Boosting Tradespeople’s Health: The Magic of Exercise

Aussie tradies make up 30% of our workforce, though it’s not an industry for the injury prone! It’s where hard physical labour rules – and unfortunately, the health of tradespeople often gets overshadowed. The toll of physical work is real, but in August every year we zoom in on this crucial but often under under-supported scene with Tradies National Health Month – an initiative by the Australian Physiotherapy Association. We are 100% behind this enterprise and are ready to dive into how exercise can support Aussie tradies, making them healthier and happier.

Getting Real about the Challenge

Life in the trades can be tough, no doubt. Long hours, heavy lifting, and occupational hazards can take a toll on these populations – not to mention long-term wear and tear, which can also lead to pain and injuries.

The Exercise Fix

Exercise isn’t a luxury, it’s a must, especially for tradespeople. Exercise acts as sort of a ‘one stop shop’ to support injury prevention, injury recovery and to optimise health. Regular exercise can fight off the aches, build muscle strength and power, keep joints integral, and boost both mental and physical health across the board.

Exercise Physiologists create and deliver programs that close the gap on required capacities, improve work output, and prevent injuries. With strength training, rehabilitation, ‘prehabilitation’, and energy system work, we encourage tradies to build up their bodies to ace their job and stay healthy.

More Than Muscles

Exercise is more than muscles – it’s a mood-lifter too. In an industry with so much pressure and often tight deadlines, exercise can really be a stress-buster. It releases happy hormones, bringing a smile to your face and a spring to your step.

Getting into Tradies National Health Month

This important month reminds tradies to put their health first. It’s about learning, moving, and feeling awesome! Events, workshops, and fitness challenges can help tradies to discover the magic of movement.

Easy Steps for Tradies:

    Move It, Mate: Appropriate breaks and changing postures during the day keep stiffness away.

    Get Sweating: Mix strength, cardiovascular, and work-specific training workouts.

    Watch Your Ways: Lift right, bend smart – prevent injuries.

    Rest Up: Sleep well and take regular breaks to promote healing and recovery.

    Eat, Drink, Shine: Good food and hydration keep you satiated and energised.

As exercise professionals, we are all for Tradies National Health Month. Physical work shouldn’t mean poor health – and exercise is the secret sauce that makes tradies stronger, sharper, and happier. See our Clinician Portal here for more resources to support this initiative and let’s continue to make the Aussie trades shine bright, with healthy and happy tradies ruling the scene!