Regular physical activity is one of the most important things individuals can do for their health. It can help control weight, and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other conditions. Exercise is also beneficial in terms of mental health and wellbeing, and can reduce the likelihood of premature death. Figure 9.14 highlights 60.9% of adults in Devon were physically active for at least 150 minutes per week in 2013. This was significantly above the local authority comparator group (57.9%) and national (55.6%) rates. Levels of physical activity increased from 59.5% in 2012 to 60.9% in 2013. According to local level estimates based on analyses from the Active People Survey, the lowest levels of sports participation were seen in parts of Tiverton, Barnstaple, Newton abbot, Teignmouth, Bideford, and the Wonford and Whipton areas of Exeter. Table 9.3 shows levels of physical inactivity (less than 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per week) by age and sex in England. This highlights levels of inactivity are generally higher in women and increase with age.
Figure 9.14, Percentage of adults achieving at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, Devon Local Authority Comparator Group, 2013
Source: Active People Survey, Sport England, 2014
Table 9.3, Levels of physical inactivity (less than 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per week) among adults by age and sex in England, 2012
| Age | Men | Women |
| 16 to 24 | 8% | 22% |
| 25 to 34 | 11% | 19% |
| 35 to 44 | 14% | 16% |
| 45 to 54 | 18% | 21% |
| 55 to 64 | 26% | 27% |
| 65 to 74 | 27% | 27% |
| 75 and over | 46% | 65% |
| Total | 19% | 26% |
Source: Health Survey for England, 2013