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In the wake of COVID-19, Fitness Australia Chief Executive Barrie Elvish considers the role of exercise and fitness in preventative health care. 

Elvish notes “looking after your health and wellbeing with a sensible lifestyle, regular exercise and a balanced diet isn’t a new scientific discovery, nor is it the latest new year’s resolution trend of 2021. But when you look at what the world has faced (and for many countries still continuing to face) over the past 12 months – good health has provided the greatest wealth of all, life.

“In the wake of the pandemic, people’s physical and mental health has become a more public and talked about topic but at the same time has put more pressure on services and organisations such as Lifeline and Beyond Blue who have been there to help those struggling. 

“While these vital services, and recent additional Federal Government funding for mental health and psychological services, should be commended, isn’t it time to look at a more preventative approach to support Australians with their long-term health and wellbeing?

“As vital COVID-19 vaccinations start to roll-out, supporting general wellbeing and looking after our mental health as we recover from isolation and lockdown restriction also needs to remain a high priority.

“And the easiest way to support our physical and mental health and general wellbeing, is exercise.” 

Elvish adds “frequent physical activity, such as a daily exercise routine, building strength and conditioning, taking a dance lesson or practicing Pilates or Yoga, can have significant benefits to our health and happiness.

“A study last year by Oxford and Yale universities suggested that people who exercise daily are happier than those who are sedentary – finding active people had approximately 35 days of poor mental health, while those who were inactive experiencing an additional 18 days.

“Those who exercised for even as little as 30 to 60 minutes three times a week were happier than those who did not.

“Preventative health care is big business; but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Dr Kenneth H. Cooper, the “father of aerobics” in the United States often referred to people spending more money on their health in the last six months of their lives, than they did in their lifetime. 

“Wouldn’t time, and money, be better spent enjoying our earlier years through a fit and healthy lifestyle, while also helping to prevent lifestyle-related premature death?

Elvish continues “as we rebound from closures, Fitness Australia is accelerating its discussions with government, allied health and healthcare providers to highlight the essential role the Australian fitness industry plays in preventative health care; helping people to lead healthier and more active lifestyles.

“The many services provided by exercise professionals, health and fitness centres and gyms enable people to keep themselves healthy and fit; fight lifestyle-related disease; mange mental health and even guard against COVID-19. 

“Exercise is also vital in pre- and post-operative care, helping patients recover faster, gain mobility and build muscle. During a recent Facebook Live discussion with Ukactive, the UK’s peak industry body, CEO Huw Edwards said a staggering 66% of pre- and re-habilitation for Cancer treatment across the country takes place in a gym.

“Here in Australia, many of Fitness Australia’s members work closely with the NDIS, GPs and other occupational therapists to develop and provide professional exercise programs that are delivered by registered exercise professionals. 

“As we continue to advocate for our members on the vital role our industry plays in the health of our community, Fitness Australia is focused on ensuring high standards for quality and service across our member network. We want Australians to have the peace of mind and confidence they can look after their health with the guidance of a registered exercise professional within a safe and reputable environment. 

“For greater wealth, let’s start by looking after our health.” 

Lower image of Barrie Elvish courtesy of Fitness Australia.

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