Simon Rosenbaum | Exercise is a Human Right
It’s our responsibility to create opportunities that match the needs of the people we are trying to reach through exercise.
It’s well known that regular exercise has huge benefits for physical and mental health. Unfortunately people who stand to benefit the most from physical activity are the least likely to have access – such as those who are refugees, and who have complex mental health issues or have suffered major traumas. While for some of us the right exercise feels like a no brainer, we forget the range of obstacles that stand in the way of the more vulnerable members of our community – exercise requires access to a gym or green space, the appropriate sporting clothing and footwear, a safe and accessible environment and recreational time, and often the most difficult hurdle is finding the will to get out of bed. Our ability to move is hugely impacted by the environments in which we live and work. It’s proven regular exercise can reduce symptoms of a range of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and schizophrenia – which is why we must make physical activity or exercise accessible and safe for the most vulnerable communities.
In 10 minutes or the length of time it takes to speed walk a kilometre, Scientia Associate Professor Simon Rosenbaum will explain why exercise should be considered as a treatment for mental health.
ABOUT 10 MINUTE GENIUS
In this sprawling digital age where a universe of information is accessible within seconds, it's easy to be paralysed by the simple question of where to begin.
Introducing: Ten Minute Genius, a series of short talks designed to create a space in which you can engage with new ideas. We have curated a collection of material scientists, philosophers and maths lovers to help you make some sense of this chaotic information vortex. And because you’re busy, all we ask of you is just ten minutes.
Simon Rosenbaum
Simon Rosenbaum is an academic exercise physiologist and Scientia Associate Professor in the Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, UNSW Sydney. Simon’s research focuses on physical activity, trauma and mental illness, including physical physical health consequences of mental illness. Simon has published >230 peer-reviewed publications. He is the President of the Australasian Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, co-chair of the Olympic Refuge Foundation Think Tank on sport and humanitarian settings, and an Associate Editor of the journal, Mental Health and Physical Activity. Simon has supported research and capacity building iniatives in Bangaldesh, India and Nigeria.
