All right couch potatoes, here's the news... it's time to switch off the telly, don the sportswear and head out to a group exercise class.
While many of us "of a certain age" would argue we don't lead a sedentary lifestyle, researchers beg to differ, saying 58 per cent of seniors are at risk of an inactive lifestyle. And they say group exercise is the way to go.
Exercise and Sports Science Australia conducted research involving 6600 seniors during 2020-21, working with Monash University to explore outcomes of the Exercise Right for Active Ageing Program.
Study participants took part in classes over 12 group sessions, with the highest attendance in classes offering yoga, flexibility and mobility. Free trials and online classes were also popular.
"Participants who attended any of the classes offered, and who completed follow-up testing, reported an increase in physical activity equivalent to more than 100 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week," said Exercise and Sports Science Australia president Dr Brendan Joss.
This equated to almost one additional active day per week and a half-hour reduction in daily sitting time.
The study also found that participants spent extra time engaging in physical activity beyond time spent in classes.
Dr Joss said the study showed a solution to addressing sedentary habits lied in embracing group exercise programs led by experts in exercise (exercise physiologists and exercise scientists), "making sure health and wellbeing benefits are attainable for all".
Most participants were women aged 65-74 (77 per cent), 59 per cent lived in major cities and reported two or more health conditions.
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