Keeping active

60 minutes of moderate exercise 5 times a week or 5 x 60 is the recommended minimum amount of exercise that young people should be undertaking.

FACT: Only 35% of adults in Gwynedd undertake the recommended hours of physical activity a week

It's not hard to acheive this goal even if you're in school, university or work in an office all day or feel you don't have the time or energy just follow our top tips and links to activities availble in Gwynedd.

If outdoor activities are your thing Gwynedd has a wealth of opportunities for you to discover.

Gwynedd Leisure centres offer a variety of activities which are offered at a discouted rate if your under 24.

As we all know Gwynedd has a wealth of walking paths which are within the reach of every person in Gwynedd. Even if you live in a town you can benfit from one of your numerous 'Urbanwalks' which are ideal for a quick lunchtime walk.

If your feeling adventurous why not try nordic walking which is an exciting and fun way to get fit.

If you've been ill recently and would like a gentle way to get back into walking, walking the way to health is ideal for you.

Remember: walkers have less incidence of cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other killer diseases. They live longer and get mental health and well-being benefits.

Everyday cycling, where the exercise leaves you breathing heavily but not being out of breath, is an effective and enjoyable form of aerobic exercise. This is the type of exercise that is most effective at promoting good health. For example, cycling reduces the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity and the most common form of diabetes.

A 15-minute bike ride to and from work five times a week burns off the equivalent of 11 pounds of fat in a year.

Cycling can have positive effects on how we feel too. Moderate exercise has been found to reduce levels of depression and stress, improve mood and raise self-esteem, and has also been found to relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

Gwynedd has many safe cycle routes which you can follow free of charge! Or for the more adventurous there are many top class mountain bike routes available on your doorstep.

Jogging or running are one of the best activities most people can do to improve their health. Running regularly can help with weight loss, fighting aging and disease, and with generally staying healthy.

There are many running challanges that you can get involved with and train for in Gwynedd:

Race for life

Race the train Tywyn

Why not try the North Wales Outdoor Challenge which maps out routes which will give you one or more ways of getting your 30 minutes of exercise in one place.

For more information on Sport Development including PESS (PE and School Sports), Dragon Sports and Disability Sport Wales have a look at Gwynedd Councils Sports Development pages.