CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en-GB"> <head> <meta charset="UTF-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1"> <link rel="profile" href="http://gmpg.org/xfn/11"> <meta name='robots' content='index, follow, max-image-preview:large, max-snippet:-1, max-video-preview:-1' /> <style>img:is([sizes="auto" i], [sizes^="auto," i]) { contain-intrinsic-size: 3000px 1500px }</style>  <title>Myth busters about exercise | World Cancer Research Fund</title> <meta name="description" content="Being more active is great for your health. But is there a little nagging thought in your head that may be putting you off moving more?" /> <meta property="og:locale" content="en_GB" /> <meta property="og:type" content="article" /> <meta property="og:title" content="Myth busters about exercise | World Cancer Research Fund" /> <meta property="og:description" content="Being more active is great for your health. But is there a little nagging thought in your head that may be putting you off moving more?" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/moving-more/myth-busters-about-exercise/" /> <meta property="og:site_name" content="World Cancer Research Fund" /> <meta property="article:publisher" content="https://www.facebook.com/WoCRF" /> <meta property="article:modified_time" content="2024-11-20T14:16:57+00:00" /> <meta property="og:image" content="https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-1481886855-675x450-1.jpg" /> <meta property="og:image:width" content="675" /> <meta property="og:image:height" content="450" /> <meta property="og:image:type" content="image/jpeg" /> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image" /> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@WCRF_UK" />  <link rel='stylesheet' id='wp-block-library-css' href='https://www.wcrf.org/wp-includes/css/dist/block-library/style.min.css?ver=434c82ec5c91b41315d9cc6980c8ad05' type='text/css' media='all' /> <style id='co-authors-plus-coauthors-style-inline-css' type='text/css'> .wp-block-co-authors-plus-coauthors.is-layout-flow [class*=wp-block-co-authors-plus]{display:inline} </style> <style id='co-authors-plus-avatar-style-inline-css' type='text/css'> .wp-block-co-authors-plus-avatar :where(img){height:auto;max-width:100%;vertical-align:bottom}.wp-block-co-authors-plus-coauthors.is-layout-flow .wp-block-co-authors-plus-avatar :where(img){vertical-align:middle}.wp-block-co-authors-plus-avatar:is(.alignleft,.alignright){display:table}.wp-block-co-authors-plus-avatar.aligncenter{display:table;margin-inline:auto} </style> <style id='co-authors-plus-image-style-inline-css' type='text/css'> .wp-block-co-authors-plus-image{margin-bottom:0}.wp-block-co-authors-plus-image :where(img){height:auto;max-width:100%;vertical-align:bottom}.wp-block-co-authors-plus-coauthors.is-layout-flow .wp-block-co-authors-plus-image :where(img){vertical-align:middle}.wp-block-co-authors-plus-image:is(.alignfull,.alignwide) :where(img){width:100%}.wp-block-co-authors-plus-image:is(.alignleft,.alignright){display:table}.wp-block-co-authors-plus-image.aligncenter{display:table;margin-inline:auto} </style> <style id='classic-theme-styles-inline-css' type='text/css'> /*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} </style> <style id='global-styles-inline-css' type='text/css'> :root{--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--square: 1;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--4-3: 4/3;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--3-4: 3/4;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--3-2: 3/2;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--2-3: 2/3;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--16-9: 16/9;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--9-16: 9/16;--wp--preset--color--black: #000000;--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray: #abb8c3;--wp--preset--color--white: #ffffff;--wp--preset--color--pale-pink: #f78da7;--wp--preset--color--vivid-red: #cf2e2e;--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange: #ff6900;--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber: #fcb900;--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan: #7bdcb5;--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan: #00d084;--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue: #8ed1fc;--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue: #0693e3;--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple: #9b51e0;--wp--preset--gradient--vivid-cyan-blue-to-vivid-purple: linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(6,147,227,1) 0%,rgb(155,81,224) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--light-green-cyan-to-vivid-green-cyan: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(122,220,180) 0%,rgb(0,208,130) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-amber-to-luminous-vivid-orange: linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(252,185,0,1) 0%,rgba(255,105,0,1) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-orange-to-vivid-red: linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(255,105,0,1) 0%,rgb(207,46,46) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(238,238,238) 0%,rgb(169,184,195) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--cool-to-warm-spectrum: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(74,234,220) 0%,rgb(151,120,209) 20%,rgb(207,42,186) 40%,rgb(238,44,130) 60%,rgb(251,105,98) 80%,rgb(254,248,76) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--blush-light-purple: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(255,206,236) 0%,rgb(152,150,240) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--blush-bordeaux: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(254,205,165) 0%,rgb(254,45,45) 50%,rgb(107,0,62) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-dusk: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(255,203,112) 0%,rgb(199,81,192) 50%,rgb(65,88,208) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--pale-ocean: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(255,245,203) 0%,rgb(182,227,212) 50%,rgb(51,167,181) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--electric-grass: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(202,248,128) 0%,rgb(113,206,126) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--midnight: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(2,3,129) 0%,rgb(40,116,252) 100%);--wp--preset--font-size--small: 13px;--wp--preset--font-size--medium: 20px;--wp--preset--font-size--large: 36px;--wp--preset--font-size--x-large: 42px;--wp--preset--spacing--20: 0.44rem;--wp--preset--spacing--30: 0.67rem;--wp--preset--spacing--40: 1rem;--wp--preset--spacing--50: 1.5rem;--wp--preset--spacing--60: 2.25rem;--wp--preset--spacing--70: 3.38rem;--wp--preset--spacing--80: 5.06rem;--wp--preset--shadow--natural: 6px 6px 9px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);--wp--preset--shadow--deep: 12px 12px 50px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4);--wp--preset--shadow--sharp: 6px 6px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);--wp--preset--shadow--outlined: 6px 6px 0px -3px rgba(255, 255, 