The general population is becoming more aware of the health risks associated with an inactive lifestyle, however the major task is to find innovative approaches to encourage a more active lifestyle for everyone.
Projects like the 10,000 steps Rockhampton program may be a possible contender to help solve such a costly problem and is the largest physical activity health promotion in Australasia yet.
The huge social, environmental and lifestyle changes that have been made over the last 200 years mean that we are much less physically active in our day to day living, unfortunately this is becoming more and more hazardous to our physical health and wellbeing. Physical inactivity is one of the most modifiable risk factors for poor health, second only to smoking.
The primary goal of this programme was to create a sustainable model of community-based physical activity promotion by working with the community to increase the capacity to address the determinants of physical activity. It aims to increase the participation in physical activity in the adult population with particular focus on sedentary people from socially and economically disadvantaged groups.
The 10,000 steps programme involves the use of pedometers to monitor individual walking activity. This device counts the number of steps you take each day through multiplying the number of steps by your stride length. Pedometers have been shown to be very effective motivators and encourage people to become more active. The aim is to encourage people to walk at least 10,000 steps per day. Often people may only be taking around 3000 steps; walking to car, walking to get food or drinks and around the home or workplace.
Clear evidence supports the notion that undertaking just 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise on most, if not all days of the week, benefits health and this programme also reinforces that it is possible to accumulate smaller amounts of physical activity throughout the day.
For help with motivation, encouragement or a pedometer! – contact Lea today.
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