Current research suggests that moving away from sedentary lifestyles and toward moderate physical activity can help improve health and well being.

Lifestyles have become less active due to sedentary occupations and the reliance on labour saving mechanisation both at work and in the home. Data from the 1995, 2001 & 2004-5 National Health Surveys suggest that around 30-35% of Australian adults are not doing enough physical activity. (ABS. National Health Survey 2004-5; summary of results, 2006).

Physical activity can help:

• manage weight
• maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints
• promote well being and quality of life
• maintain cardiovascular fitness
• socialise, relax and have fun

All of us should do at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day.

But don’t worry – this sounds a lot harder than it really is. The physical activity need only be of moderate intensity and it doesn’t have to be continuous.

Think of movement as an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Choose an activity you really love – go for an early morning walk or surf, fly a kite, push a pram or ride a bike.

During the week, if you are working, split your physical activity into three short breaks. Walk to the train station for 10 minutes in the morning, go for a quick 10 minute walk at lunch and do 10 minutes of active work around the house in the afternoon – like washing the car, mowing the lawn or vacuuming.

Increasing incidental physical activity such as using the stairs or where possible walking instead of using the car, can help increase overall physical activity. Try to be active in as many ways as you can over the day. If possible, also try to do some higher intensity physical activity as this will help overall health and fitness.