New campaign champions benefits of moving more over fitness targets

A new city-wide campaign focusing on everyday activity rather than fitness targets, aims to help residents feel better through movement. 

Move more – Live more is a year-long campaign encouraging residents to build small, manageable amounts of movement into their daily routines in ways that work for them.

 Unlike traditional fitness campaigns, it focuses on simple activities rather than gym sessions or targets. 

This can include short walks, stretching, standing up more often or moving together with friends, family or neighbours. 

Each month, Move more – Live more will focus on a different benefit of being active, such as boosting mood and energy, building confidence, staying independent and connecting with others. 

It will share stories from local people, alongside practical tips and information about local activities. 

Councillor Mitchie Alexander, Cabinet member for Communities, Equalities, Public Health and Adult Social Care, said: “Move more – Live more is about everyday movement, not pressure or performance. Even small changes can make a real difference to how we feel, both physically and mentally. 

“We want people to know that moving more does not have to be complicated and that there are lots of free and low-cost ways to get involved across the city. Following my successful open heart surgery last summer, I was advised by my doctors to move as much as I possibly could during my recovery. 

“Just going up and down the stairs and going for short walks following my hospital release helped me to recover quickly. Just walking to the local shop and back, a week after the major surgery, made a big difference, mentally as well as physically.” 

The campaign is aimed at people of all ages and abilities, including those who are short on time, living with a long-term health condition or unsure where to start. 

Figures from the Health Counts 2024 survey show that a significant number of adults in Brighton & Hove are not active enough for good health, with inactivity more common in some communities and neighbourhoods than others. 

The survey, which took place last year, highlights physical inactivity as an ongoing issue linked to poorer physical and mental health and widening health inequalities across the city. 

According to the NHS, being physically active can reduce the risk of serious illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and some cancers, and can lower the risk of early death by up to 30 per cent. 

Regular movement is also proven to boost mood, improve sleep, increase energy levels and reduce stress and anxiety. 

NHS guidance says that even light activity and short breaks from sitting can benefit health, especially for people who are currently inactive. 

Residents are encouraged to get involved by exploring ideas and support on the council website and joining the Healthy Lifestyles Facebook group. 

Residents with long-term health conditions are also encouraged to visit the We Are Undefeatable website, which provides simple ways to safely build movement into daily life. 

The council’s Let’s Get Moving calendar lists free and low-cost activities taking place across Brighton & Hove. 

The campaign is delivered by the council’s Healthy Lifestyles Team and forms part of the Let’s Get Moving Strategy (2024-34), which aims to make Brighton & Hove a city where everyone has the opportunity and support to be active in ways that suit them. 

More information about how to get involved can be found on the Move more - Live more hub, or by calling 01273 294 589.