Physical activity that fits with your lifestyle is the best way of getting the country moving, the Health Development Agency said on Tuesday.   

Government Response: Department of Health

Public health minister Melanie Johnson said: "The government is already piloting a number of schemes across the country to encourage people to take more physical activity, such as free swimming lessons for children and activity programmes providing exercise buddies for the over 50s. We want people to recognise that increasing physical activity does not necessarily mean pumping iron at the gym, but undertaking activities like walking a bit more, using the stairs rather than the lift, or gardening.

"The NHS Plan set out a commitment on developing local action to tackle obesity and physical activity, informed by HDA advice on what works, so I warmly welcome the publication of this work."

Forum Response: Health Development Agency

Paul Streets, chief executive of the Health Development Agency, said: "We're facing a race against time to get more people to be more active. This evidence shows that the best way to do this is by encouraging activity that is achievable, can easily fit into our everyday lives and importantly, one that we enjoy. Many people waste energy feeling guilty for not going to the gym, when instead they should think about what activity they can do easily and just do it. Changes could include leaving the car at home for short journeys and walking instead, trying a sociable pastime like dancing or playing active games with your children. To stay healthy, we should all aim to be active for 30 minutes on five days each week. But this daily 30 minutes can be done in chunks of time - it doesn't have to be in one session. We're seeing unprecedented levels of obesity, but physical activity is part of the answer to tackling this major public health issue in tandem with a healthy diet. The key is tailoring the activity to the individual - whatever the age or ability."