INDIVIDUALS and workplaces across the district are being urged to join the '20 Minute Movement'.

Health chiefs are leading the initiative, which is designed to get the population more active.

People are encouraged to move their bodies for at least 20 minutes a day.

Living Well, led by Bradford Council's public health team, and Bradford and Craven Health and Care Partnership are spearheading the campaign.

They say that incorporating simple activities, such as brisk walking, into a daily routine can provide a huge boost to health and wellbeing.

And those short of time can split the 20 minutes into chunks.

NHS guidelines recommend that adults aged 19-64 should do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week.

The activity should raise your heart rate, make you breathe a little faster and feel warmer.

Sarah Muckle, director of public health at Bradford Council, says: "Being more active can improve your mental health, helping you to better deal with stress and sleep well, but it can also reduce often preventable health conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and even some cancers.

"It's easy to join in and lots of different activities can count towards your 20 minutes each day.

"You could walk or cycle all or part of your way to work or school, get off the bus or train a stop earlier or simply park your car a bit further away and walk. You could even jog on the spot while you wait for the kettle to boil or have a lunchtime disco in your living room! Next time you arrange to catch up with a friend, instead of meeting for coffee maybe go for a walk.

"Spring is a great time to start being more active – the nights are lighter and the weather is improving, which makes it easier to fit some physical activity into daily life. There are lots of different activities you could do. If you can find something you enjoy doing, you're much more likely to stick to it!"

Businesses are also encouraged to join in the venture, with research showing that improving health in the workplace can boost motivation, reduce absenteeism and staff turnover, and improve quality of work and productivity. Downloadable resources are available.

Further information about the 20 Minute Movement and ideas, plus a planner to record activities, can be found on the Living Well website at mylivingwell.co.uk.