AusLeisure

More that 1,000 accredited exercise professionals helped raise awareness of the importance of exercise and finding individual’s ‘Motivation to Move’ during Exercise Right Week 2018 last week.

Highlighting the significant impact of Exercise Right Week, especially for those living with chronic conditions, Exercies and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) Chief Executive, Anita Hobson-Powell advised “the week aims to highlight that when exercise is prescribed by an appropriately qualified exercise professional, such as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist or Accredited Exercise Scientist, it can significantly reduce and manage the symptoms of chronic conditions and lower the risk factors of developing further conditions.”

Citing the 2014/15 National Health Survey which showed that 50% of Australians are living with at least one chronic condition which includes arthritis, pain, cancer, diabetes, mental health conditions, and cardiovascular disease, to name some, Hobson-Powell added “the benefits of seeing an accredited exercise professional are that they can tailor an exercise program to your specific physical and mental health needs, and help you to find your ‘Motivation to Move’ towards better health and well-being.

“The 2018 campaign highlighted the exercise journeys of a range of everyday Australians, from those recovering from cancer, through to people living with severe brain injuries. Through the use of videos and blogs, we were able to witness how exercise has directly helped these people in their treatment or recovery.”

This year’s Exercise Right survey indicated that 43% of respondents are living with at least one chronic condition; 16% indicated that they had a mental health condition, 19% are living with asthma, and 14% with chronic pain.

The month of May also saw an increase of over 83% in searches for a local Accredited Exercise Physiologist compared to the month prior, using ESSA’s ‘Find an Accredited Exercise Professional’ function.

Hobson-Powell concluded “we hope that these statistics indicate that Australians have been made more aware of the importance of exercise for their chronic conditions and illnesses, and have been encouraged to seek the advice of their local exercise expert to manage or reduce their symptoms.

“We know that even an extra 15-30 minutes of brisk walking at least five days a week reduces the disease burden due to physical inactivity by at least 13%. If this year’s campaign has inspired Australians to move more, then we deem it a success.”

Exercise Right is ESSA’s public awareness vehicle and aims to inspire and educate all Australians to be healthier and more active. 

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