Newcastle City Council

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Most people do not take enough exercise to benefit their health. In Newcastle, participation rates for physical activity are lower than the national average. Our aim is to develop opportunities that directly lead to the increase in levels of physical activity, with particular reference to those in greatest need- such as people with health problems and those who people who are not currently taking part in physical activity.

What can physical activity do for me?

As well as preventing and treating a host health conditions, participating in regular physical activity can

• Keep your heart strong
• Help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight
• Increase your energy levels
• Help combat stress
• Help you sleep better
• Increase your self esteem and sense of wellbeing

How much physical activity and how often?

• For optimum health and fitness benefits adults should exercise 5 times per week for at least 30 minutes and children should be physically active for at least one hour a day.
• The activity needs to be at least of moderate intensity - it should be enough to make you feel warm, even sweaty, you will breathe deeper and your heart will beat faster, but you should still be able to carry out a conversation.
• If you are new to exercise then gradually build up how hard and how often of activity.  You do not need to do it all in one go, you can do several bouts of at least ten minutes through out the day.
• Everyone is different and no matter how good an activity is meant to be for you there is no point in doing it if you don’t like it!
• The important thing is to be active and often. If you participate in a variety of activities you are less likely to get bored and more likely to keep it up.
• Taking more exercise doesn’t have to involve joining a gym or spending a fortune on the latest fitness equipment or clothing. There are many ways to build physical activity into your daily life, simple things like taking the stairs instead of the lift, walking or cycling short journeys (instead of taking bus or car), getting of the bus a stop earlier, walking the dog or digging the garden.

What kind of organised activities are available?

Many people find it helps to attend organised activities as well as exercising it’s a great way to make new friends. A vast range of activities are available in leisure centres, community facilities and private health clubs. There are led walks, active ageing and healthy lifestyle programmes, separate activities for men and for women and programmes for people with health conditions who need the structure and support of a special programme.

Who can point me in the right direction?

The Newcastle Physical Activity Team develop and promote local opportunities for physical activity, your local co-ordinator can provide information as to what’s available locally and what will best suit your needs. If you would like some advice on suitable activities or information on what’s on in your area contact your local Physical Activity Co-ordinator:

East: Rosie Milne - Phone 0191 278 8555 
Email: rosie.milne@newcastle.gov.uk
North West: Alan Dalgarno - Phone 0191 278 8551
Email: alan.dalgarno@newcastle.gov.uk
Inner West: Debbie Smith - Phone 0191 278 8552
Email: debbie.smith@newcastle.gov.uk

If you live in the West of the City there is now a website that provides comprehensive information on physical activity and sport in your area - Activities West.

On the Go

On the Go is a physical activity and lifestyle education programme for children who are overweight/obese and inactive. Children aged 8-16 are referred to the programme by a Health Professional such as their Doctor, Practice Nurse or School Nurse. Self referrals are also accepted as long as they meet the criteria for the programme.

All participants receive an initial consultation, usually with their parents or carers. It is important that parents and family are prepared to be involved and that they and the participant ‘commit’ to the programme. Once accepted on to ‘On the Go’ the child will be allocated a place within on of the groups that operate at venues across the city.

The 12 week programme includes 2 physical activity sessions per week and advice on healthy eating and building physical activity into everyday life. There are also activities that parents, carers and other family members are encouraged to attend.

Participants are encouraged to set their own goals and the emphasis is on making physical activity fun, so as well as the core programme their will be lots of opportunities to try new activities.

To find out more about On the Go contact one of the co-ordinators: Nikki Niblo or Noel Hanlon
Phone 0191 278 8555
E-mail: nikki.niblo@newcastle.gov.uk or noel.hanlon@newcastle.gov.uk

For information on physical activity initiatives and programmes please contact: Physical Activity Team - Phone 0191 278 8558 or
Email: physact@newcastle.gov.uk

Page last updated: 16 August, 2011