PAYDAY EXCLUSIVE | 15% OFF £30

Code:PAYDAY
 

PAYDAY EXCLUSIVE | 15% OFF £30

Code:PAYDAY

Buy 1 Get 1 Free: One week onlyOffersOffers HubBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 get 1 free eventGreat SavingsShort DatedBetter than 1/2 price2 for £60 Mix & MatchVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements HubVitamins & Supplements Shop AllCBDShop all CBDCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD SprayCBD GummiesCollagen & SilicaHair, Skin & NailsShop all Hair, Skin & NailsHair GrowthFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGinkgo BilobaGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and Aquaceuticals5 HTPSaw palmettoCharcoalWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthConditionShop all ConditionWater RetentionAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthPain ReliefCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesValerianSt John's WortRescue RemedyAgnus CastusAshwagandhaEchinaceaMilk ThistleDevil's ClawGinseng & GuaranaBlack CohoshHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesHomeopathic RemediesAt-Home TestsVegan Vitamins & SupplementsBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 get 1 free eventHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicWeledaBach Original Flower RemediesBioglanBetterYouNatures AidGrass & Co.Dairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkFood & Drink HubFood & Drink Shop AllComic ReliefEasterVegan FoodHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyJams & ChutneysNut ButtersSpreadsPateTeas & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstituteMushroom DrinksGreen TeaPeppermint TeaHerbal TeaFruit TeaSlimming TeaSleep & Relaxation TeaDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsNutsDried FruitSeedsMixesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood PowdersMaca PowderGoji BerriesBaobabMoringa PowderFlaxseedSpirulinaChia SeedsSnacksShop all SnacksProtein BarsLow Calorie SnacksChocolate, Cakes & BiscuitsSavoury SnacksSweet SnacksSnack BarsCrisps & ChipsFlapjacksPopcornFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardHoney, Jams & SpreadsBreakfast CerealsSuperfoodsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesTinned FoodsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsDrinksShop all DrinksKombuchaNatural Energy DrinksJuicesSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesSoya & Meat AlternativeSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy AlternativesShop all Dairy AlternativesOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeSave up to 1/2 PriceHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadeHeath & HeatherPukkaMeridianNakdTwiningsBionaManuka DoctorGluten FreeDairy FreeEgg FreeWheat FreeMustard FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeMollusc FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition HubSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinClear ProteinWhey ProteinMass GainersVegan ProteinDiet ProteinCaseinBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsEnergy DrinksProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutAmino Energy DrinksAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutKetoPost WorkoutAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsAmino Energy PowdersAmino Energy DrinksBCAAL-LysineGlutamineCarnitineArginineCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderCreatine CapsulesSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsTestosteroneSports CollagenRehydrationShop all RehydrationElectrolytesEnergy GelsVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness EquipmentFitness GoalShop all Fitness GoalRecoveryMuscle & StrengthLean MuscleEnergy & EnduranceDiet & Weight LossSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 priceGreat SavingsOptimum NutritionPE NutritionUSNGrenadePhDApplied NutritionFoodspringSiSHuelYfoodDairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inBeautyBeauty HubNatural Beauty Shop AllAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareSkin AilmentsSkin OilsCBD BeautyHair Skin & NailsWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsFeminine CareIncontinence SupportHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesElectrical WellnessSexual WellnessBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy 1 get 1 free eventDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandMiaromaSukinQ+AEthiqueSo EcoAlcohol FreeParaben FreeSLS FreeParfum FreePalm Oil FreeGluten FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeNew inCBDWeight ManagementWeight Management HubWeight Management Shop AllSlimming TabletsFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsShakes & Weight Management ShotsShop all Shakes & Weight Management ShotsMeal Replacement ShakesWeight Management ShotsDiet ProteinDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkDiet FoodLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeaExercise SupportShop all Exercise SupportFitness EquipmentMeal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinProtein BarsBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 PriceGreat SavingsGrenadeOptimum NutritionHolland & BarrettUSNPulsinPhDApplied NutritionEat WaterNatures AidNew NordicDairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeNew inVeganHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessJoints Bones & MusclesGut HealthHair Skin & NailsStress AnxietySleep & RelaxationBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeHolland & BarrettVitabioticsWeledaDr OrganicSolgarNew NordicNaturtintOptimum NutritionBounceHeath & HeatherDairy FreeGluten FreeParaben FreeSLS FreeAlcohol FreeParfum FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeNew inShop for your WellnessMuscle & Joint PainImmunityGut HealthMenopauseWomen's HealthFood & DietSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefHealthy HeartEnergyLow Mood & DepressionConcentration & AlertnessEye HealthSexual HealthChildren's HealthLearn about WellnessJoints, Bones & MusclesImmunityGut HealthMenopauseFood & DietSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast
lady on skateboard

The effects of inactivity: can it increase health risks?

12 Apr 2023 • 6 min read

Got a moment? Possibly not – it feels like we’re busier than ever before. But did you know that being active is one of the most important things you can do for your health and wellbeing, as it can help prevent over 20 chronic health conditions?

Despite that, we might find we’re moving our bodies less... More than a third of us live with persistent pain and more than 80% of the world’s adolescents aren’t active enough. ¹ ² Could inactivity be playing a part?

