Welcome to the home of our Peterborough Get Moving campaign!
We want to inspire you to move more to boost your levels of physical activity and maintain your strength and balance. Being regularly active can improve your health now and for many years to come.
Whether it's taking the stairs instead of the lift, walking the dog, pottering about in the garden, or getting up during the tv advert breaks, it all counts!
We highly recommend that you read the five pages in this section. They are packed with lots of useful information about the positive impact that physical activity can have on your health. We have also given an overview of what Peterborough has to offer you to help you get moving.
Foreword from our Director for Public Health
Physical activity is about movement in all its forms, not just sports or the gym. This includes walking, gardening, playing with children, or simply breaking up long periods of sitting.
The evidence is clear: some activity is good, more is better. Regular movement improves our physical health, supports mental wellbeing, and strengthens our communities. It helps prevent and manage chronic conditions, reduces the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases, and adds healthy years to our lives.
As the Chief Medical Officers said, 'If physical activity was a drug, it would be considered a miracle cure'. While not a replacement for medical treatment, physical activity is one of the most effective, low-cost, fun ways to reduce risk and improve health outcomes across the life course.
Yet, I recognise that becoming more active is not always easy. Barriers such as cost, time, health conditions and social norms can make it difficult to get started. This campaign aims to provide practical guidance, local opportunities, and inspiring case studies to help every resident find their own way to 'get moving'.
Whether you're just beginning or looking to build on existing habits, I encourage you to read the sections most relevant to you and take whatever steps you can - no matter how small.
The important thing is to start incorporating more movement into your day and stick with it.
Dr Raj Lakshman
Director of Public Health
Peterborough City Council
How movement benefits your health
Regular physical activity helps protect our long-term health. It lowers our risk of serious illness, can help manage day-to-day symptoms of chronic health conditions, and boosts our mental wellbeing and self-esteem.
It is also important to maintain your muscle strength and balance throughout your life to keep yourself independent, mobile and to prevent falls.
How to get started with boosting your physical activity
It is easy to fall into the trap of over-research and looking for the perfect routine. The secret is this - there is no perfect routine.
We have published guidance to help you figure out what you can do in your daily life to boost your physical activity. Ideas such as breaking up periods of sitting, gardening, walking the dog, playing with your little ones, or taking up dancing or sport all count!
Learn more on how you can get started with boosting your physical activity.
Find activities and facilities in Peterborough
If you need inspiration on what activities, sports and fitness facilities, and green spaces are available in Peterborough, we've got you covered.
Our page also includes things you can do at home, plus how to find local, inclusive and adaptive sports, classes and clubs for people with disabilities.
How to overcome barriers to physical activity
There are many things that can prevent us from engaging in physical activity. Common problems include lack of time, fear of injury, low income, or a disability or mobility issue.
Read our Annual Public Health Report 2026
The Director of Public Health has a statutory duty to produce an Annual Public Health Report looking at the health of the community in which they work. These reports are aimed at the public, councillors and health professionals. Our current report focuses on the importance of physical activity in all forms to benefit health and wellbeing across the life-course.