LISTEN up men: it's time to get off the couch and get active.
Real Men Move is a new website designed to get men over the age of 45 to do more exercise. It is an initiative of Exercise Sports Science Australia (ESSA) and the NSW government.
ESSA chief executive Anita Hobson-Powell said 75 per cent of Australian men aged over 25 were obese or overweight.
"We're seeing a trend where physical activity levels tend to drop significantly once males reach 45," she said.
"The Real Men Move website will provide practical tips for motivating men in this age group to take responsibility for their health and make some key lifestyle changes."
The site's toolbox includes exercise programs and tips for specific goals such as strength, balance, flexibility, weight loss and even to manage back pain.
The exercises are all designed with older bodies in mind, and users won't need to run out and buy a home gym as the majority of exercises make use of home objects (such as canned food!).
The site also has an Ask an Expert section and resources for the partners and friends of inactive men to assist them in their journey.
"Sometimes, all it takes is a push in the right direction and some encouragement from their family and friends for people to recognise the importance of getting fit and starting exercising," Ms Hobson-Powell said.
Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for conditions such as coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes.
