INSIGHT
News, views and lessons learnt
Loneliness kills more than obesity, so what can the fitness industry do?
Two recent meta-analyses of almost 4 million adults found that risk of
premature death was 50 per cent higher for those who were lonely or
socially isolated. This is a higher risk of early death than that associated
with obesity.
Noting the ageing global population, study co-author Professor Julianne
Holt-Lunstad said; ‘Many nations around the world now suggest we are facing a ‘loneliness
epidemic'. The challenge we face now is what can be done about it.’
So what does this have to do with fitness? Well, ours is a service industry, and
connecting with people is our bread and butter. The places where most of us work, we call
clubs: a coming together of a group of people.
Fitness facilities are well placed to serve the lonely and isolated in our communities,
through the provision of fitness-related social activities. These might not be standard
classes or workouts, but rather, considering the age of many in this demographic, fun,
low-intensity, play-based sessions with plenty of opportunity for chatting and social
interaction, held regularly during off-peak hours.
By promoting this offering, and perhaps working with local social services to refer
people to you, you will not only be providing a great service to those in need (which in itself
has been shown to enhance your own physical and mental wellbeing), but also to elevate
your club’s standing as an integral part of your local community.
Fitness professionals are AusREPs now says FA
Fitness professionals registered with peak industry association
Fitness Australia will from now on be known as AusREPs.
Announcing the change, Fitness Australia’s CEO, Bill Moore,
said ‘This progression is in line with iCREPs, the International
Confederation of Registers for Exercise Professionals. We’re
proud to be administering the official Australian Register of
Exercise Professionals and this name change for exercise
professionals gives them the status and profile they deserve.’
Reflecting on the importance of being registered, for both
the fitness professional as well as their clients and industry
employers, Moore said ‘Being on the Register means that an
AusREP is committed to best-practice, wants to continuously
learn to improve their skills for a better career, and is seen as
a dedicated, credible Trainer or Instructor.’
‘I urge all fitness employers, clients, medical and allied
health professionals to look for an AusREP on the official
Register when looking for a Personal Trainer or Instructor.
The AusREPs directory displays qualifications, delivery skills,
CPR and First Aid certification and specific areas of continuing
education lodged.’
8 | NETWORK SPRING 2017