Sport Ireland has revealed that 73% of men aged 44-55 do not engage in the recommended 150 minutes of exercise per week.
As part of Your Personal Best Month, broadcaster Simon Delaney and former rugby international John Hayes are working with Sport Ireland to encourage men over 45 to get active this November
Research conducted by Sport Ireland found that only one in four men aged 45-54 meet the recommended exercise time per week. Findings also revealed that 31% of males surveyed make an excuse every single day to avoid exercise.
Sport Ireland’s research shows that men from disadvantaged areas are particularly inactive. These men suffer with worse physical and mental health and have a lower life expectancy than the rest of the population. The weather is the most common excuse given, with almost two thirds of men over 45 making excuses that it’s either too hot, too cold or too wet to get out and get active.
More than half of men over 45 regularly convince themselves that they’ll "start on Monday".
Sport Ireland is encouraging men to ditch the excuses and engage in 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five days a week.
Motivation
Campaign ambassador Simon Delaney says: “I’m as good as anyone at making excuses and avoiding exercise. I much prefer watching a match than playing in one and have struggled in the past to find the motivation to get moving – particularly as we come into the winter months. When I heard about Your Personal Best Month, I was keen to get involved. It is the push I need to make a conscious effort to do more exercise every day, whether it’s walking the dog or popping to the shop on foot rather than taking the car.”
Supported by cycling Ireland, Athletics Ireland, Get Ireland Walking and Swim Ireland, organisers hope the campaign will appeal to members of the public in doing their bit to get active.
John Treacy, CEO of Sport Ireland hopes that the inclusive campaign will encourage Irish males to engage in regular exercise, saying: “This integrated approach will offer increased opportunities for those men who are looking to become more physically active. One of Sport Ireland’s key roles is to increase participation in sport and physical activity across all sections in society and Your Personal Best Month will play a vital role in this.”
Lockdown restrictions
While physical activity under Level 5 is permitted, John encourages people to adhere to COVID-19 restrictions and make a conscious effort to stay safe, “We ask that people respect the guidelines and exercise within 5km of their home. If they are exercising with others to maintain social distancing of two metres as it’s important that we all play our part in keeping everyone safe.”
Delaney added: “I’d encourage men like me to join us for the month of November, get a group of friends on board, set up a WhatsApp group or whatever works for you, and let’s support each other to get out and do more activity.”
Full details of Your Personal Best Month can be found on the Sport Ireland website.