Every Move Counts

National Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines

These are the national guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour for Ireland. They have been adapted for Ireland from World Health Organisation guidance. 

The guidelines help people in health, education, social care, sport, and local government understand how physical activity improves health. It encourages them to promote it and also gives advice to help people be more active for better health.

Publications

Every Move Counts National Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines

Every Move Counts National Physical Activity and Sedentary Guidelines for Ireland (PDF, size 3.7 MB, 28 pages)

Irish: Treoirlínte Náisiúnta um Ghníomhaíocht Coirp agus Iompar Neamhghníomhach d’Éirinn (PDF, size 3.4 MB, 28 pages)

These guidelines cover:

  • Babies, children and teenagers, including those living with disabilities
  • Adults and older adults, including those living with disabilities

Every Move Counts National Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines: Chronic Conditions

HSE Physical Activity Guidelines for Chronic Conditions (PDF, size 6.8 MB, 20 pages)

These guidelines cover:

  • Adults living with chronic conditions including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity and others

Every Move Counts National Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines: Pregnancy and Post-partum

HSE Physical Activity Guidelines for Pregnant and Postpartum Women (PDF, size 4.6 MB, 24 pages)

These guidelines cover:

  • Women during pregnancy, and
  • During the time from birth up to eight weeks and beyond, while their body recovers from pregnancy

Podcasts

Episode 68 - Physical Activity Guidelines

This episode focuses on Ireland's national guidelines for physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour. It looks at their importance, updates from previous guidelines, and specific recommendations for different groups, including people with disabilities.

Listen to episode 68 - Physical Activity Guidelines (video)

Videos

Videos will be available mid September 2025

Training

Wellbeing through physical activity

A 1-day in-person training for primary school teachers. It helps promote physical activity throughout the school day using a whole-school approach.  The in-person training is approved for sub cover by the Department of Education.

Find out more information and register for the training - register.enthuse.com