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This year’s Exercise Right Week - the annual campaign powered by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) - has the theme ‘exercise for the right reasons’, with ESSA hoping that 2022’s campaign will shift the dialogue around exercise away from weight loss and onto the physical, mental, and social health benefits of being active.

ESSA Chief Executive, Anita Hobson-Powell advises “there are so many reasons to exercise that have nothing to do with the number on the scale. This week, we want to shine a light on how exercise can transform many aspects of people’s health and well-being.”

The benefits of exercise go far beyond physical appearance. Moving regularly throughout all stages of life reduces your risk of almost all chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes, some cancers and heart disease. Exercise can additionally help to boost your cognitive performance and protect your brain from conditions like dementia, and is also known to improve mood, mental health and social well-being.

ESSA notes “despite the broad-ranging health benefits, a lot of the dialog in the health and fitness industry focuses on weight loss and body image as a motivator for exercise and physical activity. With half of all Australians still not exercising enough, there clearly needs to be emphasis on the life altering message, rather than just the superficial affects."

Hobson-Powell adds “too often, images surrounding fitness have portrayed an ideal body type, which alienate a large proportion of the population. This campaign shows that exercise is for everyone, regardless of age or health status and it’s important for everyone to live healthier and more active lives.

“We want to highlight the fact that everyone, even and especially those living with a chronic condition, injury, or who are getting older, should feel confident to exercise.

“Getting advice from an accredited exercise professional can empower those who do not currently exercise to start moving safely.”

ESSA has over 6,000 university-qualified exercise professionals around Australia and offers a search function which enables people to find an expert who is well suited to their individual needs.

Throughout the week, there will be nearly 100 events held all around Australia all run by accredited exercise professionals, as well as access to free resources and inspiring stories from every-day Australians who have used exercise to improve their health.

Each day there will be a specific focus, including ‘Move your mood’ for mental health, ‘Brace your Body’ for physical health, and ‘Heal your heart’ for heart health as examples, breaking down some of the different benefits exercise offers.

From free exercise classes to education sessions, you can meet new people and learn more about getting active safely all week! To learn more or get involved, visit exerciseright.com.au. 

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