Website of the UK government
Please note that this website has a UK government accesskeys system.
Main menu
Page menu
Health and well-being
Sport and fitness
Everyone can enjoy sport without having to compete, and there is a wide range of locally-based activities which people of any fitness level can do. Regular sport and being more physically active offer a wide range of health-related benefits, can make you feel more energetic and better about yourself, and, of course, can provide a great deal of enjoyment.
You'd think that, at 76, Joyce Heywood would want to take life easy. But, having spent 21 years enjoying the thrills and spills of windsurfing, she has no intention of giving it up.
'I have been windsurfing since I was 55,' she says. 'It was after my husband took it up that I decided to have a go. I thought rather than stand on the bank watching I would join him.'
Joyce and her husband Dennis joined the Seavets, an association for people aged over 35 who enjoy windsurfing. Dennis produced a regular newsletter until his death four years ago. However, Joyce is still taking part in races across Britain. 'I'm still racing, although I usually come in last,' she jokes. 'I haven't got the stamina now, although I do go to the gym once a week to keep me fit.'
Joyce says the social side of Seavets plays an important part in keeping her active. 'It's lovely to meet up with friends and do something you all enjoy,' she says. 'I always try to encourage people to keep going. It keeps your mind and your muscles active.'
Increasing activity
You can increase your level of activity just by:
- walking more rather than using the car or taking a bus
- doing more activities around the home and garden and putting a bit more physical effort into doing them and
- getting involved in a regular activity you particularly enjoy, such as dancing or a leisurely swim
Is being active for me?
You don't have to do an exhausting work-out nor be an Olympic athlete to be active. You will improve your health by building up to half an hour of moderate activity each day, such as a brisk walk. You should do activities that you enjoy and can make a regular part of your life.
There is a range of sporting and leisure activities in most areas - look in your local phone book or visit your local council or library.
Keep Fit Association
You can get a range of information on keeping fit and healthy from the Keep Fit Association. Phone: 020 8692 9566.
More about sport and fitness in England and Wales
If you want to know more about sporting opportunities that may suit you, contact Sport England or The Sports Council for Wales. They can put you in touch with the sports organisations and people in your area who can tell you about learning, improving and taking part in sport.
Sport England
Phone: 020 7273 1500
sportscotland
You can find out more about sporting opportunities that may suit you through sportscotland. They can put you in touch with the sports organisations and people in your area who can tell you about learning, improving and taking part in sport. You can call them on 0131 317 7200.
Scottish Sports Association
You can also contact the Scottish Sports Association which represents the interests of over 80 governing bodies and organisations of sport and physical recreation in Scotland. You can call them on 0131 339 8785.
Additional links
Sign up - get healthy!
Join Change4Life - helping every family eat well, move more and live longer
Useful contacts
Access keys
