Australians urged to stand up and take notice
October 30, 2014
With sitting having been dubbed the ‘new smoking’ by many health industry professionals, a range of Australia’s leading entertainers, chefs and elite athletes, including champion swimmer Stephanie Rice and professional surfer Sally Fitzgibbons have joined forces with Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) for the month of November to spur Australians into getting active.
More than 20 high profile celebrities have jumped behind the cause, revealing their top reasons for exercising as part of the ’30 days, 30 reasons to exercise’ campaign.
ESSA Executive Officer Anita Hobson-Powell said it wasn’t just the fitness benefits — or in the case of elite athletes, the lure of medals and representing Australia — that drove the celebrities to hit the pool, gym or great outdoors.
“Stephanie Rice has revealed she gets a kick out of the energy boost that comes from exercising, and also pushes through for the mental clarity she receives during and after a session in the pool,” Ms Hobson-Powell said.
“On the other hand, renowned cricketer Matthew Hayden has indicated that training allows him to visit beautiful locations, meet inspirational people and obtain a simple but powerful sense of purpose.”
“For chef Hayden Quinn, exercise is all about balance, sanity and spending time with friends.”
“All Australians can start reaping these same rewards if they simply make the effort to get active.”
Ms Hobson-Powell said now was the time for Australians to start taking their future into their own hands, with a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine* revealing some of the least active among us — those who spend an average of six hours per day in front of the TV — are likely to live an average of almost five years less than their more active counterparts.
“The statistics are truly alarming. According to the research, every hour of TV viewed after the age of 25 has the potential to reduce the viewer’s life expectancy by more than 20 minutes,” Ms Hobson-Powell said.
“It’s been said time and time again, but it really is crucial that as a society, we make an effort to reduce time spent in front of the TV or even at the work desk and participate in more physical activity.”
“I hope the encouragement of these highly revered celebrities will help to inspire people of all ages to get active.”
Other high profile personalities leading the charge for Australians to get active include seven-time surfing world title champion Layne Beachley, South Sydney Rabbitohs winger Joel Reddy, Australian sportswoman Ellyse Perry, Brisbane songstress Airling, and four-time world ironman champion Trevor Hendy.
Ms Hobson-Powell said regular exercise presented a number of benefits to Australians, including plenty of lesser-known advantages.
“While we’re all aware that exercise can enhance one’s social wellbeing and fitness levels, reduce stress and assist in maintaining optimal physical function, it has also been proven to heighten cognitive function.”
“Some people even report that exercise allows them to tap into their creative side and feel inspired.”
Ms Hobson-Powell said at present, 70 per cent of Australians were not considered sufficiently active, as outlined in the Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines** released by the Department of Health earlier this year.
“The reality is that physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of death due to non-communicable disease worldwide, contributing to more than 3 million preventable deaths each year.”
“If we’re to have any hope of creating a healthy Australia and maintaining it for generations to come, we need to take action now.”
As part of the ’30 days, 30 reasons to exercise’ campaign, ESSA is inviting Australians to tell them what motivates them to exercise. Participants will have the chance to win an iPad mini. To enter, visit www.facebook.com/myessa.org.au during November. For further information, visit www.exerciseright.com.au/30for30.
To find out more about ESSA or locate an Accredited Exercise Physiologist in your area who can devise a tailored exercise program for your needs, visit www.essa.org.au.
// Ends.
Sources
* British Journal of Sports Medicine, Television viewing time and reduced life expectancy: a life table analysis, vol. 46, iss. 13, 12 May 2011, http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/46/13/927.abstract.
**Department of Health, Australia’s Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines, January 2014, http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/health-pubhlth-strateg-phys-act-guidelines/$File/Brochures_PAG_Adults18-64yrs.
About ESSA
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) is the peak professional body for exercise and sports science in Australia and provides national leadership and advocacy on key issues. It supports its 4,000-plus members and the community through fostering excellence in professional practice, education, training and research.
Website: www.essa.org.au
Official media spokesperson for this release:
Anita Hobson-Powell
Executive Officer, Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA)
E: Anita.Hobson-Powell@essa.org.au
P: 07 3862 4122
M: 0400 519 800
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