to improve health.

Clive (end right), from Devon, is part of a walking group, and has seen the benefits of making every move matter.

“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.

“One of the brilliant things about the South West is we have so much on our doorsteps from festivals to farm shows, coastal paths to castles, ballrooms to beachcombers, and as the weather improves it’s a great time to get out and about and get active.

“And don’t forget to tell us about it by sharing photos or stories on social media using #EveryMoveMatters.”

James Watmough, Strategic Lead, Sport England said: “Sport England is four years into its 10-year Uniting the Movement Strategy; with a significant focus on tackling physical inactivity and ensuring more resource goes to those places which need it most.

“We are proud to support the South West’s Every Move Matters campaign with and through our Active Partnerships across the region.

“Whether it’s walking the dog, dancing in the kitchen, playing sport with friends, what matters most is that it feels good, is fun and fits in with your life.”