How much physical activity do we need for good health?

The UK among the first Nations in the world to set out the evidence for how much and what kinds of physical activity we need to do to keep ourselves healthy. Since then, the evidence has become more compelling and the message is clear:

"If physical activity were a drug, we would refer to it as a miracle cure, due to the great many illnesses it can prevent and help treat.” 


Have a look at the UK Chief Medical Officer physical activity guidelines to check how you measure up:

 

Page last reviewed: 13 April 2026
Page created: 20 July 2022