Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

One million more Australians do regular physical exercise

One million more Australians do regular physical exercise
August 19, 2009

The number of Australians taking part in regular physical activity increased by one million last year from the 2007 total, according to the latest Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey (ERASS).

Commenting on the findings, Minister for Sport and Youth Kate Ellis explained that ERASS showed an estimated 8.2 million Australians (almost half of the report's estimated population) aged 15 years and over were active at least three times a week, a rise from 7.1 million (43%) in 2007.

Minister Ellis said that the number of Australians exercising regularly had risen by 12 percentage points since the annual study started in 2001, commenting "it'ss encouraging to see more Australians involved in sport and physical activity. These findings show regular participation increased from 37% in 2001 to 49% in 2008, a jump of 12 percentage points.

"This tells us we are gradually heading in the right direction, but these numbers have to improve further if Australia is to realise the health benefits of being a more active nation.

"The Australian Government is committed to improving participation levels through a number of broad and inclusive programs including Indigenous people, women, juniors, sporting clubs and people with disability."

The ERASS study found females were more likely to be involved in regular physical activity, registering 51% compared with 47% of males. However men were more likely to be active for longer periods.

Australiaâs most popular sports and physical activities included aerobics/fitness, golf, outdoor football (soccer), netball, tennis, touch football, basketball, Australian football, swimming and outdoor cricket.

The Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey, a joint initiative of the Australian Sports Commission and state/territory sport and recreation departments, collects information on the frequency, duration, nature and type of activities that are participated in by persons aged 15 years and over for exercise, recreation and sport, excluding coaching, refereeing and being a spectator.

For more information go to www.ausport.gov.au/information/scors/ERASS 

18th November 2008 - ASC WELCOMES FUNDING BOOST FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE SPORT 

12th May 2008 - LABOR CHARTS NEW DIRECTION FOR AUSTRALIAN SPORT


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

Aussie Strength

Commercial gym equipment supplier Aussie Strength was wound up at the end of 2022.    .aussie p { padding:20px; }

read more

Fitness / Technology / Wellness

 
 

Altitude Training Systems

ATS are global leaders in altitude training and research. From mask systems and inflatable tents to simulated altitude facilities, we help all athletes gain the competitive edge. Our…

read more

Fitness / Sport / Technology

 
 

Aflex Inflatables

Aflex Inflatables are the leaders for obstacle courses, pool toys, waterparks and land-based watersides and fitness runs. They are industry leaders offering the widest range of pool, lake and beach…

read more

Aquatics / Play / Waterparks

 
 

Jonas Leisure

Jonas Software operates over 110 independently managed software brands around the world, providing them with the strategic guidance and financial security required to be leaders in their respective…

read more

Aquatics / Billing / Fitness / Recreation / Sport

 
 

Chadson Engineering Pty Ltd

Australia’s leading manufacturer of horizontal and vertical media filters suited to all types of commercial pools, water playgrounds marine parks, aquaculture and zoos. They are an ideal…

read more

Aquatics / Technology / Waterparks

 
 

Sportybots

We are the leading providers of kids fun multi-sports programs for Sport and Recreation Centres. Programs cover twelve common sports as well as Gross Motor Skill Development and suit children from as…

read more

Fitness / Play / Recreation / Sport / Wellness

 
 

APT Asia Pacific Pty Ltd

APT (Advanced Polymer Technology) is the leading global manufacturer of polyurethane-based materials, acrylic coatings and synthetic turf products for sporting and recreational applications. From…

read more

Environment / Sport / Surfaces / Technology

 
 

HIDROPLAY

Hidroplay welcomes you to the exciting world of children's Playscapes, waterslide's and Water Attractions. Appealing to families, Hidroplay increases patronage in your facility during those…

read more

Aquatics / Play / Recreation

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business