What is physical activity and sport?

Physical activity means taking part in exercise to keep healthy.  For example:

• walking
• cycling
• yoga. 

Sport is a type of physical activity.  There are usually rules you have to follow and you might play against other people to see who wins.

For example:

• football
• tennis
• boccia.

Physical activity and sport is good for your physical and mental health.

It is good for you because:

• It makes your heart beat faster.  

  This can help you feel happier and keeps your heart strong and healthy.

• It can help you lose weight.

  This lowers the chance of you getting health problems like diabetes and heart disease.  Being active helps you to live longer.

• It can help your mental health.

  Being active helps you to control how you feel.  When you are active, your brain makes chemicals that make you feel happy.   

• It can make you feel more confident and help you to make new friends.

• You can learn new skills.

• It can help you sleep better.

• It gives you something to look forward to and can make you feel better if you are having a bad day.

Physical activity and sport is for everyone.  Anyone can take part.

Taking part in physical activity and sport does not mean you have to compete against other people. 

You can do activities and sport for fun at your local sports club or leisure centre.

A leisure centre is a place where people get together and take part in activities.

Anyone can take part in physical activity but you can speak to your doctor if you are worried about your health.

The next part of our guide to physical activity and sport for people with a learning disability is Ideas for activities and sports.

Or you can go back to the introduction to choose to go to a different part of the Let's get active guide.