The South West’s top public health doctor is urging people to get active as the days draw in, to help reduce their risk of long-term conditions, serious illness and even early death.

With more than one in five adults classed as inactive and nearly half of children and young people not hitting recommended levels of activity, the aim is to get the region moving this autumn and winter.

Dr Justin Varney-Bennett, Regional Director of Public Health for NHS England South West said: “All of us should be active every day, at every age and every ability, getting a bit warm through physical activity is essential to a longer, healthier and happier life. Staying physically active in the winter months is especially important.

“There is a tendency as the weather gets worse, the days get shorter and we don’t have a holiday outfit to squeeze into, that we want to hibernate on the sofa but this is exactly the time when being active every day is important. It doesn’t matter how you get active every day, whether it’s a few extra trips up and down the stairs at home, dancing round the living room or using resistance bands in the garage.

“Physical activity can help boost your mood as the days get shorter and the weather gets worse, it reduces the risk of over 40 different diseases and for those with existing health conditions like diabetes and cancer, being active every day reduces health complications. Being active also helps keeps us warm.”

These are just two examples of how people in the South West have embraced exercise to improve their health

Jemma Waugh from Plymouth has been part of the Be:lieve Health and Wellbeing programme which was established by the Wolseley Trust. The programme helps people improve their fitness, strength and positive connections through education. It has allowed her the opportunity to access coaching sessions to keep active.

Jemma said: “I have always had sedentary, office based jobs and I wanted to learn to love exercise and now I actually do. The programme showed me what I can do, rather than what I can’t.

“It gave me the confidence to change my whole life and not just my health. I changed jobs, leaving a stressful role behind me. I have lost three dress sizes, and now participate in the Race for Life with my son.

“I have seen a big change in my mental wellbeing with a new sense of motivation and self-belief. I would recommend to anyone getting involved in a similar programme to better their fitness, it’s had a massive impact on me”

Paul Shannon, personal trainer from the Be:lieve Programme said: “We host twice weekly coaching and training sessions focused around ability, strength training and cardiovascular fitness, addressing all the key needs. This is backed up with a weekly education session around different topics, so people can care for their body and know exactly how to do it for themselves.”

“We see that participants have an increased confidence and boosted self-esteem at the end of the six week programme.

However the strength lies in the community of people, building a strong network with others who are on a similar journey and helped by professionals who believe in them.”

In Cornwall, Wellbeing Walks are taking place every week with group walks around the county, which are led by friendly, specially trained volunteers and staff.

Val who is 77 attends the Bodmin Wellbeing Walk has been going for over 5 years and it has made a significant improvement to her health and wellbeing.

Val said: “I enjoy the company, encouragement and support as well as walking to places I would no longer go to on my own due to my age.

“They have helped my weight control as I have successfully dealt with high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

“My mood is always improved, my spirits lifted. I have made news friends and walk with them weekly on another day.”

 Dr Justin Varney-Bennett, Regional Director of Public Health for NHS England South West said:

“There are lots of free ideas online now to help us get active every day from the NHS Couch to 5K app to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists Active Work workouts for those working at a desk all day. But you don’t have to do it alone, there are lots of groups you can join to help get you going and keep you going. Being part of a group can really help when the weather turns and you’re tempted to stay home.

“From walking groups to walking football, there are loads of great clubs and groups across the South West offering everything from rumba to roller skating, and for those living with a long term condition like Parkinson’s Disease there are some specific groups where you can get active with people with same kind of challenges, PD Warriors is a great example of this!

“So don’t wait until New Year to reach out and connect with a local group, dig out the winter coat and mittens and make a start today. It’s never too late, regardless of age or ability, there’s always time to try some form of physical activity and to stay active this winter.”

The NHS get active guide can help you find new ways to get moving.

There are many activities to try such as the NHS Active 10 app, which can help you track and build up with daily walks – starting with 10 minutes every day. As well as home workout videos where you can follow along, with no equipment needed.