Finding the right advice for you to get active at home

We all know that staying active is important, especially as we age.

Regular exercise not only reduces your risk of developing chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

It also improves sleep quality, boosts energy levels and plays a vital role in maintaining good mental health.

Despite the benefits, only 17% of Aussie men are meeting the physical activity guidelines.

Lack of time, health concerns and a lack of knowledge of where to start are some of the most common roadblocks when it comes to exercising regularly.

Now the COVID-19 pandemic has added additional barriers to staying active.

With many gyms, fitness centres and health clinics still closed, more and more Australians are turning to home exercise programs. But many aren’t sure where to start or what exercises are safe for them to do at home.

Men’s Shed member Michael Tellesso found that exercising at home was easier than he expected.

That was after getting some advice from his local Accredited Exercise Physiologist.

“We all need a little encouragement from time to time” says Michael.

“And seeing an exercise physiologist gave me confidence that the exercises were safe and effective.

“It was a real eye opener how much can be done with very little equipment” adds Michael.

The only equipment needed was a chair, door frame and maybe a wall… no excuses!

Michael also accessed a range of free home workout videos from Exercise Right, a platform created by Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) that offers free resources aimed at helping Australians to live healthier and more active lives.

“They were a great resource to watch… I got a lot inspiration and ideas from these” he says.

All of the videos and resources on the Exercise Right website have been created by university-qualified exercise professionals.

To learn more, visit www.exerciseright.com.au.

Has your exercise routine been thrown out the window during the COVID-19 crisis? Or is it “situation normal” for you?

What inspires you to exercise?

Leave a comment below.