It's mid-year and summer is a few months away – perfect timing for a fresh start. Research shows that we're more likely to set goals (such as signing up for an exercise program) on landmark dates such as the first day of the month or the mid-way point in the year (this is called the 'fresh start effect'). If you're ready to get more active, a new program from Southern Cross University – offering free, individualised support for a year – could be a great way to start.
Open to Move is a free, 12-month program designed to support people to increase their physical activity and stick with a more active lifestyle long-term. It's designed by some of the world's leading physical activity researchers, and is delivered entirely online for eligible adults aged 18 to 69 at any fitness level.
Participants can be based anywhere in Australia and will receive 12 months of free support, including online one-to-one meetings with a physical activity researcher for the first 6 months. Participants will also receive access to an app to help them track their activity over the 12 months.
The lead researcher on Open to Move is Professor Christian Swann who also leads the Physical Activity, Sport and Exercise Research (PASER) group at Southern Cross University. He said:
"We're really proud to offer Open to Move for free to people living across Australia, and it's a great time of year to sign up and start receiving support to help you get more active."
"The one-to-one meetings with our researchers – which happen fortnightly for the first 6 months – ensure that the program is individualised for each participant's own journey. And by providing support for a whole year there's a much better chance of helping people build habits and stick with a more active lifestyle long-term."
As a participant, you will:
- receive guidance from leading experts on how to increase your physical activity
- have regular online one-to-one meetings with a researcher
- access the Open to Move app to help you track your progress
- provide feedback via surveys and interviews to build the evidence base for Open to Move
- receive gift vouchers at the six-month and 12-month milestones as a thank you for your involvement
How to take part in the study
If you are aged between 18 to 69 years, living in Australia, own a smartphone, and are able to join meetings via Zoom, this program may be the right fit for you.
