21 December 2007

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC), the body that develops, supports and invests in sport at all levels in Australia, today released its top five tips to survive the festive season while enjoying sport and physical activity and maintaining good overall health.

1. Watch your intake of festive foods. Australian Institute of Sport nutritionists say:

• Eat a wide variety of foods including plenty of fruit and vegetables
• Don't skip meals. Most people should eat up to three meals a day
• Combine a well balanced diet of carbohydrates, protein and low fat with exercise
• Trim the fat off roast meat before you cook so it is not absorbed into the meat
• Alcohol and caffeine dehydrate the body. Drink lots of water.

2. Manage your exercise routine. Australian Institute of Sport physiologists say:

• Try and exercise moderately for at least 30 minutes most days of the week
• Drink plenty of water and replenish the fluid lost through sweat
• Limit exposure to training in the heat of the day or in extreme hot weather
• If you are tired or injured, take the day off. Allow time for rest and recovery.

3. Get kids playing games. The ASC’s Active After-School Communities program says:

• Families can make these summer holidays active and fun. Parents can consider gifts such as sporting equipment and active holiday options such as the beach or camping—no matter what the budget or size of backyard.

4. Be a good sport. The ASC’s Essence of Australian Sport initiative states:

• Sport is an important part of the Australian summer holiday experience. Sport should always be played by the rules and in the spirit of the game with fairness, respect, responsibility and safety so all Australians can experience the benefits that participating in sport brings.

5. Set realistic New Year’s resolutions. Australian Institute of Sport psychologists say:

• Set realistic, achievable, challenging and measurable goals for self improvement
• Write your goals down in a planner
• Set process-orientated goals and the specifics of how you will achieve them
• Consider working to your strengths rather than trying to fix your weaknesses.

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) is funded by the Australian Government. The ASC works closely with sports, state and local governments, schools and community groups to ensure sport is well run and accessible to all at the grass-roots and community level. The ASC also works through the Australian Institute of Sport to develop Australia’s elite sportsmen and women.

Media contact: Simon Langford, ASC Media Manager, 0418 605 541 or 02 6214 1298