Keeping active
Being physically active as part of your everyday routine
makes you less likely to have a heart attack then someone who is
not active.
Only three in ten Pakistani
men do enough physical activity, according to the guidelines –
and only just over one
in ten Pakistani women do enough compared to the
rest of the UK population.
Build 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. It can help you have more
energy and relieve stress.
You should aim to do 30
minutes of moderate physical activity on
5 or more days a week. Moderate physical activity
makes you breathe more heavily than normal and makes you warmer. It
will also help you to be a healthy body weight and shape.
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
If 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.
See how our
Get active, stay active booklet can help you
Check out our
Put your heart into walking booklet
Download our booklet on
Healthy Living, Healthy Heart
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