TAFE Active

What is TAFEactive Undertaking physical activity is not only a great way to keep you looking and feeling good, have fun and meet up with your friends, but more importantly it offers you loads of health benefits. The TAFEactive program has been designed by TAFE NSW Student Associations in direct response to the decline in physical activity amongst the Australian population, including TAFE and other tertiary sector students, and the negative impact it is having on our community. TAFEactive is about informing students and staff of the benefits that moderate physical activity can have on their wellbeing and providing them with information and the opportunity to get active in their local community. Student Associations will be looking at 4 keys areas throughout the year; The Importance Of Getting Active, Nutrition, Team Sports and General Fitness. Lookout for TAFEactive on your campus this year. The Importance Of Getting Active #The health benefits of regular physical activity are many. At least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, for example brisk walking, is enough to bring many of these effects. However, by increasing the level of activity, the benefits will also increase. Regular physical activity: Reduces the risk of dying prematurely, reduces the risk of dying from heart disease or stroke which are responsible for one-third of all deaths. Reduces the risk of developing heart disease or colon cancer by up to 50% Reduces the risk of developing type II diabetes by up to 50% Helps to prevent / reduce hypertension, which affects one-fifth of the world’s adult population Helps to prevent / reduce osteoporosis, reducing the risk of hip fracture by up to 50% in women Promotes psychological well-being, reduces stress, anxiety and feelings of depression and loneliness Helps prevent or control risky behaviours, especially among children and young people, like tobacco, alcohol or other substance use, unhealthy diet or violence Helps control weight and lower the risk of becoming obese by 50% compared to people with sedentary lifestyles Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints and makes people with chronic, disabling conditions improve their stamina Can help in the management of painful conditions, like back pain or knee pain. #Reprinted with the permission of the World Health Organisation 2006. (http://www.who.int/en/) Many Student Associations have information on the benefits of physical activity and the different types of physical activities available on campus and in your local community. Several Student Associations will also be holding TAFEactive Health Expo’s. These expo’s are aimed at giving you the opportunity to have your current health assessed by trained fitness professionals as well as a chance to make contact with local health and fitness providers. Nutrition What we eat is one of the most important factors in our health and wellbeing. Together with providing us with the vitamins, minerals and energy for everyday life, food can also taste good and be an enjoyable social activity. Nutritionists recommended that a well balanced diet include a variety of foods from all the food groups. Each day you should try and eat: (on average) 1 serve from meat and alternative groups; 2 serves from the milk and milk products group; 3 serves from the fruit group; 4 serves from the vegetable group; and 5 OR MORE serves from the wholegrain bread and cereals group. Your Student Association can provide you with literature that can start you in the right direction when it comes to healthy eating. Team Sports Team sports are about getting active with a group of like minded people. They give you an opportunity to meet new people, have fun and get fit all at the same time. It is easier to exercise when you are enjoying yourself with like minded people. Most team sports, such as football, netball or basketball, rapidly build cardiovascular health because they require a lot of running and swift bursts of activity. Team sport however, offer more than just fitness, being part of a team can be wonderful for life training – it not only teaches you how to work as part of a team but you learn how to cope with failure and how to manage aggression in a positive way. When your day is controlled by classes, study, work and family it’s a great release to get together with a group of friends in a healthy pursuit. General Fitness Once you’ve made the decision to make physical activity a regular part of your life, it is essential that the activity you choose is right for you. It is important to select an activity or program that you find fun and interesting. It is more likely that you will give up a healthy lifestyle change if the activity you have chosen doesn’t suit your lifestyle. Exercising by yourself is a good option if your busy routine stops you from participating in physical activity at regular times of the day, every day. However, if you are not self-motivated, you may find yourself putting off physical activity and never doing it. Training with a partner on the other hand means you may be more likely to stick to a physical activity routine because you don’t want to let your training partner down. There are hundreds of choices when it comes to physical activity that you can do on your own or with a friend, from golf to karate and dancing to bush walking. Your Student Association can help you find an activity that is right for you. Throughout the year many associations will be holding demonstrations or giving out information on different activities you can easily get involved in. Before You Start Consult a doctor for expert advice, support and a medical check-up before you start any new physical activity program. This is extremely important if you are overweight, over 40 years of age, suffer from a chronic medical condition or haven’t exercised in a while.