In the past, people did not need to plan for physical activity. Work was much more labour intensive, so fitness was achieved through work. As technology was introduced in the workplace and home, and physical labour was replaced by mechanisation, the need for planned exercise to improve health and maintain fitness became apparent. Statistics reveal that almost half of the adult populations in New South Wales are still insufficiently active. Females are less active than males.
Changing attitudes to fitness
In January 2007, a report by the NSW Centre for Physical Activity and Health showed some recent improvements in people’s levels of participation in physical activity, although participation levels are still of concern.
Some of the findings are outlined below;
– Between 1998 and 2005, there has been a significant increase in the proportion of people aged 16 years and over in NSW undertaking sufficient physical activity (at least 150 minutes of walking)
– The prevalence of sufficient physical activity was stable from 1998 (47.6%) to 2002 (46.5%), decreased in 2003 (44.7%), increased markedly in 2004 (50.5%) and remained steady in 2005 (51.3%)
– Walking was a major contributor to the change in prevalence of sufficient physical activity, with increased participation in walking since 2004. There were also some increases in moderate and vigorous activity.
– It is possible that increased media coverage of physical activity and obesity between 2001 and 2004 has helped to increase the salience of these issues and motivated people in NSW to participate in physical activity.
– Changes in active commuting behaviours, specifically growth in prevalence of walking to work, and rising petrol prices may have contributed to the increase in physical activity levels.
– It is possible that recent increases in physical activity participation are a result of intensive physical activity promotion work that occurred in the late 1990s in NSW, that led to greater awareness and understanding of the Active Australia moderate physical activity message in NSW compared with other states.
– Nonetheless, close to half the NSW population is still insufficiently active, indicating that physical activity promotion efforts need to continue in NSW for further and maintainable improvements.
People’s attitudes to fitness determine whether they participate in regular physical activity. Attitudes to fitness are influenced by a number of factors.
Age — statistics show, people who are aged between 18–29 years are the most physically active. Older age groups have lower levels of adequate activity and are more sedentary.
Gender — males are more active than females. In New South Wales, statistics reveal that in 2005, 56 per cent of males reported achieving sufficient physical activity, compared with 47 per cent of females.
Family — adolescents who have parents who are active or support them in their activity generally value fitness.
Peers — the attitudes of a person’s peer group can put pressure on that person. If the peer group does not value exercise and is not active, others in the group can feel pressured into adopting the same values and behaviours.
Media — the media is a powerful medium through which the fitness message is given. Raising awareness of the benefits of fitness and the types of activities and sports available can positively impact on the attitudes of individuals.
Past experience — the physical activity that adolescents experience within the school setting or local community can directly affect the decisions of adolescents to continue to be active as they get older. Research shows that if children’s experiences with activity are fun and foster skill development, they are more likely to adopt physical activity as a lifelong behaviour.
Culture — women from non–English- speaking backgrounds (NESB) are more likely to be inactive. They often do not receive the social support they need to be active.
Socioeconomic status — people with a lower level of education are more likely to be inactive. This could be attributed to a lack of knowledge about the benefits of fitness.
The degree to which an individual values fitness is determined by a combination of many factors. As a person grows older, the value they place on fitness may change many times.
Fitness as a commodity
Commodification is the process of turning something into a commodity that can be bought and sold.
A commodity is a product that exists to generate profit.
The commodification of exercise and fitness became increasingly apparent during the fitness boom of the 1970s. The individual, community, government and business sector became aware of the need for everyone to participate in activities that improved their health. The establishment of fitness centres, along with a changed interest in many physical activities, became ordinary.
Fitness centres provide a range of activities designed to meet every exercise and fitness need. They promote a range of services, have fully trained personnel and provide a wide range of exercise equipment based on the latest technology. Through advertising, the fitness industry aims to convince the consumer that the easiest and best way to get fit is by using their services. Advertisements often depict male and female bodies that mirror society’s perception of the perfect body. The use of special deals, a range of fitness activities, extended hours and child minding facilities further appeal to the consumers.
People should recognise that gyms are not a quick fix to their health and fitness needs. To improve your fitness level takes effort and commitment to planned exercise. However, the fitness industry does provide a range of beneficial services, expertise and the environment they need to improve their fitness. It is important for people to determine their fitness needs and investigate the services, cost and expertise offered by fitness centres before they make a financial commitment and join a gym.
If you decide that the local fitness centre is not what you want, the fitness industry offers many other services and products to support you in your goal of improved fitness and health. If you require motivation and expertise, employing a personal trainer may suit your needs. If you are not comfortable ‘sweating it out’ in the company of others, a wide range of exercise videos and DVDs is available. Fitness clothing, nutritional supplements, home gyms and exercise machines are other products on offer.
The fitness industry has incorporated the latest technology into many products, providing convenience and up-to-date information. For example, there are numerous CD-ROMs available that people who are interested in fitness can use at home for convenience. Topics cover areas such as fitness, Swiss ball, Pilates, Gymstick, fitball exercises and all-round workout. The availability of exercise heart rate monitors, computerised exercise equipment and body fat monitors/scales further supports the individual in their journey for improved fitness.
