Start small and be consistent.
That’s the advice from University of Southern Queensland Exercise Physiology student Rhys Brady when it comes to starting a fitness journey.
Mr Brady, in his fourth year of study, said he would love to see more men implementing healthier habits into their lifestyle as part of Men’s Health Week this week (June 12-18).
“Building the routine and the behaviour is the hardest part, but small behavioural changes will build success,” Mr Brady said.
The Australian Government’s Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) recommends adults aged 18-64 get at least 150 minutes of exercise each week – but the AIHW reported around 73 per cent of Australian men were failing to meet that goal.
Mr Brady said small changes every day could help men reach that 150-minute goal much more easily, which would in turn also improve their mental health and wellbeing.
“It’s about finding opportunities to further increase any sort of physical activity into your day,” Mr Brady said.
“You’ll start to see that emotional regulation, and the regulation of your thought processing, through exercise. It is a massive stress reliever.
“Just get out and do your best. Find that better version of yourself.”
Mr Brady said some of those opportunities for activity could include:
- Using the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator
- Parking further away from the office
- Walking to the bus stop, or parking further away from your stop
- Buy a foot-pedal and do some pedalling at your desk
- Spend some of your day standing at your desk, rather than sitting
- Do some push-ups at your desk throughout the day
While Mr Brady has been studying Exercise Physiology through the University, he is completing a significant number of his placement hours at Southern Queensland Rural Health (SQRH)’s student-led Health and Wellness Clinic.
The clinic, located at the Baillie Henderson Hospital in Toowoomba, provides an interprofessional health and wellness program delivered by nursing and allied health students, and supervised by experienced health professionals.
The Health and Wellness Clinic supports individuals with low to rising risk of chronic disease with a program to build the knowledge and skills for participants to live their healthiest life.SQRH Director, Associate Professor Geoff Argus, said initiatives like Men’s Health Week were particularly important for rural and regional men to make informed choices and lead healthier lives.
“During Men's Health Week, we encourage all men to take proactive steps towards enhancing their overall wellbeing – something our Health and Wellness Clinic plays a vital role in supporting,” Associate Professor Argus said.
“Rhys, an exercise physiology student from the University of Southern Queensland, exemplifies the impact that students can have on promoting health and wellbeing within regional and rural communities,” he said.
“It is crucial that we create an environment where men feel comfortable seeking support and guidance when it comes to their health, particularly in regional and rural communities where there can be limited access to services and often societal stigmas,” he said.
“Through initiatives like Men's Health Week and the unwavering commitment of our staff and students, we aim to break down barriers, raise awareness, and foster a community that champions the health and wellbeing of men.”
Throughout his third and fourth years of study, Mr Brady has completed University placement hours across Dalby, Highfields, Ipswich and SQRH in Toowoomba.
Mr Brady has also been successful in securing additional employment at a gym in Dalby, where he can continue to put his skills to use and encourage healthy lifestyles.
Learn more about the University of Southern Queensland’s Exercise Physiology course and how the SQRH Health and Wellness Clinic is helping Allied Health students gain real-world experience.
Men’s Health Week runs from 12-18 June 2023.