255, 1), 6px 6px rgba(0, 0, 0, 1);--wp--preset--shadow--crisp: 6px 6px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 1);}:where(.is-layout-flex){gap: 0.5em;}:where(.is-layout-grid){gap: 0.5em;}body .is-layout-flex{display: flex;}.is-layout-flex{flex-wrap: wrap;align-items: center;}.is-layout-flex > :is(*, div){margin: 0;}body .is-layout-grid{display: grid;}.is-layout-grid > :is(*, div){margin: 0;}:where(.wp-block-columns.is-layout-flex){gap: 2em;}:where(.wp-block-columns.is-layout-grid){gap: 2em;}:where(.wp-block-post-template.is-layout-flex){gap: 1.25em;}:where(.wp-block-post-template.is-layout-grid){gap: 1.25em;}.has-black-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--black) !important;}.has-cyan-bluish-gray-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-white-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--white) !important;}.has-pale-pink-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-pink) !important;}.has-vivid-red-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-red) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan) !important;}.has-vivid-green-cyan-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-pale-cyan-blue-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-purple-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple) !important;}.has-black-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--black) !important;}.has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-white-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--white) !important;}.has-pale-pink-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-pink) !important;}.has-vivid-red-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-red) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan) !important;}.has-vivid-green-cyan-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-purple-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple) !important;}.has-black-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--black) !important;}.has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-white-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--white) !important;}.has-pale-pink-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-pink) !important;}.has-vivid-red-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-red) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan) !important;}.has-vivid-green-cyan-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-pale-cyan-blue-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-purple-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-to-vivid-purple-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--vivid-cyan-blue-to-vivid-purple) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-to-vivid-green-cyan-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--light-green-cyan-to-vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-to-luminous-vivid-orange-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-amber-to-luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-to-vivid-red-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-orange-to-vivid-red) !important;}.has-very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-cool-to-warm-spectrum-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--cool-to-warm-spectrum) !important;}.has-blush-light-purple-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--blush-light-purple) !important;}.has-blush-bordeaux-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--blush-bordeaux) !important;}.has-luminous-dusk-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-dusk) !important;}.has-pale-ocean-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--pale-ocean) !important;}.has-electric-grass-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--electric-grass) !important;}.has-midnight-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--midnight) !important;}.has-small-font-size{font-size: var(--wp--preset--font-size--small) !important;}.has-medium-font-size{font-size: var(--wp--preset--font-size--medium) !important;}.has-large-font-size{font-size: var(--wp--preset--font-size--large) !important;}.has-x-large-font-size{font-size: var(--wp--preset--font-size--x-large) !important;} :where(.wp-block-post-template.is-layout-flex){gap: 1.25em;}:where(.wp-block-post-template.is-layout-grid){gap: 1.25em;} :where(.wp-block-columns.is-layout-flex){gap: 2em;}:where(.wp-block-columns.is-layout-grid){gap: 2em;} :root :where(.wp-block-pullquote){font-size: 1.5em;line-height: 1.6;} </style> <link rel='stylesheet' id='kk-star-ratings-css' href='https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/plugins/kk-star-ratings/src/core/public/css/kk-star-ratings.min.css?ver=5.4.10.2' type='text/css' media='all' /> <link rel='stylesheet' id='ppress-frontend-css' href='https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/plugins/wp-user-avatar/assets/css/frontend.min.css?ver=4.15.21' type='text/css' media='all' /> <link rel='stylesheet' id='ppress-flatpickr-css' href='https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/plugins/wp-user-avatar/assets/flatpickr/flatpickr.min.css?ver=4.15.21' type='text/css' media='all' /> <link rel='stylesheet' id='ppress-select2-css' href='https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/plugins/wp-user-avatar/assets/select2/select2.min.css?ver=434c82ec5c91b41315d9cc6980c8ad05' type='text/css' media='all' /> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/plugins/jquery-updater/js/jquery-3.7.1.min.js?ver=3.7.1" id="jquery-core-js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/plugins/jquery-updater/js/jquery-migrate-3.5.2.min.js?ver=3.5.2" id="jquery-migrate-js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/plugins/wp-user-avatar/assets/flatpickr/flatpickr.min.js?ver=4.15.21" id="ppress-flatpickr-js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/plugins/wp-user-avatar/assets/select2/select2.min.js?ver=4.15.21" id="ppress-select2-js"></script> <link rel="https://api.w.org/" href="https://www.wcrf.org/wp-json/" /><link rel="alternate" title="JSON" type="application/json" href="https://www.wcrf.org/wp-json/wp/v2/pages/4172" /><link rel="EditURI" type="application/rsd+xml" title="RSD" href="https://www.wcrf.org/xmlrpc.php?rsd" /> <link rel='shortlink' href='https://www.wcrf.org/?p=4172' /> <link rel="apple-touch-icon" sizes="180x180" href="/wp-content/themes/leggo-theme/assets/dist/img/apple-touch-icon.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="32x32" href="/wp-content/themes/leggo-theme/assets/dist/img/favicon-32x32.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="16x16" href="/wp-content/themes/leggo-theme/assets/dist/img/favicon-16x16.