Parkes & Forbes Community Hub

What is physical activity?

Physical activity is anything that gets your body moving! Walking, cleaning, playing…. Anything that makes your heart beat faster!

How much should I do?

• The Australian Physical Activity guidelines recommend being physically active on most, if not every day of the week.

• The guidelines for the average adult suggest 150-300 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week

Or

• 75-150 minutes of vigorous intensity of physical activity per week

Or

• A combination of both moderate and vigorous physical activity each week

AND

• Strength activities twice per week.

• Kids should do even more physical activity than adults with a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per day and three sessions of strengthening activities per week.

 

What counts as physical activity?

• Playing

• Walking

• Cleaning

• Gardening

• Sport

• Anything that increases your heart rate and makes you puff!

 

How can I increase my physical activity?

• Walk to the shops, don’t drive

• Take the stairs

• Stand instead of sitting

• Take regular breaks from the TV/ computer

• Meet a friend for a walk instead of coffee

• Take a family picnic lunch to the park

 

 

 

Quick facts about physical activity levels in Australia

Despite the benefits many Australians do not get enough physical activity! According to the 2011-12 Australian Health Survey:

Only one-third of children, and one in ten young people undertook the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity every day.

60% of Australian adults did less than the recommended 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per day.

 

Helpful websites:

 

Department of Health

 

Free personal health coaching