NSW fitness and exercise wealth gap leaving vulnerable people behind
NSW’s most well off individuals are exercising for about 40 minutes longer per week than those in low socio-economic circumstances and experts say this growing fitness gap needs urgent attention.
NSW
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A concerning fitness and exercise gap is emerging across NSW and it’s leaving the state’s most vulnerable individuals lagging behind.
Physical activity levels have gradually increased since 2002 but new research shows that only the rich are benefiting from the fitness craze with activity levels among lower socio-economic individuals remaining stagnant.
In 2002, the highest socio-economic group spent 18.5 minutes per week more than the lowest socio-economic group on vigorous physical activity, a new report from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre found.
But by 2015, this exercise gap had more than doubled to a difference of 41.4 minutes per week.
Researcher Margaret Thomas said vigorous activity has a multitude of health benefits and includes activities like going to the gym, cycling, running, and playing sport.
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“Among most of the population, overall levels of activity and participation in vigorous physical activities such as sports has gradually increased, but it has not increased among those who are most disadvantaged, putting them at even greater risk of ill health compared to the rest of the population,’ said Dr Thomas said.
“Inequities in physical activity are actually getting worse. Barriers such as cost and access which prevent the most disadvantaged people in New South Wales from engaging in vigorous activity like sport and fitness programs need to be urgently addressed.”
Dr Thomas said the government needed to work on “all fronts” to close this gap, including creating public exercise spaces that are safe to use.
“We need to make exercise more affordable. We don’t want to see people in the most disadvantaged situations not able to be physical active,” she said.
“This is an area that needs attention in government policy. Look at the positive impact of the Active Kids vouchers. We should think about such incentives for adults.
“Outdoor gyms are great, but we need to ensure they are safe, with good lighting and instructions for users. We also need to market these resources better.”
Fitness company Ayda Actyve founder and personal trainer Ayda Yassine said technology is a great tool for making exercise more equitable.
“Social media can be a great way to fill the gap. There is so much free content out there. You don’t need a gym, just some space at home,” she said.
“I also think there are no running tracks in the suburbs or safe walking paths. Lots of outdoor exercise spaces don’t have enough lighting and in winter when the shops close at 5pm, you don’t feel safe there.”
Ms Yassine said the government needs to factor in exercise in their urban planning.
“We should have parks dedicated to fitness, free from the council. Just like playgrounds for kids, we need playgrounds for adults.”