Changing attitudes to fitness
In January 2007, a report by the NSW Centre for Physical Activity and Health showed some recent improvements in people’s levels of participation in physical activity, although participation levels are still of concern.
Some of the findings are outlined below;
– Between 1998 and 2005, there has been a significant increase in the proportion of people aged 16 years and over in NSW undertaking sufficient physical activity (at least 150 minutes of walking)
– The prevalence of sufficient physical activity was stable from 1998 (47.6%) to 2002 (46.5%), decreased in 2003 (44.7%), increased markedly in 2004 (50.5%) and remained steady in 2005 (51.3%)
– Walking was a major contributor to the change in prevalence of sufficient physical activity, with increased participation in walking since 2004. There were also some increases in moderate and vigorous activity.
– It is possible that increased media coverage of physical activity and obesity between 2001 and 2004 has helped to increase the salience of these issues and motivated people in NSW to participate in physical activity.
– Changes in active commuting behaviours, specifically growth in prevalence of walking to work, and rising petrol prices may have contributed to the increase in physical activity levels.
– It is possible that recent increases in physical activity participation are a result of intensive physical activity promotion work that occurred in the late 1990s in NSW, that led to greater awareness and understanding of the Active Australia moderate physical activity message in NSW compared with other states.
– Nonetheless, close to half the NSW population is still insufficiently active, indicating that physical activity promotion efforts need to continue in NSW for further and maintainable improvements.
People’s attitudes to fitness determine whether they participate in regular physical activity. Attitudes to fitness are influenced by a number of factors.
Age — statistics show, people who are aged between 18–29 years are the most physically active. Older age groups have lower levels of adequate activity and are more sedentary.
Gender — males are more active than females. In New South Wales, statistics reveal that in 2005, 56 per cent of males reported achieving sufficient physical activity, compared with 47 per cent of females.
Family — adolescents who have parents who are active or support them in their activity generally value fitness.
Peers — the attitudes of a person’s peer group can put pressure on that person. If the peer group does not value exercise and is not active, others in the group can feel pressured into adopting the same values and behaviours.
Media — the media is a powerful medium through which the fitness message is given. Raising awareness of the benefits of fitness and the types of activities and sports available can positively impact on the attitudes of individuals.
Past experience — the physical activity that adolescents experience within the school setting or local community can directly affect the decisions of adolescents to continue to be active as they get older. Research shows that if children’s experiences with activity are fun and foster skill development, they are more likely to adopt physical activity as a lifelong behaviour.
Culture — women from non–English- speaking backgrounds (NESB) are more likely to be inactive. They often do not receive the social support they need to be active.
Socioeconomic status — people with a lower level of education are more likely to be inactive. This could be attributed to a lack of knowledge about the benefits of fitness.
The degree to which an individual values fitness is determined by a combination of many factors. As a person grows older, the value they place on fitness may change many times.
Fitness as a commodity
Commodification is the process of turning something into a commodity that can be bought and sold.
A commodity is a product that exists to generate profit.
The commodification of exercise and fitness became increasingly apparent during the fitness boom of the 1970s. The individual, community, government and business sector became aware of the need for everyone to participate in activities that improved their health. The establishment of fitness centres, along with a changed interest in many physical activities, became ordinary.
Fitness centres provide a range of activities designed to meet every exercise and fitness need. They promote a range of services, have fully trained personnel and provide a wide range of exercise equipment based on the latest technology. Through advertising, the fitness industry aims to convince the consumer that the easiest and best way to get fit is by using their services. Advertisements often depict male and female bodies that mirror society’s perception of the perfect body. The use of special deals, a range of fitness activities, extended hours and child minding facilities further appeal to the consumers.
People should recognise that gyms are not a quick fix to their health and fitness needs. To improve your fitness level takes effort and commitment to planned exercise. However, the fitness industry does provide a range of beneficial services, expertise and the environment they need to improve their fitness. It is important for people to determine their fitness needs and investigate the services, cost and expertise offered by fitness centres before they make a financial commitment and join a gym.
If you decide that the local fitness centre is not what you want, the fitness industry offers many other services and products to support you in your goal of improved fitness and health. If you require motivation and expertise, employing a personal trainer may suit your needs. If you are not comfortable ‘sweating it out’ in the company of others, a wide range of exercise videos and DVDs is available. Fitness clothing, nutritional supplements, home gyms and exercise machines are other products on offer.
The fitness industry has incorporated the latest technology into many products, providing convenience and up-to-date information. For example, there are numerous CD-ROMs available that people who are interested in fitness can use at home for convenience. Topics cover areas such as fitness, Swiss ball, Pilates, Gymstick, fitball exercises and all-round workout. The availability of exercise heart rate monitors, computerised exercise equipment and body fat monitors/scales further supports the individual in their journey for improved fitness.