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/x-icon" href="/favicon.ico"> <link rel="manifest" href="/site.webmanifest"> <link rel="mask-icon" href="/wp-content/themes/leggo-theme/assets/dist/img/safari-pinned-tab.svg" color="#380f9e"> <meta name="msapplication-TileColor" content="#380f9e"> <meta name="theme-color" content="#ffffff">  <link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com"> <link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.gstatic.com" crossorigin> <link href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Nunito+Sans:ital,opsz,wght@0,6..12,200..1000;1,6..12,200..1000&display=swap" rel="stylesheet">  <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" media="all" href="https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/themes/leggo-theme/assets/dist/css/main.min.css?v=82edd96396601c5e852cd1a7c2b59e946ed959a6 ">   <script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-WQ5SZ2RC');</script>  <script>var filter_list_params = [];</script> </head> <body class="fixed-menu post-type-page env-production">  <noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-WQ5SZ2RC" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript>  <a class="skip-main show-on-focus" href="#content" tabindex="1"><span>Skip to main content</span></a> <header id="global-header" class="global-header hamburger-small-right global-header-fixed" style="opacity: 0;"> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-x"> <div class="hamburger hamburger--stand"> <div class="hamburger-box"> <div class="hamburger-inner" tabindex="3"><span class="show-for-sr">Navigation</span></div> </div> </div> <div class="cell medium-12"> <div class="menu-area"> <span class="header-logo"> <a href="https://www.wcrf.org" class="icon" tabindex="2"> <img src="https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/WCRF-logo-INDIGO-RGB.svg" alt="World Cancer Research Fund"> </a> <img src="https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/WCRF-logo-INDIGO-RGB.svg" alt="World Cancer Research Fund" class="show-for-print"> </span> <div class="secondary-nav"> <ul class="show-for-large"> <li> <a href="#XXFWESEG" style="display: none"></a> </li> <li> <form role='search' method='get' id='searchform' class='search-form' action='https://www.wcrf.org'><label class='screen-reader-text' for='s'>Search</label><input class='search-form__input' type='search' value='' placeholder='Search' name='s' id='s'><button class='search-form__button' type='submit' id='searchsubmit' aria-label='Search'><i class='fa fa-magnifying-glass'></i></button></form> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <nav class="menus"> <ul class="menu main vertical large-horizontal dropdown" -data-dropdown-menu data-force-follow="false" data-disable-hover="true" data-click-open="true"> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/">Preventing cancer</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-prevention/">Cancer prevention</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-prevention/what-we-know-about-preventing-cancer/">What we know about preventing cancer</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-prevention/our-cancer-prevention-recommendations/">Our Cancer Prevention Recommendations</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-prevention/cancer-health-check/">Cancer Health Check</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-prevention/influencing-policy/">Influencing policy</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/our-cancer-research/">Leading research</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/health-guides-cookbooks/">Order free guides & cookbooks</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/topics/">Topics</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/topics/weight-and-cancer/">Weight and obesity</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/topics/exercise-and-cancer/">Physical activity</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/topics/meat-and-cancer/">Meat</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/topics/alcohol-and-cancer/">Alcohol</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/topics/sugar-and-cancer/">Sugar</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/topics/upfs-and-cancer/">Ultra-processed food</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/topics/">More topics ></a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-types/">Cancer types</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-types/bowel-cancer/">Bowel/Colorectal</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-types/breast-cancer/">Breast</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-types/prostate-cancer/">Prostate</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-types/lung-cancer/">Lung</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-types/skin-cancer/">Skin</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-types/stomach-cancer/">Stomach</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-types/">More cancer types ></a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-statistics/">Cancer statistics</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-statistics/worldwide-cancer-data/">Worldwide data</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-statistics/global-cancer-data-by-country/">Data by country</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-statistics/uk-cancer-statistics/">UK cancer statistics</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-statistics/cancer-survival-statistics/">Cancer survival statistics</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-statistics/breast-cancer-statistics/">Breast cancer statistics</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-statistics/colorectal-cancer-statistics/">Colorectal cancer statistics</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-statistics/">More statistics ></a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="current-page-ancestor"><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/">Living well</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/living-with-cancer/">Living with cancer</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/living-with-cancer/cancer-and-nutrition-helpline/">Cancer and Nutrition Helpline</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/living-with-cancer/your-questions-answered/">Your questions answered</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/health-guides-cookbooks/eat-well-during-cancer/">Eat well during cancer</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/living-with-cancer/cook-through-cancer/">Cook through cancer</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/living-with-cancer/cancer-prehabilitation/">Cancer prehabilitation</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/living-with-cancer/latest-research/">Latest research on cancer survival</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/eating-well/">Eating well</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/eating-well/recipes/">All recipes</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/eating-well/recipe-booklets/">Recipe booklets</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/eating-well/recipe-generator/">Recipe generator</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/eating-well/recipe-collections/">Recipe collections</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/eating-well/alcohol-calorie-calculator/">Alcohol calorie calculator</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/eating-well/bmi-calculator/">BMI