Get moving for World Day for Physical Activity (6 April 2015)

April 1, 2015

With the World Day for Physical Activity set to take place on 6 April, peak industry body Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) has renewed calls for Australians to get active and find ways to incorporate more physical activity into their daily routine.

ESSA Executive Officer Anita Hobson-Powell said the need for heightened physical activity levels was now more important than ever, with recent figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicating there has been a significant decline in the number of Australians participating in sport and physical recreation activities.

“It’s alarming to see that in 2013-14, just 60 per cent of Australians aged 15 years and over reported participating in sport and physical recreation at least once throughout the year, compared to 65 per cent in 2011-12,” Ms Hobson-Powell said.

“In fact, participation rates in some states were as low as 54 per cent, which is particularly concerning.”

“Essentially, this shows that almost half the population in some states did not participate in so much as one day of sport and physical recreation, let alone meeting the physical activity guidelines recommended by the Department of Health.”

Ms Hobson-Powell said Australia’s Physical Activity & Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for Adults recommended 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.

“Even starting slowly and gradually working your way up to these targets can have a profound effect on the health of Australians,” Ms Hobson-Powell said.

“At the end of the day, participating in some physical activity is always better than nothing.”

“It’s also important to remember that physical activity doesn’t always have to be in the form of structured exercise; tasks like mowing the lawn or cleaning the windows around the house are of huge benefit and allow you to kill two birds with one stone – both ticking chores off the to-do list and racking up some hours of physical activity.”

Ms Hobson-Powell said while physical activity may not currently be a high priority in the busy lives of many Australians, the reality was that over the long-term, it could mean the difference between life and death.

“The World Health Organization has identified physical inactivity as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality, accounting for 6 per cent of deaths around the world,” Ms Hobson-Powell said.

“It is the second greatest contributor (after smoking), to the cancer burden in Australia, and is considered the main cause of up to 25 per cent of breast and colon cancers, 27 per cent of diabetes cases and approximately 30 per cent of the ischaemic heart disease burden, all of which could be prevented with the introduction of a few minor lifestyle changes.”

Examples of physical activities that can be incorporated into the weekly routine:

Moderate intensity activities
• Walking the dog briskly around the neighbourhood
• Recreational swimming
• Playing a round of golf
• Raking leaves in the backyard or mowing the lawn
• Pushing the baby stroller around the shopping centre or local park
• Hanging out washing on the clothesline
Vigorous intensity activities
• Taking a run around the neighbourhood or cycling quickly
• Digging a new garden bed
• Walking briskly up a hill
• Participating in team sports such as basketball, football or volleyball
• Shifting heavy loads

To get in touch with an accredited exercise physiologist who can create a customised exercise program or to find out more tips for incorporating physical activity into your day, please visit www.exerciseright.com.au.

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Media contact
Maya Gurry, Fresh PR & Marketing
P: 0410 109 102
E: maya@freshprm.com.au

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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