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Inactive people

One in four of us do fewer than 30 minutes of physical activity a week, while 1 in 6 deaths is caused by inactivity - but we know they stand to benefit the most if we can help them get a bit more active.

At a glance

Tackling inactivity

One in four people in England do less than 30 minutes of physical activity a week. But our research also shows that those who do the least activity stand to benefit the most, even if it’s just small changes like gentle jogging, swimming or playing rounders in the park.

We know from the experience of other high-income countries, like Finland, the Netherlands and Germany, that this situation can be changed. So, we’re working towards helping everyone experience the benefits that taking part in sport and physical activity brings, including:

  • Mental wellbeing
  • Physical wellbeing
  • Individual development
  • Economic development
  • Social and community development.

To do this, we want to work with new partners, and ones we’ve worked with before, to co-design innovative, different and experimental approaches that willl help reduce the number of inactive people in England.

People doing group exercises indoors

Our strategy – Uniting the Movement

Advocating for movement, sport and physical activity is one of the three key objectives of out Uniting the Movement strategy.

Whether this be through a national campaign such as We Are Undefeatable, or via smaller projects on a local scale, tackling inactivity is at the heart of what we do.

We know that movement makes people happier and healthier, and it does the same thing for our communities – with life-changing, sustainable benefits that have huge economic and social value.

That’s why we want sport and physical activity to be recognised as an essential partner to help overcome national challenges.

Learn more about our Uniting the Movement strategy

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