Calling all Cornish couch potatoes... again!

Last year a national survey revealed that Cornwall is turning into the couch potato county of the south west. Hoping to help combat the risks that could pose to us, you may remember that we launched the ‘Shape Up Cornwall’ campaign, in conjunction with the Cornwall Sports Partnership.

… And, looking to increase Cornwall’s fitness even more – we’re doing it again this year!

It would seem that many of us would rather look at the beautiful Cornish coast line on TV than walk along a coast path. Although many people may think Cornwall is an active place to live and work, the reality is that we’re more inclined to watch sport than be active ourselves.

We at Cornwall & Devon Media believe that sport and activity are hugely important for our enjoyment and wellbeing, and have teamed up with the Cornwall Sports Partnership to get us all off the couch and to do a little bit more. So, why not join us and do your bit to Shape up Cornwall!

Exercising more or aiming to lose weight are on most people’s wish lists. So, why not join us and actually make them come true!  Whether your aim is to lose weight, eat your 5-a day, go for a gentle bike ride with the kids, quit smoking or enter even enter a marathon, we hope to pass on the tips and the enthusiasm to do it!

Over the coming weeks and months we will be encouraging you to become more active and enjoy being active. We will show you examples of who’s doing what and where in the county, and who is setting the pace and how you can join in. Our journalists will be taking on their own activity challenges and we will keep you up to date on their progress. Keep an eye out for regular features with the branded ‘Shape Up Cornwall’ logo!

Additional information
Over 360,000 people nationally took part in the Active People survey commissioned by Sport England; Cornwall ranks bottom out of 7 counties in the South West for the percentage of the population, over the age of 16, who exercise or are active for 30 minutes, three times a week.

21% (approx 120,000 people) of the Adult Population of Cornwall do 30 minutes of moderate intensity sport & activity 3 times per week

Cornwall is however in line with the average for England (21%) and the South West is the second most active region behind the South East (22.6%).

This still doesn’t take away from the fact that a whopping 79% of the Adult Population in Cornwall doesn’t do enough exercise!