calculator</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/activ8/">Sign up to Activ8</a></li> </ul> </li> <li class="current-page-ancestor current_page_parent"><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/moving-more/">Moving more</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/moving-more/how-to-get-active/">How to get active</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/moving-more/sitting-less-exercise-snacking/">Sitting less</a></li> <li class="current_page_item"><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/moving-more/myth-busters-about-exercise/" aria-current="page">Myth busters</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/moving-more/being-active-with-a-disability/">Active with a disability</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/moving-more/overcoming-barriers-to-getting-active/">Overcoming barriers</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/moving-more/exercise-calorie-calculator/">Exercise calorie calculator</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/children-families/">Children and families</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/children-families/about-eat-move-learn/">About Eat Move Learn</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/children-families/health-facts/">Health facts</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/children-families/staying-active/">Staying active</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/children-families/young-gardeners/">Young gardeners</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/children-families/young-cooks/">Young cooks</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/health-professionals/">Health professionals</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/cpd-learning/">CPD learning</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/research-policy/">Research and policy</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/research-policy/global-cancer-update-programme/">Global Cancer Update Programme</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/research-policy/global-cancer-update-programme/about-the-global-cancer-update-programme/">About the Programme</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/research-policy/global-cancer-update-programme/cup-global-the-process/">The CUP Global process</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/research-policy/evidence-for-our-recommendations/">Evidence for our recommendations</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/research-policy/interactive-cancer-risk-matrix/">Interactive Cancer Risk Matrix</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/research-policy/our-research/">Our research</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/research-policy/our-research/grants-database/">Grants database</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/research-policy/our-research/supporting-researchers/">Supporting researchers</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/research-policy/library/">Resource library</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/research-policy/our-grant-programmes/">Our grant programmes</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/research-policy/our-grant-programmes/regular-grant-programme/">Regular Grant Programme</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/research-policy/our-grant-programmes/inspire-research-challenge/">INSPIRE Research Challenge</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/research-policy/policy/">Policy</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/research-policy/policy/our-policy-work/">Our policy work</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/research-policy/policy/blueprint-for-cancer-prevention/">Policy blueprint</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/research-policy/policy/nutrition-policy/">Nutrition policy</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/research-policy/policy/physical-activity-policy/">Physical activity policy</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/research-policy/policy/alcohol/">Alcohol policy</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/research-policy/policy/databases/">Policy databases</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/support-us/">Support us</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/support-us/events-challenges/">Events and challenges</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/support-us/events-near-you/">Events near you</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/support-us/register-for-an-event/">Register for an event</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/support-us/community-fundraising/">Community fundraising</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/support-us/fundraising-hub/">Fundraising hub</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/support-us/give-in-a-will/">Gifts in Wills</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/support-us/give-in-a-will/how-to-leave-a-gift/">How to leave a gift</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/support-us/give-in-a-will/write-your-will-for-free/">Write your Will for free</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/support-us/give-in-a-will/order-a-free-will-guide/">Order a free Will guide</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/support-us/give-in-a-will/faqs-about-wills/">FAQs about Wills</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/support-us/give-in-a-will/executor-information/">Executor information</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/support-us/give-in-memory/">Give in memory</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/support-us/give-in-memory/create-a-tribute/">Create a tribute</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/support-us/make-a-donation/">Make a donation</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/support-us/give-in-memory/funeral-notice/">Create a Funeral Notice</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/support-us/give-in-memory/forget-me-not/">Christmas bauble</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/our-memory-wall/">Our memory wall</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/support-us/more-ways-to-support/">More ways to support</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/support-us/more-ways-to-support/play-our-lottery/">Play our lottery</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/support-us/more-ways-to-support/trusts-and-foundations/">Trusts and foundations</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/support-us/more-ways-to-support/corporate-partnerships/">Corporate partnerships</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/support-us/more-ways-to-support/donate-your-shares/">Donate your shares</a></li> <li><a href="https://shop.wcrf-uk.org/">Buy from our shop</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/about-us/">About us</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/about-us/who-we-are/">Who we are</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/about-us/who-we-are/our-history/">Our