Health News, Sports and Lifestyle

Australians becoming more active

More Australians are participating in sport more often, according to new statistics released by the Australian Sports Commission today.

Almost 70% of the Australian population aged 15 years and over participated in exercise, recreation and sport at least once per week on average in 2005.

After allowing for natural increases in the population, this represents a 12% increase since the Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey (ERASS) began in 2001.

More importantly, the number of people who participate in exercise, recreation and sport at least three times per week increased by 19% or 1.5 million people between 2001 and 2005.

While females are more likely to participate more often than males, when males do participate they do so for longer.

Thirty-seven per cent of males (37%) who participated in the two weeks prior to interview did so for five hours or more. This compared to only 25% of females.

ASC Chief Executive Officer Mark Peters said it is encouraging that the survey showed a growing trend towards participation in sport and physical activity.

“This is not only good news for Australia’s sporting system but also for the physical health and well being of our population,”Mr Peters said.

“The health benefits of regular participation in sport and physical activity cannot be overstated and it is heartening that this is being increasingly recognised at a Government and at a community level.”

Professor Adrian Baumann, from the Centre for Physical Activity and Health at the University of Sydney, described the latest ERASS results as ‘promising’ and ‘showing positive trends among adult Australians.

“The 2005 ERASS report is the most interesting to date, as it provides data relevant to health as well as sport and recreation.”

“Future surveys will confirm these trends, but could point to a healthier and more active Australia,” Professor Bauman said.

In 2005, golf, tennis, netball and football (outdoor soccer) continued to be the organised sports most commonly participated in, although in this year’s survey Australian football moved into the top five for this first time.

The most popular recreational activities included walking, aerobics/fitness type activities, swimming, cycling, running and bush walking.

Not surprisingly men and women tend to choose different types of activities to become involved in. In 2005, men were more likely to favour cycling, golf, running, tennis and Australian football. Women, meanwhile, were more likely to participate in walking, aerobics/fitness, swimming, netball and yoga.

The 2005 annual Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey (ERASS) of the Australian population aged 15 years and over, is produced by the Australian Sports Commission, in conjunction with the states and territory government agencies responsible for sport and recreation.