‘Move More Jersey’ seeks to combat the sedentary lifestyles by focusing on incorporating physical activity into a daily routine, addressing the barriers to taking exercise and stressing the benefits.
Being regularly active is proven to help prevent diseases such as stroke, heart disease, diabetes and some forms of cancer, according to Jersey Sport. It also prevents hypertension, obesity and can significantly improve mental and physical health. Suggested examples of incorporating physical activity into daily routines include cycling to work, walking with colleagues or friends during a lunch break, using stairs instead of lifts, and walking a little further before catching the bus. There are also a number of organised activities in the Island such as walking football and weekly cycle rides.
WHO guidelines suggest children aged five to 17 should get an hour’s ‘moderate to vigorous’ physical activity daily, while adults are recommended to take at least 150 minutes of moderate activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, every week.
Jersey Sport chairman Phil Austin said: ‘Jersey has many inspiring places to be active, and there are so many ways you can move more, many of them free, no matter where you’re personally starting from.
‘The Move More Jersey campaign is targeted at the least active Islanders and encourages them to start moving more at their pace and doing it their way.’
The movemore.je website provides a range of suggestions and links, and is accompanied by a campaign video and accompanying social media.
Jersey Sport chief executive Catriona McAllister said: ‘For many Islanders, there are clear and obvious barriers to being active, or perhaps they simply don’t know where to start. Move More Jersey is designed to provide simple, achievable ways to move more, helping Islanders to become gradually more active and grow in mental and physical confidence.’
Supporting the launch of the initiative, Senator Steve Pallett, assistant minister responsible for sport, said that improving wellbeing, mental and physical health was a priority for the States.
The World Health Organisation publishes guidelines for physical activity. Currently in Jersey 48% of adults and 81% of children and young people fall beneath the WHO’s recommended levels.
