23 May Dr. Andrew Rochford supports Exercise Right Week 2016

We want it all and we want it now. But Dr. Andrew Rochford knows that when it comes to exercise, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits all approach. It’s important to Exercise Right for your uniqueness: right professional, right place, right time.

With national Exercise Right Week taking place between 23 and 29 May, recent research from Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) has indicated Australians seemingly have the best intentions but fail miserably on follow-through when it comes to exercising to improve our health.

Much-loved TV personality and Exercise Right Week ambassador Dr Andrew Rochford believes that while the desire to exercise is definitely a good start, the key issue lies in many Australians not knowing how to exercise right for their body or worse, making ill-informed decisions in the heat of the moment in an attempt to instantaneously obtain their ideal body.

“We live in a society where we seek instant gratification and immediate solutions to our problems,” Dr Rochford said.

“On a daily basis we’re confronted with messaging about the importance of looking good, how to lose weight quickly and how celebrities can transform your body within weeks.”

“On that basis, for many people the desire to exercise translates into a spur-of-the-moment decision to sign up to a bootcamp they happen to pass on their way home or sitting on the couch and buying an online exercise program randomly advertised on social media.”

Dr Rochford said it was crucial that Australians took a considered approach when selecting a suitable exercise program for their individual needs.

“The reality is that in order to achieve positive outcomes, we all need be aware of our capabilities and limitations as well as the risks associated to signing up to a one-size-fits-all exercise program.”

“We are all unique — whether we look at our physical ability, our health or what stage of life we are in, these factors all play an important role in determining what exercise is appropriate and effective in achieving a healthy lifestyle.”

Dr Rochford said as part of Exercise Right Week celebrations, he looked forward to being part of ESSA’s launch of a free pre-screening Exercise Right Quiz which will help individuals assess how they can exercise using the right professional, in the right place and at the right time.

“If you’re not sure where to start, your GP can refer you to an accredited exercise physiologist that will tailor an exercise program for your specific needs. Alternatively, the Exercise Right Quiz can also point you in the right direction based on your personal characteristics. ”

ESSA Chief Executive Officer Anita Hobson-Powell said the free, online tool had been developed to provide Australians with a resource to help put them on an effective exercise journey.

“The quiz is an evidence-based exercise pre-screening tool that has been developed to give participants accurate information on what type of exercise professional they need to consult. Taking on the wrong exercise with the wrong person can be deadly,” said Ms Hobson-Powell.

“Participants are asked a series of questions, and based on their responses, are directed to resources that enable them to make informed decisions about their exercise regime.”

“Downloadable PDF profiles will focus on specific health conditions and offer tips on how your job may affect how you should exercise.”

Ms Hobson-Powell said it was important for Australians to avoid being tempted by ‘quick-fix’ online exercise programs and to learn not only how to exercise correctly for their body, but also how to keep moving over the long term to maintain their weight, increase their physical fitness and to be good role models for the next generation.

“The truth is that to achieve results, you need behavioural change and ongoing motivation which in most cases can’t be achieved by a daily text message or email telling you to work harder.”

“The low completion rates associated with online exercise programs indicates many people get discouraged and disillusioned about their ability to achieve results when they’re participating in a ‘one-size-fits-all’ program.”

Exercise Right Week will take place between 23 and 29 May. To find out more or take the online quiz, click here.

Find out how to exercise right for you with supplementary information and resources, including:

• Exercise Right for your Condition – access downloadable PDF profiles focusing on exercise for specific health and chronic conditions
• Exercise Right at Work – industry specific downloadable PDF profiles with expert exercise advice and suggestions
• Exercise Right goal setting calendar – a downloadable/printable schedule for clients to set goals and targets with their accredited exercise professional
• instructional resources and demonstrations
• recommended (free) apps