Exercise Right Week: May 25 – 31 2020 

What perfect timing to have a week dedicated to improving awareness of the benefits of exercise, physical activity, and movement. With the recently loosened lockdown laws, there is no better time to get out, be active and get the heart pumping – from a safe social distance, of course!  

So, why is movement so important? 
Because it reduces your risk of chronic health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. It also reduces your risk of mental illness and helps you in living a happier and healthier life. And THAT is why we love keeping active and believe that ‘Movement is Medicine’.  

How much exercise is right for YOU? 
Children between 5-17 years old should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. It is also recommended that kids should participate in strength exercise for muscle and bone health on at least 3 days per week. (1) 

Adults between 18-64 years old should accumulate between 150-300 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity, or 75-150 minutes of vigorous intensity physical activity each week (or a suitable combination of both). It Is also recommended that strength exercise should be completed on at least 2 days per week. (1) 

For adults over 65 years old, doing at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most, if not all, days of the week is recommended. (1) 

The stats.
According to recent data, more than half of all Australians are unfortunately not getting the recommended amount of physical activity. And with 1 in 2 Australians living with at least one chronic health condition, and 45% of Australians likely to experience a mental health condition in their lifetime, we at CSSM think it only fit (pun intended) to help encourage our community to be as active as they can. (1) 

Tips from Team CSSM.   

1. Start small: If you are feeling sluggish after your time in lockdown, start with a short walk around the block or a 20-minute bike ride with the kids. Gradually build this up over the coming weeks and months and we can guarantee your body (and mind) will thank you! 

1. Find a friend: Ask a friend or family member to join you. You will help each other stay accountable and be able to discuss the important facts of life like, ‘what really happened to Carole Baskin’s husband?’.  

1. Log your progress: keep a note of what exercise you do and on what day. There are plenty of apps out there than can help you, or you can keep it old-school and find an old notebook to log your activity.  

1. Sort out those niggles: if you have been experiencing any aches or niggles (or if something just doesn’t feel right), give our friendly reception team a call. They will be able to assist you in finding the best practitioner for your needs. We will be able to work with you to create a safe and effective exercise plan tailored to your health and physical condition, aiming to have you back on your feet, in the pool, on the reformer or on the bike in no time!  

Happy ‘Exercise Right Week’ from team CSSM

About the Author

CSSM Osteopath Caroline Sanguinetti has spent a fair anount of time in “iso” over the past few months.  But she is breaking out!  Now that there is light at the end of the tunnel – exercise is part of her overall well being plan.

Reference: 
1. Exercise Right. 2020. https://exerciseright.com.au/. Retrieved 25/05/2020.