Exercise Right Week 2017
Exercise Right Week 22-28 May 2017 is an initiative to raise awareness of the role of regular exercise in the health and well-being of all Australians and spread the message that appropriately prescribed exercise is as effective as many medicines for a range of chronic health conditions. Lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and obesity are becoming far more prevalent in our community along with a rise in sedentary activities and take-away fast food.
Are you meeting the current minimum daily physical activity guidelines? I think you would be quite surprised that a lot of people do not meet the recommended standards.
So how much physical activity should we do be doing?
Physical Activity Guidelines:
For apparently healthy individuals: 150mins of moderate to intense physical activity per week or 75 mins of vigorous intensity physical activity per week. This equals 30 mins of moderate-intense physical activity on most days (to accumulate the minimum/week). The 30 mins may be broken up throughout the day into blocks of 3x 10 mins or 2x15 mins.
For individuals with chronic health conditions: Exercise recommendations may need to be modified to suit the individuals specific requirements. Working closely with an Exercise Physiologist can help these people to manage specific conditions and lead the healthiest lifestyle possible.
So what exactly is physical activity?
Anything that requires effort and gets you moving, this can include both structured and unstructured activities. For example brisk walking, cycling, gardening, dancing, household chores, recreational swimming, surfing, sports, gym etc….
Did you know?
· brisk walking for 75mins on a regular basis can add almost 2 years to your life.
· 30mins of walking per day can reduce symptoms of depression by 30%
· 30 to 60 mins of walking most days of the week drastically lowers your risk of heart disease.
· Regular strength training can improve insulin sensitivity and improve symptoms of diabetes.
· Appropriate exercise can reduce arthritis pain and joint stiffness and improve strength and mobility
· Physical activity is important in the prevention and management of lower back pain, something that 80% of people will experience in their lifetime
It’s about getting up and moving more throughout your day! You can choose from many options of exercise, with no specific type being the best. Just stay as active as you can, the little things add up. Staying active means different things to different people, think for a moment what staying active means for you?
No matter what condition you are in there is always some form of physical activity that can be incorporated into your day! Talk to an Exercise Physiologist to find out what may be appropriate for you or someone you know. Remember it’s never too late to begin!
To find your nearest Exercise Physiologist visit essa.org.au
For more info visit exerciseright.com.au or
