NSW leads way in activity trends

PERHAPS it is the television saturation of shows such as The Biggest Loser, or the fear of saturated fats that has triggered NSW into action.

Then again it may be that people can no longer bear the alleged "entertainment value' or overkill of reality television and are looking for a healthier alternative.

Whatever the answer, there is change in the air, with NSW wearing the proud tag of the only State to have recorded a substantial increase in physical activity among adults.

The research shows there has been a big increase in the number of over 16 year olds across NSW undertaking sufficient physical activity, which is identified as at least 150 minutes of walking or moderate or vigorous activity a week over at least five occasions.

A dramatic increase in walking across all demographics has given rise to these findings.

With a lack of regular exercise a by-product of our busy lives, Exercise Physiologist Rob Battocchio (B.ED PDHPE) is offering some expert advice on ways to walk yourself to better health and wellbeing.

Rob describes walking as a brilliant physical activity which, if practiced regularly and with some intensity, will provide many health-enhancing benefits.

"Regular physical activity such as brisk walking is thought to have protective effects against coronary heart disease, weight management, type II diabetes, hypertension, obesity, osteoporosis, anxiety and depression and some cancers, to name but a few of its many benefits,' said Rob.

Don't be alarmed, these health benefits are not restricted to vigorous exercise. Recent evidence has highlighted the contribution of moderate intensity exercise, such as brisk walking to improved morbidity and mortality outcomes.

How often you ask? Recommendations suggest we should try to achieve a goal of at least 30 minutes a day for health enhancing benefits.

Exercise Physiologist Rob Battocchio notes that ideally readers should aim for 45-60 minutes of brisk walking for weight management and fitness on most days.

However, if you are "time challenged' this can be broken up into two lots of exercise. For example, a brisk hilly walk in the morning followed by another walk along the beaches in the afternoon.

If you have any fitness or wellbeing questions, send email to rocket.rob@optusnet.com.au and look forward to his reply each week in the Northern Leader.