3 surprising reasons men should get moving

This year Men’s Health Week runs from 10 - 16 June. The theme for this year is Keeping Boys and Men Healthy.

A key focus for keeping healthy is physical activity. But...we know that half of all Australian men (and almost 80% of boys) are not meeting the physical activity guidelines.

So, how often should men get active?

Australian physical activity guidelines for adults aged 18 – 64 recommend:

• Being active on most, preferably all, days of the week,
• Doing two and a half to three hours of moderate physical activity each week, or
• Doing one hour and fifteen minutes to two and a half hours of vigorous activity each week, and
• Doing muscle-strengthening activity or exercise on at least two days each week.

Maybe you’re not doing enough physical activity? Perhaps there’s a bloke in your life who needs a little push. Here are three reasons for men to get moving during Men’s Health Week and beyond!

Stress less

Have you had a busy day? Worried about something? Feeling stressed? Getting active is a perfect way to de-stress. A brisk walk just five times a week no only boosts your heart health, but improves your alertness and mood.

Going for a walk on your own can be an exercise in mindfulness: take the chance simply take more notice of the world around you. Studies show that walking in nature also has a stress-reducing affect, so try to plan some of your walks in a natural environment.

Alternatively, walking with a mate gives you a chance to talk and work out any problems or worries from your day.  

Mix up your social life

If you are retired, getting active can be a great way to meet new people, including younger people. In a recent study on social exercise groups, older participants found that when they joined in activities with younger people, it helped them to feel positive and see ‘new possibilities in life’. Talking with younger people about family, homemaking and leisure activities also boosted their mood.

Set a great example for your kids

Exercising regularly can help you become an active role model for your children. Healthy Dads Healthy Kids is a global program that supports overweight and obese fathers and helps to improve their kids’ health. In randomised controlled trials, the program has increased the physical activity levels and improved eating behaviours of fathers and their children.  Showing your kids that getting and staying active is a fun way to spend time together can create healthy habits for the whole family.

Bring a bloke along...

If you’re already a member of Heart Foundation Walking, Men’s Health Week is the perfect time to bring a mate along to your next walk! Bring your husband, your dad, your brother, your best friend, a work colleague... The more, the merrier! To help get them started, every man who downloads the Heart Foundation Walking app or joins a Heart Foundation Walking group before 30 June will enter the prize draw to win a $200 Red Balloon voucher.

Get in touch with the Heart Foundation Helpline if you have any questions about starting an active lifestyle: 13 11 12.