A three-week physical activity program is taking aim at physical inactivity.
Million Moves by peak body AUSactive runs from 1-21 September and gives free access to hundreds of gyms and global workout apps, plus community events.
The beginning of the blitz comes as a new report reveals physical inactivity is literally killing us, now identified as the fourth leading risk factor for death around the world.
It’s responsible for six per cent of worldwide deaths, and is estimated to be driving up breast and colon cancer, diabetes, heart diseases and mental ill-health too.
Million moves makes it easy to move
It’s free to sign up to Million Moves, which asks people to pledge 75 daily ‘moves’ for 21 days – symbolising the 75 per cent of physically inactive Australians and the time it takes to form a new habit.
Those who sign up get access to downloadable resources like daily motivations, social media post templates and movement guides tailored to your circumstances.
Among those who will be moving this month is Scott Sheehan, a NDIS Personal Trainer from Mooloolaba. His son Nick, 30, is autistic and loves to run. Exercise has been life-changing for him, but accessibility remains a daily battle.
Another participant is Evan Milne, a father-of-two from Ballarat with Stiff-Person Syndrome. He recently rode 4,200km from Ballarat to Perth on his e-trike to help a friend, Alan, complete his lifelong dream, and says even in the toughest circumstances, exercise is a lifeline.
Making activity accessible
AUSactive CEO Barrie Elvish said the initiative, backed by Australia’s FIRSTPreventative Health Minister, WA’s Sabine Winton, removes barriers to physical activity such as cost and access.
“Million Moves isn’t about Lycra or six-packs. It’s about making activity accessible, simple, and achievable and aimed at the over 75 per cent of inactive Australians,” he said.
“If we can help people form healthy habits in just 21 days, the ripple effect for individuals, families, communities, and the healthcare system will be enormous.”
Winton said Million Moves couldn’t come at a more urgent time and urged all community members to sign up.
“Movement doesn’t have to mean marathons – it could be a small walk, a stretch at your desk, or kicking a ball around with school friends, it all counts.”
Find out more or sign up at the Million Moves website.