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National Physical Activity Guidelines

A site for health professionals

Getting more Australians active has a wide variety of benefits, yet physical activity levels of Australians is declining!
Only 47.5% of Queenslanders currently meet the guideline "put together at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days," and 16.1% of Queenslanders are sedentary. [more]
This site provides ideas generated by a range of health professionals about how the National Physical Activity Guidelines for Australians could be used in their work roles.
This site will continue to grow with new input. If you have new ideas to include, please add them via the feedback form
Queensland Health recommends that you consult with your medical practitioner prior to following these physical activity guidelines, particularly where you have been previously inactive, you have heart disease or close relatives with heart disease, you are pregnant or you have other major health problems.

View the latest additions below:

Psychology

Debunk the myth that physical activity is always a scheduled activity. Incidental activity is also worthwhile. Physical activity can be incorporated into the daily routine, eg. climbing stairs instead of taking the lift, walking to the bus stop, train station.
Assist people to move from intention to be active, to actual physical activity behaviour by use of implementation strategies.

Indigenous Health

Include physical activity in existing programs eg. healthy weight programs and diabetes programs
Establish the client’s current physical activity participation and encourage them to build on that

Mental Health

Take a graded approach to introducing physical activity to clients, starting with small goals and increasing the amount of physical activity gradually.
Use physical activity to enhance client employment opportunities through the increased socialisation and motivation that physical activity participation can bring.
Use the National Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults when conducting physical activity goal setting with clients.
Use the ten minute message to motivate clients who have reduced drive and interest.
Use the ten minutes message, three times a day so clients can incorporate physical activity into their regular day rather than an added extra.
When clients are prescribed medication that has a weight gain side effect, discuss the physical activity guidelines with them.