Cheshire East residents advised to stay active to stay well this winter

Cheshire East Council and its partners are offering a range of advice and support to residents on how to keep warm, well and safe this winter.

Regular exercise is great for your physical health and fitness and has also been proven to significantly improve your mental wellbeing. But it can be hard to stay motivated during these colder and darker months.

Dr Matt Tyrer, director of public health at Cheshire East Council, said: “It can be tempting to stay wrapped up indoors at this time of the year but staying physically active during winter will help you to stay warm and has numerous health benefits.

“Regular, moderate exercise helps to reduce tiredness, anxiety and depression, improves your mood and quality of life, strengthens your muscles, joints and bones and reduces the risk of health problems."

Councillor Jill Rhodes, chair of Cheshire East Council’s adults and health committee, said: “Exercise is also great for your mental wellbeing as you can meet new friends – preventing loneliness and isolation. There are many groups and classes available across Cheshire East that you can join. If you have any health concerns about taking exercise, then you can seek advice from any health professional who is currently providing your care.

“If possible, you should try and get up and move around at least once an hour. If walking is difficult, chair-based exercises and simply moving your arms and legs can help to stave off winter-borne illnesses.”

Exploring Cheshire East’s landscape and attractions on foot is another great way to keep active and have fun during winter.

Throughout the year, the council’s ranger service team runs a variety of activities and events in the borough’s parks and greenspace. You can find out more by visiting: 

the ranger event page.

If you want to get out and explore on your bike, make sure you wrap up warm and take your bike for a health check, to test that the tyres and brakes are in good condition. You should always wear reflective clothing and use bike lights and reflectors.

If you need support to live a healthier lifestyle, the One You Cheshire East service is available. This includes information, advice and free services to help residents to eat well, drink less alcohol, move more, lose weight and be smoke free. More information can be found by visiting: 

One You Cheshire East website 

or calling:

0808 1643 202

For further winter-related advice visit:

winter wellbeing section. 

Advice can also be found on our Facebook and Twitter page.

Details of events taking place near you, which can help you to keep active, can also be found on: 

live well community activities page.

Residents can help friends and neighbours, who do not have internet access, by downloading and printing off information from the website and giving it to them.