Find out how you can lower your cancer risk by eating well, staying in shape and moving more.

Fun activities in the great outdoors
Gyms can be expensive and uninspiring for many of us, so why not look outside your front door for free and fun activity ideas to do in the great outdoors?

Getting back to nature can encourage you to be more active, which will reduce your cancer risk as well as your risk of other illnesses such as diabetes, depression and heart disease. It can also make you feel happier, especially over the winter months.

Exercise in the outdoors can also lower your chance of becoming obese, which is linked to a higher risk of developing cancer.

What activity can I do?

There are many activities you can do in the great outdoors. WCRF UK recommends that we all try to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day (children should get 60 minutes) to help reduce our cancer risk, so why not try one of these outdoor activities today.

Walking
Plan a walk with friends or family as part of our Walking Together campaign to show your support for WCRF UK. We can help you plan a walk in your local area and bring together your community to make the most of the great outdoors.

To meet new people or try a new route, why not go on an organised trip? Contact your local council about health walks in your area.

Nature trail
Getting close to nature is a great way to engage with the natural environment while you are being active. Kids will love this too. Head to your nearest green space and, if you look closely, you’ll discover a whole new world.

Locate your nearest nature trail by contacting your local tourism office or make a 'do-it-yourself' trail. You can print 'fun games for parks and woodlands' from the Change4Life website and take it along next time you go to the park or visit the countryside.

Birdwatching
Spot different bird species as you take a walk in the great outdoors. Most places have a local club you can join and birds can be spotted all year round.

Visit www.birding.uk.com for details.

Green gym
Do you have an interest in getting fit but you don’t want to join the gym? Combine the natural environment with activity as part of a scheme called the Green Gym.

Set up by a GP, this initiative inspires you to improve your health and the environment at the same time. Experienced leaders will guide you through a range of practical projects in the outdoors.

Outdoor swimming
Swimming in the great outdoors is free and gets you closer to nature. There are many places, from rivers to lakes to the coast, where outdoor swimming is possible, but ensure you check the water is safe before jumping in.

Find out more from the Outdoor Swimming Society.

Whichever activity you choose, the most important thing is to get started now so that you can begin to reap the health benefits of being active right away.
http://www.wcrf-uk.org/