We all know physical activity is important for our general health and wellbeing, but new research shows that women are falling short when it comes to exercise.
Research by the Heart Foundation confirms that females are lagging behind men in achieving the recommended levels of physical activity.
Heart Foundation’s senior manager of Physical Activity and Healthy Weight, Clover Maitland, said this was one of the only risk factors where women fared less well than men.
“Australian physical activity guidelines recommend adults should aim to find at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most, if not all days of the week, for good health,” Ms Maitland said.
“Yet our campaign research shows that only half of women are very confident that they can participate in at least 30 minutes of physical activity on five days a week.
“Lack of time is by far the most consistent reason women give for not being more physically active, but you can easily find 30 minutes a day if you are willing to make it a priority.”
There are a number of tips that can help you “find your 30”, including:
- Planning ahead – schedule your physical activity in your diary or calendar.
- Setting a goal – for example, aim to increase your physical activity by 10 minutes each week, or set a goal of participating in a charity fun run, walk or cycle.
- Making it part of your day – choose activities that fit into your daily routine such as a walk during your lunchbreak or walking the dog.
- Being active with friends also increases the likelihood that women will continue with their physical activity. By making a regular appointment to be active with a friend or by joining a group there’s less chance of cancelling.
The benefits for women who Find Thirty every day are spectacular. Active people find they sleep better, feel less stressed, improve relationships, have more energy and enjoy better health.
SOURCE: The West Australian