Exercise and physical activity
Exercise and physical activity are important for good health and wellbeing. Find out what we’re doing to help Australians become more active.
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Exercise and physical activity in Australia
Physical activity can have instant, lasting health benefits. Regular activity can improve your quality of life and make you feel more energetic.
More than half of all Australians are not active enough, so it’s important we support everyone to incorporate more physical activity into their lives.
Regardless of how young or old you are, there are physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines available for you. These include:
- Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years (Birth to 5 years)
- Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Young People (5-17 years)
- Australia’s Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for Adults (18-64 years)
- Choose Health: Be Active – A physical activity guide for older Australians
- Make Your Move – Sit Less – Be active for life! – A resource for families
What we’re doing about physical activity
We want all Australians to understand the benefits of being physically active. We do this in many ways, such as:
- develop and publish guidelines for all age groups on activity and sedentary behaviour
- provide information on how to increase your physical activity at any age
- review current research and statistics about physical activity to develop and update guidelines
- manage the Healthy Weight Guide website to help Australians achieve a healthy weight and address obesity and overweight
News
The unveiling of Sport 2030
The Australian Government has released Sport 2030, a comprehensive plan to reshape Australian sport and build a healthier, more physically active nation.
Key guidelines
Australia's Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines
Being active is vital for your health. These guidelines include information about the benefits of leading an active lifestyle. They also suggest how you can include more physical activity in your life.
Initiatives and programs
Girls Make Your Move
Girls Make Your Move is about inspiring, energising and empowering young women to be more active regardless of ethnicity, size or ability.
Resources
Australian 24-hour movement guidelines for the early years (birth to 5 years)
These guidelines include a picture of what a child’s day should look like. It includes active play, time spent sitting and lying down, and the ideal amount of sleep.