Movement can help prevent 20 chronic health conditions...


More movement may help improve ...


We’ve spoken to Dr Fraser Quin, Executive Director of The British Society of Lifestyle Medicine* (BSLM), an independent charity dedicated to informing people about the way their daily life shapes their overall health.

“Physical inactivity is a significant cause of chronic disease, and sadly it leads to an estimated five million deaths globally, every year. Currently there are limited solutions offered through general medicine and healthcare, which is why we place such an importance on addressing these issues so we can help to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals. That’s why we are supporting the Holland & Barrett initiative to get people moving more. Whether it be walking, or just squats in the kitchen, five minutes of exercise can significantly improve our aerobic endurance, so resources like Holland & Barrett’s 30-day movement challenge calendar is a great guide to the simple things we can all do to improve our fitness, and ultimately our overall health outcomes.”

 

Skip to: 

What do we need our joints, bones, & muscles for?

It might seem basic, but it’s important to understand the difference between our joints, bones, and muscles! Although they work together, they have different functions and need different things to stay healthy:

  • Joints are where two bones meet. It’s important to keep them flexible and well-supported to keep joint pain at a minimum.
  • Bones provide structure to the body. To stay healthy, bones need to be strong and dense.
  • Muscles relax and contract. They push and pull your bones and other body parts, both to help you move and to control unconscious processes in the body. Strong, flexible muscles help you move more easily.

Taking care of our joints, bones, and muscles helps keep us comfortable, strong, and mobile. Plus, it helps to reduce our risk of chronic conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis.

Confused on other terms and phrases? Check out our no-jargon guide to joints, bones, and muscles.

How can we look after them?

Just as with any health condition, it’s not possible to completely remove your risk of developing joint, bone, and muscle issues.

Some contributing factors, like genetics and sex, are outside of our control. But taking certain steps can help you reduce your chances of poor musculoskeletal health – and the sooner you start, the better.

As a population, we’re 20% less active than in the 1960s, and we’re set to be 35% less active by 2030 if trends continue.5

Consider the following wherever you can:

  • Getting at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise (like jogging, brisk walking, or cycling) 5 times per week 
  • Doing muscle-strengthening activities (like lifting weights, hill walking, or yoga) at least twice a week
  • Following a balanced diet: getting all the nutrients you need can help keep your energy levels high and your joints, bones, and muscles strong. Maintaining a healthy weight is also one of the most significant ways to reduce pressure on your bones and keep them strong and dense. The NHS Eatwell Guide provides more information on getting a balanced diet.
  • Staying hydrated: water makes up a significant portion of your joints, bones, and muscles. The NHS recommends we drink at least 6-8 cups or glasses of fluid a day (water, lower-fat milk, and sugar-free drinks including tea and coffee all count). ⁵ 
  • Not smoking: Smoking is associated with a higher risk of osteoporosis. ⁶ 
  • Limiting your alcohol intake: the NHS recommends drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol per week. ⁷

While it’s best to follow these as early in life as possible, it’s never too late to start making changes!

Helping to manage pain

So many of us live with persistent pain – so it’s time to understand how best to manage it. Painkillers may provide relief in the short term, but they’re not suitable for everyone, and shouldn’t be relied on as your main option in the long term.

Your healthcare professional might tell you that “self-management” is the answer – but what exactly does that mean?

The definition differs according to your type of pain and your lifestyle, but practices to help manage your pain might look like: 8,9

  • Getting the sleep you need
  • Staying as active as you can and moving regularly throughout the day
  • Learning your personal boundaries, and deciding when it’s safe and healthy to work with and against your pain
  • Learning to unwind your body and mind – this might include practicing mindfulness, attending a class you enjoy, or taking time outdoors every day. Why not take one of our podcasts with you?
  • Setting aside time solely for yourself, with no interruptions from others
  • Maintaining good posture wherever possible, especially if you work in an office or at home
  • Learning your everyday “pace” and finding a routine that works for you
  • Trying to distinguish between sedentary periods and genuine rest for your body; staying still doesn’t necessarily mean you’re relaxing

As well as the lifestyle changes we mentioned earlier on.

The final say

Getting active isn’t an overnight process, nor is it a sure way to get rid of persistent pain.

But it can provide a boost to your physical and mental health and keep your body moving comfortably for longer.

By making small changes each day, we can help to reduce our risk of chronic conditions and better understand our bodies and our pain.

We understand how important it is to look after ourselves, which is why we’re offering 10,000 hours of personalised joints, bones, and muscles check-ins every week. Our experts are available in store and online to provide you with a 1-to-1 consultation that will help you find the best way to move and live well.

So, book today with our qualified experts and get a free joints, bones, and muscles check-in to help you move better for longer. A 15-minute conversation could make a lifetime of difference.

Last updated: 18 March 2024

  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • PayPal
  • AmericanExpress
  • ApplePay
  • ClearPay
  • AliPay
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Copyright © Holland & Barrett Retail Limited, 2023. All rights reserved. hollandandbarrett.com is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited,. Registered office: Samuel Ryder House, Barling Way, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7RH. Registered in England: company no. 2758955. Registered VAT no. 211727395.