Get Active
Regular participation in physical activity can have a big impact on public health. In order to gain the benefits:
Children and young people should achieve a total of at least 60 minutes of at least moderate intensity physical activity each day. At least twice a week this should include activities to include bone health, muscle strength and flexibility.
Adults should achieve a total of at least 30 minutes of at least moderate intensity physical activity a day on five or more days a week.
Why not check out the Sports pages to see what kind of physical activity is available in County Durham?
Activity Finder
If you're looking for details of what's on offer at your local leisure centre or at other centres and venues across the county then Durham County Council's activity finder can help. Whether it's racket sports or team sports, mind and body or aerobics, holiday time or term time you can search by type and location to find an activity suitable for you whatever your age or ability.
Visit the activity finder
Are you 13 or over?
Want to try something new? Have a look at the Get Out There website for fun things to do.
On the website you will find activities which are from sources such as Durham County Council, the community, the voluntary sector and private sector organisations. These can be things such as classes at your local leisure centre, film making workshops or events on at your local youth centre.
You can find information on the date and time of a particular event or activity, the location shown on a user friendly map, the facility to enquire online about the activity or how to contact the organisation for more information. There is also regular blogs updating young people on the latest Get Out There news, the prizes that are up for grabs and any new opportunities that are available. Young people also get the opportunity to add their views by posting comments, suggesting activities or taking part in positive activities surveys.
Visit the Get Out There website
Teesdale Health Walks
Why not join one of Teesdale's guided health walks every Wednesday at 1pm at various locations around Teesdale.
There are walks to suit everyone from short, easy walks that are accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs and GP referrals, to those who want more of a challenge. The walks cover the beautiful areas of Middleton in Teesdale, Hamsterley Forest, Barnard Castle and Cockfield Fell. There is also a minibus supplied from Teesdale Leisure Centre to the walks not in Barnard Castle so that everyone can come along. Each walk is lead by fully qualified, friendly health walk leaders to ensure you make the most out of your walking. Everyone is welcome and you are sure to make a new friend.
The Health Walks and minibus are provided free of charge.
Nordic Walking
Nordic walking is a fast growing fitness activity, and is ideal for a wide range of people including GP Referrals and Cardiac Rehabilitation programmes as well as anyone wishing to increase their fitness levels. All Nordic Walks will be lead by a fully qualified GP referral instructor every Friday 1pm - 2pm from Teesdale Leisure Centre until the end of July. All poles will be provided but please wear suitable clothing and footwear.
There is a small charge for Nordic Walking of £2.35.
If you would like to go along to any of the walks or book on the minibus please contact Michelle Scott 01833 696344 or email michelle.scott@durham.gov.uk
See the walking dates and routes
Over the next four years, Take to the Streets will be hosting a network of events up and down the country with something for everyone - from running to walking, swimming to dance displays and even gym challenges.
Having an event in the diary means that you're committed - and motivated - to keep on going. And the more you train, the more you'll want to train. As you prepare, you get better. And as you get better, you get fitter. Being part of a big event can give you the encouragement you need to succeed.
The goal is to get two million Brits involved in big events between now and then. So get fit, enjoy yourself and help save lives at the same time - with dozens of sponsored events you'll be helping yourself and others and raise millions of pounds for charity by 2012.
There's an activity for all ages and abilities - all that matters is that you get involved.