Sheffield City Council and the NHS have launched a new physical activity campaign, ‘The People’s Movement’, which encourages people to make positive choices around increasing the amount of physical activity they do.

Sheffield City Council and the Sheffield First for Health and Wellbeing have launched a new physical activity campaign, ‘The People’s Movement’, which encourages people to make positive choices around increasing the amount of physical activity they do.

The People’s Movement aims to show that being physically active is not just about joining a gym. Normal, everyday activities, such as walking the dog, doing housework, or taking the stairs instead of the lift, can contribute to people’s health and well being, and play a part in reducing levels of coronary heart disease, obesity and diabetes in the city.

The People’s Movement website has been developed to provide comprehensive information on a variety of fun activities happening around the city, and tips on how people can be more physically active in their homes and daily lives. There’s something for everyone, as many of these activities are low cost or free, and require no specalist equipment or training.

A series of free People’s Movement events will be taking place over the next 12 months, giving people a chance to try a range activities, from salsa dancing to running, while providing information on further events that are taking place, both in the city centre and in local communities.

The People’s Movement is promoted by Active Sheffield, a partnership consisting of Sheffield City Council, the NHS in the city, Sheffield Hallam University and other agencies. It aims to reduce health inequalities across the city, and promote active lifestyles.

Paul Billington, of Active Sheffield, said: “Being more physically active doesn’t have to be about making major sacrifices and trying to fit even more into an already hectic lifestyle. Simple changes can have a positive effect on people’s health across the city, and you don’t have to be an athlete to do that little bit more. The aim is to be active for 20 to 30 minutes on as many days as possible – and everything from a brisk walk through to swimming or sport will count”

Sheffield City Council hope the campaign, which is in line with the Government’s 2004 White Paper, Choosing Health, will raise levels of physical activity by 1% each year, by promoting an active lifestyle that fits into people’s existing routine.