history</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/about-us/who-we-are/our-partnerships/">Our partnerships</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/about-us/who-we-are/our-people/">Our people</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/about-us/who-we-are/experts-we-work-with/">Experts we work with</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/about-us/news-and-blogs/">News and blogs</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/about-us/news-and-blogs/news/">News</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/about-us/news-and-blogs/supporter-stories/">Supporter stories</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/about-us/get-in-touch/">Get in touch</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/about-us/get-in-touch/sign-up-for-emails/">Sign up for emails</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/about-us/get-in-touch/share-your-story/">Share your story</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/about-us/conferences-and-events-calendar/">Events calendar</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/about-us/get-in-touch/translations-and-permissions/">Translations and permissions</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/about-us/work-for-us/">Work for us</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/about-us/work-for-us/our-vacancies/">Our vacancies</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/about-us/work-for-us/our-benefits/">Our benefits</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/about-us/work-for-us/our-values/">Our values</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/about-us/work-for-us/diversity-equality-and-inclusion/">Diversity, Equality and Inclusion</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="hide-for-large mobile-donate-menu"> <li class="donate-wrap"> <a href="#XXFWESEG" style="display: none"></a> </li> <li class="search-wrap"> <form role='search' method='get' id='searchform' class='search-form' action='https://www.wcrf.org'><label class='screen-reader-text' for='s'>Search</label><input class='search-form__input' type='search' value='' placeholder='Search' name='s' id='s'><button class='search-form__button' type='submit' id='searchsubmit' aria-label='Search'><i class='fa fa-magnifying-glass'></i></button></form> </li> </ul> </nav> </div> </div> </div> </header> <main id="content" class="site-content"> <div class="global-breadcrumb"> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-x"> <div class="cell"> <nav aria-label="breadcrumbs" id="breadcrumbs"><span><span><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/">Home</a></span> <span><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/">Living well</a></span> <span><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/moving-more/">Moving more</a></span> <span class="breadcrumb_last" aria-current="page">Myth busters about exercise </span></span></nav> </nav> </div> </div> </div> </div><section class="hero header-secondary color-apple-bg"> <div class="item"> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-x grid-margin-x"> <div class="cell small-order-2 large-order-1 large-6 vertical-align"> <div class="content color-transparent-bg"> <h1>Myth busters about exercise </h1> <div class="subtitle bold-600 collapse-margin-bottom"><p>Being more active is great for your health. But is there a little nagging thought in your head that may be putting you off moving more? </p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="cell small-order-1 large-order-2 large-6">  <div class="media"> <img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="675" height="450" src="https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-1481886855-675x450-1.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="A man stretching outdoors" srcset="https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-1481886855-675x450-1.jpg 675w, https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-1481886855-675x450-1-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 675px) 100vw, 675px" /> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="copy copy-text spacing-collapse-bottom"> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-x"> <div class="cell large-8"> <p>Moving more and sitting less is one of our <a href="/preventing-cancer/cancer-prevention/our-cancer-prevention-recommendations/">Cancer Prevention Recommendations</a>. That’s because there’s strong evidence that staying active reduces your risk of cancer. It also helps you to stay a healthy weight – which can ALSO reduce your risk of cancer.</p> <p>As a cancer prevention charity, we recommend a package of living well to reduce your risk of cancer. You can’t pick and choose from our Cancer Prevention Recommendations – they work together to reduce the risk of cancer. But just because you’re struggling with one, doesn’t mean there’s no point to making healthy improvements elsewhere – such as being more active, step by step.</p> <p>And you’re not alone. We have free resources on moving more, however much activity you do at the moment.</p> <p>But first, let’s tackle some common myths about exercise.</p> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="copy copy-50-50 spacing-collapse-top"> <div class="grid-container paragraphs"> <div class="grid-x color-apple-25-bg has-bg"> <div class="cell medium-5"> <h3><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW182121862 BCX8">Myth: I</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW182121862 BCX8">‘</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW182121862 BCX8">m too old to exercise</span></h3> </div> <div class="cell medium-7"> <p><span class="TextRun SCXW57950974 BCX8"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW57950974 BCX8"><strong>Fact:</strong> keeping active is important at </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW57950974 BCX8">every</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW57950974 BCX8"> age. If </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW57950974 BCX8">you’re</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW57950974 BCX8"> feeling less fit than you used to, you m</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW57950974 BCX8">ay</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW57950974 BCX8"> think </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW57950974 BCX8">it’s</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW57950974 BCX8"> too late to make a change but </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW57950974 BCX8">it’s</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW57950974 BCX8"> never too late to start</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW57950974 BCX8"> or go back to being more active</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW57950974 BCX8">. You can get fitter and stronger well into your 80s and beyond</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW57950974 BCX8">.