It’s uniting everyone from NRL player Joel Reddy, former cricketer Matthew Hayden and swimming gold medallist Geoff Huegill right through to musician Airling and celebrity chef Hayden Quinn.
And now, Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) is calling on all Australians to get behind its 30 Days, 30 Reasons to Exercise campaign, which raises awareness of the many benefits of exercise; it runs throughout November.
ESSA industry development officer Alex Lawrence said that now in its second year, the campaign – an Exercise Right initiative developed as part of ESSA’s exercise-awareness month — had once again brought together high-profile athletes, nutritionists, chefs, musicians and writers to share their reasons for exercising and inspire the masses to get moving.
‘While we all know participating in regular physical activity can lower your risk of developing a number of chronic conditions, reduce stress and enhance your overall health and fitness level, many people find they also reap a number of other benefits from exercising,’ says Mr Lawrence.
Swimming great Geoff Huegill said exercise assisted him with everything from goal-setting and teamwork skills, right through to developing a never-give-up mentality that was important both in and out of the pool.
‘Being one of the lucky few to have been able to live my dreams through sport at the elite level, I understand the importance and the positives that regular exercise has to offer,’ says Geoff. ‘Wellbeing is more than grabbing an apple and just going for a run. The reality is that energy is finite, but regular exercise is a key ingredient to sustaining energy throughout the day and keeping up with demands of life.
‘It also triggers positive outcomes in both mind and body, and to me this is a strong foundation to overall wellbeing.’
Matthew Hayden says that exercising gives him the ability to visit beautiful locations and meet inspirational people while also providing him with a sense of purpose, and Rabbitohs player Joel Reddy also believes in the mental benefits of physical activity, saying he regularly exercises to keep his mind focused. ‘I also exercise to get the most out of my body. I find my challenges are more easily met when I am part of a team and motivated by the people around me.’
According to the most recent Australian Health Survey, almost 70 per cent of Australian adults are either sedentary or report low levels of physical activity. Physical inactivity has also been identified as the fourth leading cause of death owing to non-communicable disease worldwide, contributing to more than three million preventable deaths annually.
Lawrence suggests the following tips for easily incorporating more exercise into a daily routine: Walk or bike to the store instead of driving; Contact your local dog shelter and ask if you can volunteer to walk some of the dogs; Park farther away at the shopping centre and walk the extra distance; Take the stairs as often as possible; If you have a small work meeting, instead of sitting at a desk try a walk-meeting.
As part of the 30 Days, 30 Reasons to Exercise campaign, ESSA is inviting Australians to tell them what motivates them to exercise, using the hashtag #30for30. Participants will have the chance to win a Fitbit device.
For further information and to get involved, visit the website: www.exerciseright.com.au/30for30 or www.facebook.com/exerciserightaustralia during November.
