New data shows most Territorians not getting enough exercise

MORE than half of all Territorians are not getting their recommended amount of regular physical activity, according to new data

MORE than half of all Territorians are not getting their recommended amount of regular physical activity, fresh data shows.

New Australian Institute of Health and Welfare statistics on Australians’ levels of physical activity, released on Tuesday, show only 46 per cent of NT residents aged 18 or over met the national guidelines for daily physical activity in 2017-2018.

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People aged between 18 and 64 are expected to do 150 minutes of “vigorous activity” a week, according to the report.

Residents of “discrete” Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and very remote areas, which make up about 28 per cent of the Territory’s population, were excluded from the data.

Evolve Fitness NT owner and personal trainer Matt Cowling, left, pictured in his gym with fellow personal trainer Jacob Phillips. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Australian Medical Association NT president Robert Parker said he was surprised Territorians’ physical activity levels weren’t higher, given the NT’s relatively young population and high levels of sports participation.

“With our higher rates of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, it’s a big advantage for people to be getting enough physical activity,” he said.

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Evolve Fitness NT owner and personal trainer Matt Cowling said in Darwin people tended to “either get into drinking or get into training”, and those who embraced fitness came from a wider range of demographics than those in most other capital cities.