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW57950974 BCX8"> Regular activity is one of the most powerful things you can do to keep yourself feeling young and healthy in your later years. </span></span><span class="EOP SCXW57950974 BCX8"> </span></p> </div> </div> <div class="grid-x color-apple-25-bg has-bg"> <div class="cell medium-5"> <h3><span class="TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW124695236 BCX8"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW124695236 BCX8">Myth: I </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW124695236 BCX8">don’t</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW124695236 BCX8"> have enough time to exercise for it to make a difference</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW124695236 BCX8"> </span></h3> </div> <div class="cell medium-7"> <p><span class="TextRun SCXW64885448 BCX8"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW64885448 BCX8"><strong>Fact:</strong> while time is a common barrier, any amount of activity </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW64885448 BCX8">is</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW64885448 BCX8"> benef</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW64885448 BCX8">icial</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW64885448 BCX8"> – every minute counts. Even </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW64885448 BCX8">things you do </span><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW64885448 BCX8">every day</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW64885448 BCX8">count – power walking, chores</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW64885448 BCX8">or dancing are all great ways to get more active and help improve your health and fitness.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW64885448 BCX8"> </span></p> </div> </div> <div class="grid-x color-apple-25-bg has-bg"> <div class="cell medium-5"> <h3><span class="TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW179995584 BCX8"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW179995584 BCX8">Myth: It </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW179995584 BCX8">doesn’t</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW179995584 BCX8"> matter what I eat as I</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW179995584 BCX8">‘</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW179995584 BCX8">m </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW179995584 BCX8">very active</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW179995584 BCX8"> </span></h3> </div> <div class="cell medium-7"> <p><span class="TextRun SCXW152444761 BCX8"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW152444761 BCX8"><strong>Fact:</strong> yes, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW152444761 BCX8">I’m</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW152444761 BCX8"> afraid it does. You may have heard the phrase, </span><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW152444761 BCX8">You</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW152444761 BCX8">can’t</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW152444761 BCX8"> outrun a bad diet. This means that you </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW152444761 BCX8">can’t</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW152444761 BCX8"> just eat what you want </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW152444761 BCX8">then</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW152444761 BCX8"> you burn it off through activity. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW152444761 BCX8">I</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW152444761 BCX8">f you eat </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW152444761 BCX8">2</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW152444761 BCX8"> chocolate digestives (about 166 calories), </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW152444761 BCX8">you</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW152444761 BCX8">‘</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW152444761 BCX8">d</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW152444761 BCX8"> have to walk for around 35 minutes to use that energy! And food </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW152444761 BCX8">doesn’t</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW152444761 BCX8"> just provide calories</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW152444761 BCX8"> –</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW152444761 BCX8"> you need to eat a balanced diet to get all the nutrients (</span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW152444761 BCX8">lessential</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW152444761 BCX8"> fats, protein, fibre, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW152444761 BCX8">vitamins</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW152444761 BCX8"> and minerals) for good health. To be as healthy as </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW152444761 BCX8">possible </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW152444761 BCX8">mean</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW152444761 BCX8">s</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW152444761 BCX8"> both a healthy diet </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW152444761 BCX8">AND</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW152444761 BCX8"> physical activity.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW152444761 BCX8"> </span></p> </div> </div> <div class="grid-x color-apple-25-bg has-bg"> <div class="cell medium-5"> <h3><span class="TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW163338540 BCX8"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW163338540 BCX8">Myth: I exercise regularly so it </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW163338540 BCX8">doesn’t</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW163338540 BCX8"> matter if I sit down all day</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW163338540 BCX8"> </span></h3> </div> <div class="cell medium-7"> <p><span class="TextRun SCXW123224014 BCX8"><strong><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW123224014 BCX8">Fact: </span></strong><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW123224014 BCX8">more and more</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW123224014 BCX8"> research </span><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW123224014 BCX8">shows</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW123224014 BCX8"> that sitting for too long is harmful to our health, regardless of time spent exercising. Muscle tightness and joint pain/discomfort are common in people who spend a long time sitting in the same spot. Even if you do 30 minutes of activity each day, you still need to limit how long you spend sitting down</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW123224014 BCX8">.