The activity level of Finns has dropped at an alarming rate. Inactivity simply takes the legs out from under Finns. And it costs a fortune. 

The physical fitness of Finns has dramatically declined since the 80s. With the help of an active Finland, the aim is to get the trend rising again.

Active Finland and Janakkala

Activity is everyone’s right, and losing it is a problem for individuals and society. The Finnish Olympic Committee, Yle, the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities, trade union confederations, and Deloitte have launched the Finland – an active country and people concept, aiming to create lasting change over decades. Through this concept, movement and activity will be restored as Finland’s strengths.

Activity is an intrinsic goal, and movement is the means to achieve it. Before people can be mobilized, their mindsets need to change. Our task is to raise the issue of activity in public discourse and give movement a greater significance than just exercise. We want to make all types of movement a desirable and valued part of people’s daily lives.

In Finland, a lot of good work is being done to improve physical, mental, and social activity. However, the results have still declined. The threshold for a decrease in activity has now been crossed.

Therefore, the municipality of Janakkala accepted the challenge from the Finnish Olympic Committee and started working towards building a more active Finland. And because movement undeniably increases well-being. 

We promised that in Janakkala, we will move more tomorrow than today.   

We need your help! Will you accept the challenge and join us in our efforts?

  1. Endorphins are released in the body.
  2. Exercise lowers high blood pressure.
  3. Regular movement reduces body fat percentage.
  4. Shoulders stiffened in the office loosen up.
  5. Movement improves bowel function and alleviates constipation.
  6. Posture improves.
  7. The mind feels uplifted.
  8. The mind relaxes.
  9. The amount of stress hormones in the blood decreases.
  10. Harmful LDL cholesterol levels drop.
  11. Good HDL cholesterol levels rise.
  12. You learn to know your body better.
  13. Muscles strengthen and muscle power improves.
  14. Trained muscles give the body good lines.
  15. Trained muscles look good.
  16. Mental resilience improves.
  17. Movement prevents fat accumulation around internal organs.
  18. Exercise prevents central obesity.
  19. Bone density increases.
  20. No one imposes movement requirements on you except yourself.
  21. Helps recover from worries.
  22. The body’s oxygen uptake capacity improves.
  23. Symptoms of mild to moderate depression and anxiety may improve.
  24. Self-confidence strengthens.
  25. As you age, exercise slows down the decline in activity.
  26. Exercise is a good reason to meet friends.
  27. Exercise aids in weight management alongside a diet.
  28. Calories and fat burn.
  29. It’s enough to eat sensibly most of the time. You can also indulge sometimes!
  30. The risk of osteoporosis decreases.
  31. The risk of type 2 diabetes decreases.
  32. The risk of premature death decreases.
  33. Exercise reduces the risk of coronary artery disease.
  34. The risk of stroke decreases.
  35. Exercise lowers cancer risk.
  36. Metabolism speeds up.
  37. A walk or gym session is a great time to listen to audiobooks.
  38. An active lifestyle models the right behavior for children as well.
  39. Sleep quality improves.
  40. Deep sleep phases increase.
  41. The body communicates what kind of movement it craves.
  42. Coordination improves.
  43. Agility improves.
  44. Balance improves.
  45. Experiences of success and positive feedback.
  46. You get energized for work.
  47. Exercise is a good reason to step outside the house every once in a while.
  48. A good excuse to break free from the couch’s pull.
  49. Different brain areas work together, creating new connections.
  50. Improves blood sugar levels.
  51. Functional exercise kills two birds with one stone.
  52. You can move anywhere and anytime.
  53. Move in small bursts throughout the day.
  54. You gain energy for the time after work.
  55. Exercise reduces perceived back pain and improves activity.
  56. Various events are organized throughout the year, providing a boost to everyday activity.
  57. The body’s resistance improves.
  58. Exercise is good for the lungs.
  59. Walking supports brainstorming and learning.
  60. Exercise can be a protective factor for self-esteem.
  61. Prevents falls.
  62. Exercise can be incredibly fun.
  63. Tired eyes in front of a screen can relax.
  64. Regular exercise can protect against disability.
  65. Diverse exercise prevents sports injuries.
  66. Get moving with a friend; interaction promotes brain and mental health.
  67. Exercise can improve body composition.
  68. The heart strengthens through exercise.
  69. Resting heart rate decreases.
  70. Exercise affects our organ systems.
  71. Climbing stairs becomes easier.
  72. Walking to work gives a fresh start to the day.
  73. Active commuting can reduce neck and shoulder pain.
  74. Tiredness and fatigue diminish.
  75. Resting blood pressure and heart rate decrease.
  76. Exercise maintains blood values; weight management alleviates menopausal symptoms.
  77. Exercise offers the opportunity to challenge yourself.
  78. … and countless opportunities to challenge a friend or partner.
  79. Joint cartilage remains healthy and may even strengthen.
  80. Exercise alleviates osteoarthritis symptoms.
  81. Let nature move you.
  82. Light exercise promotes recovery.
  83. When you take care of yourself, you can also take care of others.
  84. Movement helps eliminate bodily waste products.
  85. Dancing classes give you a great reason to shake your hips and sway your shoulders.
  86. Exercise creates positive dependence.
  87. Engaging in movement and music is like role-playing for adults.
  88. Exercise prevents neck and shoulder pain.
  89. Good core strength prevents lower back pain.
  90. Clothes fit better.
  91. An active person’s step is light.
  92. Changing the arrangement of furniture can also be done on your own.
  93. Exercise helps cope with the long and dark winter.
  94. Aging of the body slows down.
  95. After an athletic day, you also want to eat healthily.
  96. Rewarding oneself after a tough workout is part of the deal.
  97. Getting up becomes easier.
  98. Exercise makes you feel strong and energetic.
  99. Exercise improves quality of life in every way.

Make a movement promise!

Create your own movement promise and share it with others! We will publish promises online and on social media. At the end of the year, we will ask those interested how it went and draw product packages among all participants.
#movementchallenge #PromiseToFinland. 
The collection of promises has ended. We will soon draw product packages.

Follow our channels. Let’s move – it’s fun and good for you! 

Janakkala’s municipality movers 

More information