1. MHPE Volunteer Resource HEALTH PROMOTION Be active for life Tab 13

2. MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 13 Health promotion: Be active for life Why is physical activity so important? It makes you look and feel better It is good for your mind It is good for your body

3. MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 13 Health promotion: Be active for life If physical activity is so important, why don’t we do it regularly? I don’t have time! I’m always tired! I have an illness! I might get injured! It costs too much! I just can’t be bothered! It’s too hot/cold/wet! Exercise is for the young! It’s too hard to get to! I’m already worn out! It reminds me of military PT! I’ve never been into sport!

4. MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 13 Health promotion: Be active for life What physical activity should I do? Doing any physical activity is better than none! Accumulate 2.5-5 hours of moderate intensity activity or 1.25-2.5 hours of vigorous intensity activity (or combination) each week What are ‘moderate’ and ‘vigorous’ activities? Be active on most, preferably all, days each week Do muscle strengthening activities on at least 2 days See your GP first

5. MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 13 Health promotion: Be active for life What if I am aged 65 or more? All older people should do some physical activity Accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days (previous slide applies if capable) Be active in as many ways as possible Gradually increase amount, type and frequency See your GP first

6. MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 13 Health promotion: Be active for life Sedentary Behaviour Sedentary behaviour means sitting or lying down (not if sleeping) e.g. watching TV, driving, reading Australian adults are sedentary more than 10 times as much as they are physically active! It increases risks of type 2 diabetes & other illness Minimise the time spent in prolonged sitting Break up long periods of sitting as often as possible

7. MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 13 Health promotion: Be active for life Types of physical activity Moderate aerobic fitness activities Strength activities Flexibility activities Balance activities

8. MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 13 Health promotion: Be active for life Getting started: Have a go! Make a plan: what, when, who, where Motivation Goals Routine/variety Diary Setbacks Success? Rewards

9. MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 13 Health promotion: Be active for life Exercise safely See your GP first Start slowly Be comfortable Drink water Set the right pace Increase gradually Slip, slop, slap, seek, slide

10. MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 13 Health promotion: Be active for life Motivating a mate It’s his right to not exercise Barriers: What is stopping him? Goal setting: What would he like to achieve? Motivation: Carrot or stick? Mateship can be a motivator!

11. MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 13 Health promotion: Be active for life Resources A Healthy and Active Australia Make your move – Sit less. Be active for life! Choose Health: Be Active Heart Foundation Lift for Life DVA Heart Health Program Factsheets: Exercise physiologists © Commonwealth of Australia 2015