Geraldton men urged to get moving for health as COVID-19 restrictions ease

In a timely call during Men’s Health Week, personal trainers are encouraging Geraldton men to resume or start exercising now COVID-19 restrictions are easing. Panaceum Group exercise physiologist Sam Bulten said among his patients there had definitely been a reduction in exercise because gyms were closed and people were spending more time at home. “It can be difficult to resume exercise after a break,” he said. “But there’s many health reasons people should.” “I’d recommend starting slow and finding something you enjoy doing. It doesn’t have to be in a gym, but it’s so important for continued quality of life to be active.” Josh Beaver, who runs a fitness boot camp in Geraldton, said most people he exercised with were women. “The men in Geraldton generally prefer to exercise in gyms and by playing sports like football,” he said. “But with those closed over the last few months ... it’s important to remind them to continue to stay active.” According to Exercise & Sports Science Australia, less than one in four men meet national physical activity guidelines, missing out on health benefits like improved sleep patterns, stress management, reduced mental illness risk, and improved mood. For Men’s Health Week it urges men to work together to increase physical activity and to make physical and mental health a priority. Exercise & Sports Science Australia board member Simon Rosenbaum said with COVID-19 putting extra strain on men’s mental health, it had never been more important to be active. “We know as little as one hour of exercise a week can help to protect against depression, and living an active lifestyle is one of the best ways to improve your mental wellbeing,” he said.