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Helping to keep Australians active this festive season and beyond

Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) Executive Officer Anita Hobson-Powell urges all Australians to ensure they include some regular exercise during the holiday season.  The summer holidays provide an ideal opportunity to include a brisk walk, a bike ride with friends, or even an active game of beach cricket with the kids, when we are free from the time demands of work. The additional physical activity is particularly important as the festive season traditionally includes foods, which are high in fat and calories, which may lead to weight gain. 

At a time when our nation faces an increasing incidence of chronic disease associated with obesity and inactivity, it is important for all Australians to take the opportunities provided by the holiday break to increase their levels of physical activity.   The increasing incidence of obesity are associated with diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and cancer, as well as a number of chronic musculoskeletal conditions. ESSA encourages all Australians to put down the remote and rather than watching sport on TV, become an exercise participant this summer, which will assist in reducing your risk of developing a chronic disease later on in life. 

“The national physical activity guidelines recommend that all Australians should participate in at least  150 minutes of “moderate” intensity exercise each week or 30 minutes of continuous activity on most days to improve your health and well-being.  Moderate intensity exercise can be defined as that which is able to be conducted whilst maintaining an uninterrupted conversation while walking briskly, cycling, or playing social tennis” said Professor Norton.  For those that have a known health condition or have not recently been physically active, it is important that you seek advice from a medical practitioner or an accredited exercise physiologist prior to beginning your exercise program. 

Starting your exercise and activity program can be as easy as including: 

• An early morning brisk walk along the beach;
• An early morning swim at the local pool or beach;
• A bike ride with the family to the park for a game of cricket;
• Organise a game of tennis or golf to catch up with some friends.

Have an enjoyable, but active holiday break and use the holiday to begin that exercise program you will continue as a regular feature of your new lifestyle. 

Research to Practice
5th Exercise & Sports Science Australia Conference and 7th Sports Dietitians update
Jupiters Casino | Gold Coast, Queensland
19 – 21 April 2012
http://www.essa.org.au/conference2012