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW123224014 BCX8"> </span></p> </div> </div> <div class="grid-x color-apple-25-bg has-bg"> <div class="cell medium-5"> <h3><span class="TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW76313540 BCX8"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW76313540 BCX8">Myth: I just need to do sit-ups if I want a flat tummy</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW76313540 BCX8"> </span></h3> </div> <div class="cell medium-7"> <p><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW266952995 BCX8"><strong>Fact:</strong> a common myth is that you can target a particular area of the body with specific exercises. If only it was that simple! While we can strengthen certain parts of the body with specific exercises (like sit-ups), it </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW266952995 BCX8">won’t</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW266952995 BCX8"> lead to fat loss in the area. That comes down to reducing your calories slightly and gradually increasing how much activity you do.</span></p> </div> </div> <div class="grid-x color-apple-25-bg has-bg"> <div class="cell medium-5"> <h3><span class="TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW9571033 BCX8"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW9571033 BCX8">Myth: There is a </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW9571033 BCX8">best </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW9571033 BCX8">time of day to exercise</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW9571033 BCX8"> </span></h3> </div> <div class="cell medium-7"> <p><span class="TextRun SCXW183366198 BCX8"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW183366198 BCX8"><strong>Fact:</strong> the reality is that the greatest gains come to our health from just doing it, no matter when you fit it in! The key message is to get active at a time that works for you.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW183366198 BCX8"> </span></p> </div> </div> <div class="grid-x color-apple-25-bg has-bg"> <div class="cell medium-5"> <h3><span class="TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW130965124 BCX8"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW130965124 BCX8">Myth: </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW130965124 BCX8">I</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW130965124 BCX8">’</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW130965124 BCX8">m</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW130965124 BCX8">t</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW130965124 BCX8">o</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW130965124 BCX8">o</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW130965124 BCX8">u</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW130965124 BCX8">n</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW130965124 BCX8">h</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW130965124 BCX8">e</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW130965124 BCX8">a</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW130965124 BCX8">l</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW130965124 BCX8">t</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW130965124 BCX8">hy for it to make a difference</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW130965124 BCX8"> </span></h3> </div> <div class="cell medium-7"> <p><span>You may feel that if you smoke, or are living with overweight or obesity, or eat a poor diet, there’s no point in being more active. But <strong>the fact is</strong> that moving more has many benefits, regardless of what else is going on in our lives. Being active reduces your risk of:</span><span> </span></p> <ul> <li><span>heart disease and stroke</span><span> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li><span>type 2 diabetes</span><span> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li><span>cancer</span><span> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li><span>early death</span><span> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li><span>osteoarthritis</span><span> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li><span>hip fracture</span><span> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li><span>falls (among older adults)</span><span> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li><span>depression</span><span> </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li><span>dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease</span><span> </span></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="copy copy-text spacing-collapse-top"> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-x"> <div class="cell large-8"> <h3>Further support</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-fitness-studio/">NHS Fitness Studio</a> – instructor-led exercise videos, including aerobic exercises, strength and resistance training, pilates and yoga.</li> <li>Gentle seated exercises that can be done at home, <a href="http://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/sitting-exercises/">from the NHS.</a></li> <li><a href="https://weareundefeatable.co.uk/">We Are Undefeatable</a> – supporting people with a range of long-term health conditions.</li> <li><a href="http://www.thisgirlcan.co.uk/">This Girl Can</a> – supporting women to get active or play sport in a way that’s right for you.</li> <li><a href="https://www.parkrun.org.uk/">Parkrun</a> – free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. Parkrun is 5k and takes place every Saturday morning in locations across the world.</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="cards cards-full color-apple-25-bg has-header"> <div class="header color-apple-25-bg"> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-x relative "> <div class="cell "> <h2>More useful information about moving more</h2> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-x grid-margin-x grid-margin-y medium-up-2 large-up-3 align-center"> <div class="cell repeater-item"> <a href="/living-well/moving-more/overcoming-barriers-to-getting-active/" class="pseudo-link">Overcoming barriers to exercise</a> <div class="card color-apple-bg"> <div class="media media-relative"> <img decoding="async" width="675" height="450" src="https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-1475273362-675x450-1.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="A woman in the gym" srcset="https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-1475273362-675x450-1.jpg 675w, https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-1475273362-675x450-1-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 675px) 100vw, 675px" /> </div> <div class="content fixed-button text-empty"> <h3 class="h3">Overcoming barriers to exercise</h3> <div class="button-group "><a href="/living-well/moving-more/overcoming-barriers-to-getting-active/" class="button primary">What’s stopping you?</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="cell repeater-item"> <a href="/living-well/moving-more/sitting-less-exercise-snacking/" class="pseudo-link">All about exercise snacking</a> <div class="card color-apple-bg"> <div class="media media-relative"> <img decoding="async" width="675" height="450" src="https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-1216623566-675x450-1.