I am so busy at work, that I don’t have enough time for intensive sports. How much activity do you need to stay healthy?

Previous recommendations for physical activity dictated a minimum of 20 minutes of quite vigorous physical activity every day for most people. Nowadays, scientists and health professionals have realised that this level of activity is too demanding for the majority of people. It has also been found that we don't need to work so hard to get health benefits from being active.

Today we know that regular physical activity at a moderate level of intensity is good for your health. For example, brisk walking on all or most days of the week for around 30 minutes will help to improve physical and mental well-being. Taking activity in smaller bouts - say 2 or 3 bouts of ten minutes each - can be almost as effective as doing it all in one go and can be easier to fit into today's busy lifestyles.