Thames Chase Buggy Walk
Join a free led Buggy Walk for new parents, at Forestry England – Thames Chase, in partnership with Havering Children’s Centre, at Thames Chase in Upminster, RM14 3NS. Boost your wellbeing on...
Resources > Healthy Body
Keeping active
Being physically active is really important so that you can live a long, healthy and fulfilling life.
Regular physical activity lowers your risk of several diseases, including cancer, dementia, type 2 diabetes. It can also lower your risk of getting a hip fracture, can help your stress levels and boost your self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy.
Guidelines for keeping active
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Doing exercise just once or twice a week reduces the risk of heart disease or stroke.
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Adults are recommended to do some type of physical activity every day, spreading exercise evenly across the week.
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The Chief Medical Officer recommends 150 minutes a week of moderate activity for all adults. Moderate physical activity is anything that raises your heart rate, makes you feel warmer and breathe more rapidly. This includes dancing, brisk walking or pushing a lawn mower.
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They also recommend you do strength training, such as carrying heavy shopping bags, yoga, wheeling a wheelchair is recommended, at least twice a week.
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If you spend time lying or sitting down, break it up with movement.
Speak to your GP first if you have not exercised for some time, or if you have medical conditions or concerns. Make sure the exercise you do is appropriate for fitness levels.
Find places, groups & activities near you to do physical activity
Walking & running
Whether you're looking to do a self-led walking trail, or join a local running club, there are lots of groups you can join.
Cycling, Scooting, Skateboarding & Rollerskating
From roller discos at Rom Skatepark, to cycle routes in Thames Chase, there are lots of places and groups you can join in Havering.
Tennis, table tennis, cricket & badminton
There are lots of places across the borough where you can get involved in racquet sports.
Football, netball & basketball
Get back into a sport you played at school, or play competitively, there's lots of groups to get involved with in Havering.
Yoga & pilates
From yoga in the forest to pilates on the high street, find the yoga and pilates class for you.
Dance
We have musical theatre, Bhangra, tea dances and more. Take your pick!
Gym & weight training
There are lots of gyms and leisure centres for you to explore in Havering.
Rowing, swimming & water sports
There are plenty of ways to dive into water sports and meet others who share your enthusiasm.
Boxing & martial arts
From sparring sessions to martial arts classes, there are plenty of ways to train, build confidence, and connect with others.
Sports clubs and activities for children & young people
There are lots of local groups, classes and programmes where children and young people can get active.
Exercise for people with accessibility needs
If you have a disability or long-term health condition, there are lots of local groups and classes you can join that are accessible for you.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming events
Pilates with Angela
Would you like to join a mixed ability Pilates Mat work and relaxation class on a Friday morning? Join us for Pilates Matwork and relaxation at Ardleigh House, every Friday...
Indoor rowing classes for children aged 3-12
Cool Rowings is an initiative created by Weininger Irwin, the UK’s 1st Gladiator Champion. We are based in the welcoming Mercury Shopping Centre in our new Rowing & T –...
The Proper Blokes Club Men’s Walk & Talk Group
Sunday mornings at 9am. Meet at Ingrebourne Valley Nature Discovery Centre, Hornchurch Country Park Join the guys for a fantastic start to your Sunday morning with a walk around Hornchurch...
The Proper Blokes Club Men’s Walk & Talk Group
Mondays at 7pmMeet at Lodge Farm Park, 13 Carlton Road Join us every Monday for a gentle walk from Lodge Farm Park via Raphael Park and back. It’s a beautiful...
Indoor rowing fitness for teens and young adults aged 13-24
Cool Rowings is an initiative created by Weininger Irwin, the UK’s 1st Gladiator Champion. We are based in the welcoming Mercury Shopping Centre in our new Rowing & T –...
Scope Out – Rock Climbing
Scope Out is a new project starting in 2026! Scope out is a series of creative events for the LGBTQ+ community 25 and over with the goal to co-design a...
Wellbeing & Tree Walk
Join us on a relaxing, slow paced Wellbeing & Tree Walk as we learn about nature, enjoy local greenspace and breathe deeply. Our walks are only 1km in length, at...
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