The CSD launches the ‘ACTIVATE’ campaign. Health is trained’ to combat sedentarism

The initiative, present in the press, radio, film, digital media and abroad, aims to raise awareness about the importance of regular physical exercise and to achieve more active societies

“We want to direct ourselves to the viewer, to tell them that there is no excuse, that the only obstacle to getting off the couch and doing sports is oneself,” says CSD President Víctor Francos.

Madrid, November 22, 2023.- The Superior Sports Council (CSD) has launched the ‘ACTÍVATE’ institutional advertising campaign. Health is trained’. A new initiative of the Government of Spain to combat sedentarism among the population and raise awareness about the importance of physical activity for health.

The campaign, funded by the European Union through the Next Generation Funds, sends a direct message to the audience, encouraging them to leave behind the usual excuses – lack of time, desire, perseverance, etc. Thus, it gives all people the ability to decide to take the final step towards a healthier life.

“Many people consider sport and physical exercise as simple leisure and entertainment activities, forgetting how necessary they are for our own physical and mental health,” says CSD President Víctor Francos. “With the ACTÍVATE campaign, we want to direct ourselves to the viewer, to tell them that there is no excuse, that the only obstacle to getting off the couch, doing sports and being healthier is oneself,” says Francos.

Regular physical activity is, in fact, a factor of great importance in the prevention and treatment of diseases and pathologies. It also helps maintain an adequate physical condition and general well-being, without forgetting its positive influence on mental health. Sport is an effective antidepressant and anxiolytic, as well as preventing cognitive decline.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), every year between four and five million deaths on the planet could be avoided if their population were more physically active. However, nearly one-third of adults and more than 80% of adolescents do not comply with their physical activity recommendations: between 150 and 300 minutes of moderate activity a week – or the equivalent in vigorous activity – in adults and 60 minutes a day among minors.

In Spain, the latest Survey of Sports Habits shows that just over 50% of the population practices sport at least once a week and only 23% do so every day. Although these data have improved in recent years, there is still a need to raise awareness about the importance of an active and healthy life, especially among people over 65.