Why is keeping active important?
Being active is a key requirement for good health and for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
We have an increasingly sedentary lifestyle due to our society changing rapidly over the years. Labour saving devices, technology and passive entertainment have all contributed to this.
Increased car ownership has also lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions and greater safety concerns have led to less walking and cycling to school and work.
Urban growth has also seen suburbs built in a way that promotes car dependency, with few facilities to encourage walking, cycling or playing.
It's for these reasons we need to be more active and increase our activity at every opportunity to fit more movement wherever possible into the day.
What can I do?
The National Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults will help you to start being active. As the requirements are different for children, please consult the Australian Physical Activity Recommendations for 5-12 Year Olds or 12-18 Year Olds if you would like to help your children keep active.
For some tips on increasing your physical activity levels from the President of AWRA, click here. For more information, please visit the links section to find more on physical activity in your state or territory.