This Easter, hop to it!

The Easter Bunny is a noted trendsetter, and clearly ahead of his time.

Mr. Peter Cottontail, as he’s known to his local postie, first made a name for himself by hippity-hopping his way down the rabbit trail, an aerobic display that he continues to this day. While he enjoys the physical benefits of this high-impact activity, he’s also sending a message to children and parents alike: exercise and Easter can go hand in hand.

Exercise & Sports Science Executive Officer, Anita Hobson-Powell, concurs, noting that keeping a balance between indulgence and health at Easter is crucial.

“We all love a holiday. Easter, in particular, is a special time, as there are treats and temptations galore, from hot cross buns to chocolate bunnies. But there’s no need to take a holiday from being fit and active: exercise can be part of the fun,” she says.

Now, for the first time, Ms Hobson-Powell can share these exclusive tips she’s learned from the Easter Bunny on how to hop to it over Easter:

·       The hunt is on: A terrific place to start moving is the annual Easter egg hunt, according to Ms Hobson-Powell. “Why limit an egg hunt to the lounge room? Unleash your inner creativity, and scatter eggs far and wide – from the furthest corners of the yard, to the top floor of the house,” she suggests. “Or, join in with neighbours and host a block-party style hunt where kids can explore from home to home, searching under trees and behind planters for those elusive eggs.”

·       Fifth Avenue finery: Another great way to get the kids up and moving, to burn off that chocolate they’ve consumed? Stage your very own Easter parade. “Start by crafting homemade bonnets – with all the prerequisite frills upon them -- or top hats for the lads. Then, take a family walk together and show off your finery,” says Ms Hobson-Powell. “Any brisk walk will do, from a hinterland hike to a full-on, along-the-avenue parade, as long as there’s energetic motion involved to increase heart rates. Parents, don’t forget to play the part of the photographers, snapping away!”

·       Run for fun: A trend that’s gaining momentum is an Easter fun run, held by an increasing number of municipalities over the holiday weekend. From 5Ks to half-marathons and more, active parents – and often kids, as well – can sign up and have a nice long lope before settling in for Easter Sunday roast lunch. “The fun-run style 5K, in particular, is a great way to dip a toe into the world of road races, if you’ve never tried before – and can be incredibly rewarding to complete,” shares Ms Hobson-Powell.

·       Bat up: When all is said and done, and the roast has been consumed and chocolate’s been devoured, don’t forget the time-honoured Aussie tradition of an afternoon cricket game. “Beach, park or backyard, an Easter Sunday match of cricket is a great way to stretch after a big meal, get fresh air and burn off kilojoules. Don’t forget a trophy for the victors – this can be a non-food item, too, such as a small stuffed Easter-themed toy,” says Ms. Hobson-Powell.

So hip-hop to it this Easter – you’ll be glad you did!

Ends.

For further media information, please contact Liberty from Fresh PR & Marketing on 07 5351 1010, 0413 711 255  or email liberty@freshprm.con.au

ABOUT ESSA

Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) is the peak professional body for exercise and sports science in Australia and provides national leadership and advocacy on key issues.  It supports its over 3,500 members and the community through fostering excellence in professional practice, education, training and research.

Website:  www.essa.org.au

ABOUT EXERCISE IS MEDICINE®

Exercise is Medicine® as an initiative of Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) aims to make physical activity and exercise a standard part of a disease prevention and treatment paradigm in Australia, improving community health and reducing long-term health care costs.  The program hopes to make every Australian doctor consider physical activity and exercise as a standard part of treatment programs resulting in more people being prescribed exercise for either prevention or treatment of chronic conditions.

The three guiding principles of Exercise is Medicine® Australia, are designed to improve the health and well-being of all Australians through regular physical activity prescription from doctors and other allied health providers. The guiding principles are as follows:

·       Physical activity and exercise are important to health and the prevention and treatment of many chronic diseases;

·       More should be done to address physical activity and exercise in health care settings; and

·       Support the referral of patients to appropriately trained allied health professionals to deliver exercise treatment services.

Official Media Spokespersons for this release:

Anita Hobson-Powell

Executive Officer

Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA)
327 Sandgate Road, Albion, QLD 41010

Anita.Hobson-Powell@essa.org.au

Tel:           07 3862 4122

M:            0400 519 800