Why is physical activity good for you? How much should you do to stay healthy? How can you become more active? These are questions that gain media interest and are often debated and misunderstood. With this in mind, we aim to help the general public to understand more about physical activity though this exciting public engagement event hosted at the University of Bedfordshire.

Physical activity has significant potential to transform people’s lives. Not only does increased physical activity reduce the risk of developing leading causes or mortality, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer, it boosts self-esteem, mood and sleep quality, whilst reducing stress, depression, and the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Despite these benefits, there is currently an epidemic of physical inactivity in our local community, nationally and across the globe. The Institute for Sport and Physical Activity Research (ISPAR) is passionate about engaging the public in discussions around how different physical activity ‘pathways’ (e.g., ‘HIIT’ training, low intensity walking) can enhance health and well-being. This event is particularly timely for those intending to increase their physical activity as a New Year’s resolution and because the updated UK Chief Medical Officer’s physical activity guidelines are coming into place at the end of 2018. We will also provide recommendations on how you can increase your own physical activity levels and help your family and peers to become more active. The event is open to the general public, as well as health professionals, and will be relevant to all age groups, from children to older adults.

What will I gain from attending this event?

• Knowledge of physical activity guidelines to improve health and well-being.
• Sign-posting to physical activity opportunities in the local community.
• Strategies to support you to increase your physical activity level and meet your goals and/or motivate others.
• Make a pledge focused on improving your physical activity and/or to help others.

Agenda

17:15-17:45 Registration (tea and coffee)

Session 1
17:45-17:50 Opening (Professor Mary Malcolm, Deputy Vice Chancellor)
17:50-18:00 Interactive quiz (Dr. Louise Croft)
18:00-18:10 Physical activity guidelines and health (Dr. Daniel Bailey)
18:10-18:20 Physical activity ‘pathways’ to improve health (Dr. Julia Zakrzewski-Fruer)
18:20-18:30 Making a change (Dr. Angel Chater)
18:30-18:40 Questions

18:40-19:30 Activities, stalls (local services) and refreshments

Session 2
19:30-19:35 Sign-posting to local physical activity opportunities (Dr. Louise Croft)
19:35-19:45 Interactive quiz (Dr. Louise Croft)
19:45-19:50 Personal experience: managing pain & Nordic walking (Theresa Saunders)

19:50-20:00 Closing and personal pledges (Dr. Andrew Mitchell)

20:00-20:10 Optional mind-calming breathing practice (Jacquelyn Cooper, Halcyon Yoga)

Organising team and speakers

Dr Julia Zakrzewski-Fruer: Lecturer in Health, Nutrition & Exercise and contributor to 2018 UK government physical activity guidelines in children and young people

Dr Angel Chater: Reader in Health Psychology & Behaviour Change. Chair of the Behavioural Science and Public Health Network and Behaviour Change Lead for ‘Active Herts’

Dr Louise Croft: Lecturer in Exercise Physiology and provides support for England Disability Cricket

Dr Daniel Bailey: Senior Lecturer in Health, Nutrition & Exercise and expert in Inactive Lifestyles

Parking at the University for the event is free-of-charge. Please be aware that there will be photographs taken of the event. If you do not wish to appear in any photographs, please make yourself known to the photographer.