Australians urged to stand up for Exercise Right Week
25-31 May 2015
May 20, 2015
With national Exercise Right Week set to take place this month, the nation’s peak professional body for exercise and sports science, Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA), has issued a call for Australians to take control of their health and engage in regular physical activity.
ESSA Executive Officer Anita Hobson-Powell said recent research showed both adults and youths alike were facing an inactivity crisis, with 56 per cent of the adult population either inactive or recording low levels of physical activity* and 90 per cent of young people aged between 13 and 17 not meeting the physical activity levels recommended by the Department of Health**.
“Despite physical inactivity having long been recognised by the World Health Organization as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality, it appears Australians are still not heeding the warnings about the dangers of sedentary behaviour,” Ms Hobson-Powell said.
“Australia’s Physical Activity & Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for Adults recommend adults participate in a minimum of 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of moderate intensity physical activity each week, or 75 minutes (1.25 hours) of vigorous intensity physical activity, yet this unfortunately isn’t being put into practice.”
Ms Hobson-Powell said in order to prevent future generations from continuing the cycle of low physical activity levels, parents and carers needed to take action now to instil a love of physical recreation and an understanding of the need to get active amongst the nation’s youths.
“It’s no surprise that both children and teenagers learn from the key role models in their life, so it’s crucial that adults set the example and incorporate regular physical activity into their weekly routine,” Ms Hobson-Powell said.
“Physical activity can also be undertaken as a family, which not only strengthens the bond among family members, but also acts as a great motivator as everyone is held accountable for showing up and getting involved.”
Ms Hobson-Powell provided the following tips for getting the whole family participating in physical activity:
• Crack out the cricket set and enjoy a leisurely game on the beach or in the park.
• Set up an obstacle course in the backyard. This could involve sprinting a lap of the yard and army-crawling the next, getting the kids to jump up high and touch the clothes line, weaving in between markers (something as simple as lounge cushions or some sticks can act as markers), and climbing a tree.
• Dust off the bikes and take the whole family on a cycle trail in your local area.
• Crank up the music and show off your best dance moves with a lounge room dance party.
• Get back to nature and set off on a hiking trail nearby. Your local tourist information centre can point out a scenic route that will keep the whole family entertained.
To get in touch with an accredited exercise physiologist who can create a customised exercise program for your family or to find out more tips for incorporating physical activity into your day, please visit www.exerciseright.com.au.
// Ends.
Media contact
Maya Gurry, Fresh PR & Marketing
P: 0410 109 102
E: maya@freshprm.com.au
Sources:
*2014, Department of Health, Australia’s Physical Activity & Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for Adults (18-64 years), http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/F01F92328EDADA5BCA257BF0001E720D/$File/brochure%20PA%20Guidelines_A5_18-64yrs.PDF.
**2014, Australia’s Physical Activity & Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for Young People (13 -17 years), http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/F01F92328EDADA5BCA257BF0001E720D/$File/brochure%20PA%20Guidelines_A5_13-17yrs.PDF.
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 4,500-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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