Did you know that exercise has been shown to be just as effective as antidepressant medication? Symptoms of depression managed

As Christmas creeps up on us and we focus our energies on endless shopping, Christmas card writing, parties and family get-togethers, healthy eating and exercise regimes often are forgotten. Even those who are health conscious for the rest of the year tend to let it slide in the festivities of December. But, come January this feeling of celebration fades and is replaced by regret as the over-indulgence HAS made a difference.

So is it possible to stay healthy this silly season?

Believe it or not, the answer is yes! It is possible

Osteoporosis is a ‘silent’ disease where bones have become fragile to the point that fractures may occur with only minimal trauma. Osteoporosis affects around two thirds of women and one sixth of men. Unfortunately, the silent nature of the disease tends to lead to late diagnosis – often with a fracture being the first sign of bone weakness.

So what causes osteoporosis?

♦  Primary causes include family history and the tendency to lose bone as we age. Our bone density peaks in our 20s, gradually weakening from around 30 years of age.

Over the past two decades overweight and obesity rates in Australia have doubled. Australia is now ranked one of the fattest developing nations. Even more concerning is that the obesity epidemic is not looking to change anytime soon, as it is not only affecting our adult population, but our children too. Around 20-25% of Australian children, aged 7-15 years are now overweight or obese.

Our nations’ future is only looking fatter.

Ironically, Aussie kids are more involved in sporting activities compared to any other nation in the world. Sports are part

This week here at 4 Life Exercise Physiology we are starting our very own Tai Chi for Arthritis and Wellness classes!

Why Tai Chi?

Well, this gentle form of exercise has been proven to improve health of the body and mind.

Originating in ancient China, Tai Chi is a form of martial art. Our classes teach a modified form of Sun style Tai Chi. They include safe, gentle and easy to learn movements which may be done sitting or standing. The degree of exertion of the slow movements may be easily adjusted,

Why the Australian exercise guidelines have now doubled.

More than half of all Australians were struggling to reach the previous amount of recommended physical activity, so why would the exercise guidelines have now doubled?

Australians are sitting and lying around more than ever. Even if a person was getting enough structured physical activity according to the previous guidelines, they may now be considered sedentary if working a desk job or just not moving enough during the rest of their day.

With abundant research demonstrating the link between time sitting and weight gain, heart

The 4 Life Exercise Physiology team are excited to have now launched our very own website!

In our ever-growing aging and obese population, more and more people are suffering from medical conditions that can be prevented and treated with exercise. Diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, and high blood pressure for example, can all be managed with specific exercise programs.

As an Exercise Physiologist I find that most people know what they need to be doing to lose weight

or to improve their general health and fitness, but they don’t know where to begin.

Whatever your exercise