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="A woman does yoga with a baby" srcset="https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-1216623566-675x450-1.jpg 675w, https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-1216623566-675x450-1-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 675px) 100vw, 675px" /> </div> <div class="content fixed-button text-empty"> <h3 class="h3">All about exercise snacking</h3> <div class="button-group "><a href="/living-well/moving-more/sitting-less-exercise-snacking/" class="button primary">Sit less, move more</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="cell repeater-item"> <a href="/living-well/moving-more/how-to-get-active/" class="pseudo-link">How much exercise do I need?</a> <div class="card color-apple-bg"> <div class="media media-relative"> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="675" height="450" src="https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-1273246945-675x450-1.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="A woman digs soil" srcset="https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-1273246945-675x450-1.jpg 675w, https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-1273246945-675x450-1-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 675px) 100vw, 675px" /> </div> <div class="content fixed-button text-empty"> <h3 class="h3">How much exercise do I need?</h3> <div class="button-group "><a href="/living-well/moving-more/how-to-get-active/" class="button primary">Crunch the numbers</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="featured-banner color-indigo-bg tab-top"> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-wrap"> <div class="grid-x grid-margin-x align-center align-middle"> <div class="cell medium large-6 large-order-2"> <div class="media-spacer"> <div class="media media-relative ratio-7-5"> <img width="675" height="450" src="https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Donate-main-675.png" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="Main donate button" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Donate-main-675.png 675w, https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Donate-main-675-300x200.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 675px) 100vw, 675px" /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="cell medium large-6 large-order-1"> <div class="content "> <h3 class="h1">Preventing cancer. Saving lives</h3><div class=""><p>While society continues to search for a cure, our prevention and survival work helps people to live longer, healthier lives – free from the devastating effects of cancer.</p> </div> <a href="#XXFWESEG" style="display: none"></a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </main>  <footer class="global-footer dark-mode"> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-x grid-margin-x align-justify">  <div class="cell small-9 medium-6 large-4"> <span class="footer-logo"> <a href="https://www.wcrf.org" class="icon"> <img src="https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/themes/leggo-theme/assets/dist/svgs/preventing-cancer-saving-lives.svg" alt="World Cancer Research Fund"> </a> </span> <p>World Cancer Research Fund is a registered charity in England and Wales (1000739). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (2536180).</p>  <dl class="schema" > Registered address: <dd >140 Pentonville Road</dd> <dd >London</dd> <dd class="postcode" >N1 9FW</dd> <dd class="telephone"><span class="tel">Tel: <a href="tel:+44%20(0)20%207343%204200"><span >+44 (0)20 7343 4200</span></a></span></dd> </dl>  </div>   <div class="cell medium-5 large-6 medium-text-right"> <img src="https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/themes/leggo-theme/assets/dist/img/fundraising-regulator.png" alt="Registered with Fundraising Regulator" class="fundraising-regulator"> <div class="connect"> <dl> <dd class=""><a class="ff hollow ffab fab fa-facebook-f" href="https://www.facebook.com/WoCRF" target="_blank"><span>Facebook</span></a></dd> <dd class=""><a class="ff hollow ffab fab fa-x-twitter" href="https://x.com/WCRF_UK" target="_blank"><span>Twitter</span></a></dd> <dd class=""><a class="ff hollow ffab fab fa-x-twitter" href="https://x.com/wcrfint" target="_blank"><span>Twitter</span></a></dd> <dd class=""><a class="ff hollow ffab fab fa-linkedin-in" href="https://uk.linkedin.com/company/wcrf" target="_blank"><span>LinkedIn</span></a></dd> <dd class=""><a class="ff hollow ffab fab fa-youtube" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/WCRFUK" target="_blank"><span>YouTube</span></a></dd> <dd class=""><a class="ff hollow ffab fab fa-instagram" href="https://www.instagram.com/wcrfuk/" target="_blank"><span>Instagram</span></a></dd> </dl> </div> </div>  </div> </div> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-x post_footer">  <div class="cell medium-6"> <nav> <ul class="menu simple"><li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/about-us/work-for-us/our-vacancies/">Careers</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/about-us/about-this-site/">User agreement</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/about-us/about-this-site/copyright/">Copyright</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wcrf.org/about-us/about-this-site/privacy-policy/">Privacy notice</a></li> </ul> </nav> </div>   <div class="cell copyright medium-9"> <p>Copyright 2025</p> </div> </div> </div> </footer>  <script type="text/javascript" id="kk-star-ratings-js-extra"> /* <![CDATA[ */ var kk_star_ratings = {"action":"kk-star-ratings","endpoint":"https:\/\/www.wcrf.org\/wp-admin\/admin-ajax.php","nonce":"4a5aad39b7"}; /* ]]> */ </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/plugins/kk-star-ratings/src/core/public/js/kk-star-ratings.min.js?ver=5.4.10.2" id="kk-star-ratings-js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" id="ppress-frontend-script-js-extra"> /* <![CDATA[ */ var pp_ajax_form = {"ajaxurl":"https:\/\/www.wcrf.org\/wp-admin\/admin-ajax.php","confirm_delete":"Are you sure?","deleting_text":"Deleting...","deleting_error":"An error occurred. Please try again.","nonce":"9dc3906b6b","disable_ajax_form":"false","is_checkout":"0","is_checkout_tax_enabled":"0","is_checkout_autoscroll_enabled":"true"}; /* ]]> */ </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/plugins/wp-user-avatar/assets/js/frontend.min.js?ver=4.15.21" id="ppress-frontend-script-js"></script> <script src="https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/themes/leggo-theme/assets/dist/js/main.min.js?v=82edd96396601c5e852cd1a7c2b59e946ed959a6 "></script>  <script>(function(w,d,s,n,a){if(!w[n]){var l='call,catch,on,once,set,then,track,openCheckout' .split(','),i,o=function(n){return'function'==typeof n?o.l.push([arguments])&&o :function(){return o.l.push([n,arguments])&&o}},t=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s);j.async=!0;j.src='https://cdn.fundraiseup.com/widget/'+a+''; t.parentNode.insertBefore(j,t);o.s=Date.now();o.v=5;o.h=w.location.href;o.l=[]; for(i=0;i<8;i++)o[l[i]]=o(l[i]);w[n]=o} })(window,document,'script','FundraiseUp','AKVVVSLL');</script>   </body> </html>