This factsheet is for young people who want to know:

Why do exercise?

Exercise keeps our heart, body and mind healthy. There is evidence that exercise can help in depression, anxiety and even protects you from stress. To work properly, your body needs regular exercise.

Regular activity helps you to:

Most of us feel good when we are active. So, don't worry about not doing enough – get started by building a bit of physical activity into your daily life now. Even a small change can get your heart healthier and make you feel happier.

Why does exercise make me feel better?

When you exercise, ‘feel-good’ chemicals called endorphins are released in your brain. Exercise also affects chemicals called dopamine and serotonin which are related to depression and anxiety. It can help brain cells to grow. In your body, regular exercise makes your heart, muscles and bones stronger and makes them work better.

Activity can help you feel more in control which helps when you are worried or stressed. You can even make new friends and have fun when you exercise with other people.

How much activity is enough for me?

Any activity is good. You should try to do some activity every day. Regular exercise for about 40 minutes which gets you out of breath, five times a week, will have the best results on your body and mood.

What kind of exercise can I do?

You choose! Don't worry if you have never done it before or if you don't like sports. Exercise does not have to be about running around a track or going to a gym. It can be just about being more active each day.

There might be easy ways to get more active like getting off the bus and walking, taking the stairs instead of a lift or taking your dog for a walk. It might be active sports like football, netball, hockey or rugby, or you might prefer something less competitive like walking, jogging or rock climbing.