Leisure Activities

Half Hour Health

It is recommended that adults should take part in at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on five or more days of the week. 30 minutes can be achieved in one session or in a number of sessions throughout the day.

There are 1440 minutes in a day - being active for 30 of them is not difficult and can be fun too.

How do I know if I am doing moderate intensity physical activity?

You know you are at a moderate intensity when:

• You feel slightly warmer
• Your heart is beating faster than normal, but not racing
• You breathe deeper and more rapidly than usual, but can still talk.

Benefits of being physically active

• Increased energy
• Stronger bones and muscles, and improved flexibility
• Helps with weight management
• Helps prevent diseases such as Diabetes, Heart Disease, Stroke and some Cancers.
• Helps ease depression and anxiety
• Improves sleep patterns
• Is extremely fun and social
• Get a better body shape and appearance
• Overall good health.

Ways to stay physically active

• Dancing (salsa, ballroom or street dancing)
• Swimming, walking or cycling
• Organised sports (badminton, hockey or football)
• Changing habits i.e. walk to work, climb the stairs rather than take the lift
• Jogging, gym and aerobics
• House chores and gardening
• Golf
• Join a sports club - visit the Oxford Sports Partnership Activity Finder for local activities taking place in the area.

Be safe - before starting any type of physical activity it is advisable to consult your doctor first.

Please see below for information about other leisure activities offered at sports facilities around the city:

Page last reviewed 28 Feb 2008