Keep active

From park runs to health walks, Hertfordshire is full of great value opportunities to get active, for all ages.

Benefits of getting active and who can help.

At each stage of your life, including childhood, pregnancy and older adults.

Older adults

Moving with age. How to build your confidence and get moving.

Getting active early. Some fun, free and friendly starters.

Free activities

ParkRun and ParkPlay events– join a run or game across Hertfordshire, every Saturday morning.
ParksHerts – interactive maps, walking, running and activity routes in over 140 parks and open spaces in Hertfordshire.
Hertfordshire Health Walks – guided group walks across the county.
Cycling - routes, clubs and maintenance help in Hertfordshire.
Youtube workouts - featuring our fire and rescue colleagues, these videos highlight the positive effect of 'Healthy Body, Healthy Mind'.

Apps

Couch to 5K – for absolute beginners, this free app has helped millions of people like you start running.
Active 10 – anonymously records every minute of walking you do. Just pop your phone in your pocket and away you go!

There are hundreds of apps available to download, but only a handful will be right for you. Read our guide on how to choose a physical activity app (PDF 122kb).

1000s of local clubs, sessions and community groups in Hertfordshire.

Leisure centres offer free trials so you can decide if it’s right for you before joining. Find one nearest to you and check out the variety of activities available such as swimming, the gym or an A to Z of classes to suit all abilities.
Herts Wildlife Trust – look for wildlife at a local event.
Herts Sports Partnership – clubs, coaches and holiday activity programmes.
Herts Disability Sports Foundation works with individuals, groups, schools and businesses to provide a variety of sports activities for people with a disability.
We Are Undefeatable – support for people with a long-term health condition to keep active.

Find your local Healthy Hub for free local information, advice and support to help you stay healthy and well. They're available across Hertfordshire.

Being inactive is an issue at every age. The more we do, the greater the benefit.

Live Longer Better in Hertfordshire – learning events covering topics such as how to reduce risk of falls, frailty and dementia. You can also sign up to their free newsletter and be notified of upcoming events in Hertfordshire.
Strength & Balance classes in Hertfordshire – for people wanting to improve their strength and balance while learning some new exercises to help maintain independence.
MolyFit have free online wellness and exercise videos and free self-help body awareness eBooks to download.

It’s never too late to gain health benefits from taking up physical activity as our recent campaign highlights.

60% of the 3,473 people that signed up for the ‘It’s Never Too Late to be Active’ campaign were over 55 years old
Those over 55 taking part in the campaign increased their confidence in taking part in at least 30 minutes of activity a week
166 minutes is the average time spend taking part in physical activity for the over 55 that participated in campaign and 162 minutes for those 75 and over
Those aged 55 and over had significant improvements in their personal wellbeing by the end of the campaign
In older adults, poor muscle strength increases the risk of a fall by 76% and those who have already had a fall are three times more likely to fall again.

Some fun, free and friendly starters:

HAPpy Activity Camps is a holiday provision for school aged children from reception to year 11 who are in receipt of benefits-related free school meals.
NHS better health, healthier families - food facts, recipes and activities.
Walking buses is a safe and fun way to encourage children to walk to school together.
The Daily Mile is simple, free and gets children out of the classroom for 15 minutes every day to run or jog at their own pace with their classmates. 75% of Hertfordshire primary schools are signed up – check if your school is one of them.
BeeZee Families are a dedicated team of nutritionists and behaviour change experts, who can help you make real, long-lasting changes towards a healthier lifestyle, running weight management and healthy lifestyles programmes for adults and families across the UK.
Junior Parkrun is a free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for 4 to 14 year olds, taking place every Sunday from 9am, across Hertfordshire.

Moving More - find prenatal and postnatal activities across Hertfordshire.
This Mum Moves - find a range of low to high intensity workout videos to suit all fitness levels during pregnancy and after childbirth.
First Steps - if you weren’t active before pregnancy, start gradually with a gentle Hertfordshire Health Walk. Move up to 'graded walks' when you're ready.
Hertfordshire Family Centre Services offer free activities and support to help you stay active and social as a new parent.
Exercising in pregnancy (NHS.UK) - which exercises you can do and which to avoid.