At the start of the new year we often pause, take stock, look at our lives and see what we want for the coming year.
For many this can involve getting fit and increasing our exercise and movement, particularly for the likes of me who spend so much time at a desk.
Southern Cross Univeristy (SCU) is launching the Open to Move research project that is looking to support people from 18 to 69 for a year to get more active and healthy.
‘Open to Move is designed to support people increase their physical activity and stick with a more active lifestyle long-term. Because it’s delivered entirely online, eligible adults aged 18 to 69 and no matter their current fitness levels, can get involved from across the country,’ the press release stated.
Participants receive 12 months of regular free support, including six months of individualised mentoring with a physical activity researcher, through online one-to-one Zoom meetings, with activity tracking via an app, all the while aiming to help increase their physical activity.
The lead researcher on Open to Move is Professor Christian Swann who also leads the Physical Activity, Sport and Exercise Research (PASER) group in the Faculty of Health at Southern Cross University.
‘We are really proud to launch Open to Move. It’s an exciting project designed by some of the world’s leading physical activity researchers, and we hope it’ll help people who are trying to get more active,’ said Professor Swann.
‘We’re able to provide free support for a whole year, including regular one-to-one meetings during the first six months, which is designed to help people build habits and stick with a more active lifestyle long-term.
‘Best of all, we may even be able to help people achieve their New Year’s resolutions in 2025!’
As a participant, you will:
- receive guidance from leading experts on how to increase your physical activity
- have regular online one-to-one meetings with a researcher
- access the Open to Move app to help you track your progress
- provide feedback via surveys and interviews and help build the evidence base for Open to Move
- receive gift vouchers at the six-month and 12-month milestones as a thank you for your involvement.
How to take part in the study
If you are aged between 18 to 69 years, living in Australia, own a smartphone, and are able to join meetings via Zoom, this program may fit you.
To find out more and to check eligibility, visit the Open to Move website or email [email protected].
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