Value of the sector

The sport and physical activity sector is crucial to the economic prosperity of Lincolnshire. Not only does it provide jobs and employment for local people, but it also attracts visitors for events and sport experiences. The sector includes clubs, participation, voluntary organisations, public and private sector leisure operators, facilities, equipment, supply chains, retail, events and spectator sports.

Here are some of the ways physical activity boosts the local economy:

• The sport and activity sector is an effective way to create new jobs and counteract recession
• There’s a proven link between being physically active and improved job opportunities
• The national economic contribution of sport and physical activity compares to fishing, agriculture and forestry combined

• Activity has an important role to play in levelling up communities

The activity sector also benefits local workforces by encouraging a healthy, active population. Employees that participate in regular physical activity have been shown to be more productive at work, with reduced absenteeism and an extended working life.

A study commissioned in Lancashire gathered insight and evidence of the effect of poor health on productivity. One in three residents over the age of 50 typically developed long-term health conditions, leading them to withdraw from the workplace – absences that resulted in a loss of £650m a year to the county.

Useful insight

Insight and research is available to help people working in Lincolnshire’s sport and physical activity sector better understand the needs of our local population. By knowing more about the communities we work in, the activity levels of our people and their attitudes to physical activity, we can develop products, sessions and an activity offer that is relevant, appropriate and fulfils real need.

Our insight tells us that:

• Adult inactivity levels in Lincolnshire are around 30% - that’s higher than the national average and means one third of our population move less than 20 minutes a week
• Activity levels vary across districts in Lincolnshire – indicating that where you live and the activities accessible to you impact on likelihood of being active
• Our local children and young people population is becoming more diverse with BAME pupils increasing by 40.3% in 2019 / 20
• Children from more affluent families are 1.9 times more likely to be active that those from low affluence families

All of this insight – and much more is available for you to use. Consider what impact this may have on the activity and services you provide. Active Lincolnshire are here to support you to develop your business to meet the needs of the local population.

When considering how you may grow or diversify your own business, think about the needs of the local population.

Visit the Knowledge Hub to see all of our available insight.

Or contact us to find out more.

Physical activity guidelines

The UK’s physical activity guidelines are issued by the country’s Chief Medical Officers (CMOs), providing recommendations for how active adults and children should be to maintain a healthy lifestyle. There are separate guidelines for older adults (over 65), disabled adults, children under five, and pregnant women and new mums.

What are the UK’s physical activity guidelines?

The guidelines recommend that adults do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, as well as muscle-strengthening activities on at least two days a week. The strengthening activity should work all major muscles (legs, hips, back, stomach, chest, shoulders and arms).

Children aged 5-18 should do at least one hour of energetic activity every day, such as running, skipping, swimming or cycling. On at least three days a week, they should do some exercise that helps develop their muscles and bones, such as hopscotch, gymnastics, climbing or lifting.

What is moderate-intensity exercise?

Moderate-intensity aerobic activity means you’re working hard enough to raise your heart rate and feel warmer. Examples of moderate activity include brisk walking, cycling, water aerobics, dancing and hiking.

What is vigorous exercise?

Vigorous-intensity activity makes you breathe hard and fast, meaning you won’t be able to hold a conversation without pausing for breath. Because it’s double the intensity, doing vigorous exercise means you can halve the recommended activity time. Examples of vigorous activity include running, fast swimming or cycling, gymnastics, martial arts, aerobics, skipping rope, walking up stairs, and sport.

Why are the guidelines important?

Physical activity has a host of benefits on physical and mental health. Regular activity has been shown to:

• Reduce the risk of disease (such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer) by up to 50%, and reduce the risk of early death by up to 30%
• Reduce the risk of stress, depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

• Help manage existing physical and mental health conditions
• Improve mental wellbeing
• Boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy

Although the guidelines lay out how much exercise different groups should be doing, any amount of physical activity is better than none. The benefits of physical activity can be seen with even relatively small increases in exercise – which is why everyone should be encouraged and supported to do as much as they can.