Benefits of moving more
Discover the everyday benefits of moving more and find free or low-cost ways to get started in Brighton & Hove
Improve your life with movement
There are many benefits from moving more which can improve your life, not just your health.
The NHS has outlined all the benefits of being active and even taking short breaks from sitting can help you feel better and makes a big difference over time.
Below you can see all the benefits we’ll be highlighting each month as part of the Move more - Live more campaign.
Long-term health conditions
If you are living with a long-term health condition, being active can be very beneficial.
It can help you feel better physically and mentally if you move more in a way that suits you.
The We Are Undefeatable campaign also provides simple ways to safely build movement into your routine and there are local opportunities to be active with long-term health conditions in Brighton & Hove.
Learn more about each benefit
Connect with loved ones
Active time with family and friends strengthens bonds and creates happy memories.
Make movement part of play or meet up for a walk in a local park.
You can try:
- local walking groups and Health Walks
- a walk in the park - explore 150 parks
- children’s centres and Best Star Family Hubs
- Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme
- playgrounds - find 53 parks and play areas
Build your confidence
Regular movement can build confidence and self-esteem.
Even a short walk or dance session can help you feel more positive and comfortable in your body.
You can try:
- This Girl Can for local information and inspiration
- female only sports facilities
- dance classes for all ages and abilities
- Brighton LGBTQ+ Sports Society (BLAGSS)
- Trans Can Sport for free and low-cost sessions for trans people
Stay strong and independent
Strength and balance exercises help reduce falls risk and keep you independent for longer.
Joining local groups can also connect you with your community.
You can try:
- Stay Strong, Steady and Independent events
- Simple exercises for older adults on the Age UK website
- Six exercises to keep muscles strong - watch the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy video on YouTube
- activities and advice from the Ageing Well Partnership
- HK50+ groups and activities from the Hangleton & Knoll Project
Enjoy nature and the outdoors
Time outdoors supports your body and mind.
Walking in green spaces can lower stress and improve mood, and Brighton & Hove's parks and seafront are perfect places to start.
You can try:
- local walking groups and guided Health Walks
- a walk in the park
- walk and trail guides in and around the city
- local nature reserves
- gardening at Preston Park - volunteer and meet new friends
Connect with your community
Being active with others helps you feel part of something.
People who join group activities often find it easier to keep going and feel less isolated.
You can try:
- a local directory of groups and events from East Sussex Community Information Service (ESCIS)
- library events for activities and exhibitions
- Trust for Developing Communities
- free and low-cost groups from The Hangleton and Knoll Project
- active social lives for adults with learning disabilities and autistic people from Stay Up Late
- local events and support for people with a learning disability and autistic people from Grace Eyre
Save money
Walking or cycling instead of driving can cut fuel costs, reduce stress and build more movement into your day.
You can try:
Express yourself through movement
Activities like dance or group classes can boost self-worth and help you feel more connected.
You can try:
- activities for adults from Active for Life
- dance classes - friendly and welcoming sessions for all levels
Improve focus and reduce stress
Adding movement to your school or workday can improve focus and wellbeing.
Short active breaks can increase productivity and reduce stress
You can try:
- Be active for your mental health from the NHS Better Health website
- Chair-based Pilates - watch the video workout on the NHS website
Connect with colleagues at work
Active workplaces support healthier, happier staff.
Regular movement can reduce fatigue and improve concentration, so small changes like walking meetings make a difference
You can get:
Build your resilience
Keeping active through winter helps build resilience.
Staying active can support your mental health and help new habits stick
You can try:
- How to deal with change from the NHS website
- online self-help CBT techniques
Boost your energy and mood
Moving more can lift your mood and boost your energy – even just from doing your household chores.
Break up long periods of sitting with light movement and choose small, enjoyable moves each day to feel brighter and more energised.
You can try:
- Dancing for Health (Zoom) - seated conditioning and dance with Latin sounds
- exercises you can do at home - get online support for being active
- NHS 10-minute home workout videos
- NHS Active 10 app - track every minute of brisk walking
- Movement advice for wheelchair users
Celebrate your achievements
Celebrating your progress keeps you motivated.
Reflect on the benefits of moving more and join community events to mark your achievements
You can try:
- Dance Active - annual celebration of community dance in December
- join our Healthy Lifestyles Facebook group
- new activities from our Let’s Get Moving calendar