TWO THIRDS of Huddersfield people risk cancer, heart disease and strokes because they fail to take enough exercise.

A survey carried out by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy found 66% were not getting enough exercise and were risking their future health.

More than a fifth admitted to exercising only once a month or less.

The questionnaire came as a new campaign was launched called Move for Health.

The drive – by the CSP – aims to highlight the importance of exercise in maintaining good health and preventing illness.

A free, downloadable booklet called the Easy Exercise Guide has also being produced to encourage people to get active.

Bridget Hurley, chartered physiotherapist and CSP spokeswoman, said: “Most people know exercise is good for their health but when it comes to doing it, exercise simply isn’t a priority.

“Regular physical activity is as important as eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, and people need to understand that you can’t keep putting it off.

“Without sufficient physical activity you increase your risk of life-threatening illnesses.”

More than half of those questioned in Yorkshire said they would take regular exercise if it helped them lose weight and 46% said they would if it led to a longer life.

The results point towards a gap in what people say and actually do.

Ms Hurley added: “Exercise doesn’t need to be expensive, boring or time consuming. Just going outside at lunchtime for a half-hour walk every day will greatly increase your fitness levels.

“One of the best ways to counteract feeling ill and tired – one of the main reasons people don’t exercise – is by becoming more active, which actually gives you more energy.

“We’re all aware that exercise is important for our health and finding an activity that you enjoy, such as dancing or gardening, will make it much easier to maintain the sort of lifestyle that is good for us.

“The CSP has a range of free materials to help you find easy ways to be more active without injuring yourself or overdoing it”.

More than half said they would take regular exercise if they could fit it into their existing daily routine.

For more information or to download the free guide visit www.csp.org.uk/moveforhealth.