Australians know exercise can improve their mental wellbeing, but new research from Australia’s second largest fitness and health network, Viva Leisure, suggests we’re often turning to other coping strategies when we need it most.

While 77 per cent of Australians say exercise makes them happier and less stressed, just 13 per cent turned to exercise the last time they were feeling mentally low. By comparison, nearly one in four (24 per cent) reached for alcohol, junk food or screens.

The findings highlight a disconnect between what Australians know can support their mental wellbeing and what they actually do when they’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed or low.

More than half (51 per cent) also say they notice a negative impact on their mood when they miss their usual exercise routine.

Sean Hodges, Chief Operating Officer of Viva Leisure, said exercise should be considered part of our regular mental wellbeing toolkit, rather than something that falls away when life gets difficult.

“We know exercise makes us feel better but putting it into practice is another matter. When we’re stressed or mentally drained, exercise is often one of the first things to fall off the list – precisely when it could help us the most,” said Hodges.

“We all have days when we feel overwhelmed or stressed and finding ways to manage our mental wellbeing is part of looking after ourselves. We don’t think twice about making time for regular dental check-ups, so we should think of exercise the same way – as something we prioritise as part of looking after our overall health. It’s important to find movement that works for you and your lifestyle,” added Hodges.

More than one in three Australians aren't exercising regularly

The research found that 37 per cent of Australians are either not exercising at all or exercising less than two days a week, falling short of Australian physical activity guidelines.

There are also clear generational differences in exercise habits.

Gen Z are the most likely to exercise regularly, with 73 per cent getting three or more sessions a week. Millennials are the most likely to exercise five or more days a week, at 40 per cent.

However, exercise frequency declines among older generations, with 38 per cent of Gen X and 45 per cent of Baby Boomers not getting enough exercise.

When it comes to exercise and mental wellbeing, Millennials are the most likely to use exercise to support their mental health, at 80 per cent, while just 8 per cent of Baby Boomers turned to exercise when feeling low.

Gen Z, meanwhile, are the most likely generation to turn to less healthy coping strategies including alcohol, junk food and screen time, at 31 per cent.

The role of movement in mental wellbeing

For Mental Health Month in October, Club Lime, Viva Leisure’s flagship brand, is supporting Beyond Blue through its ‘1 Billion Steps for Mental Health’ challenge.

Members across Club Lime’s 133 Australian clubs will track their steps throughout October, with the collective goal of reaching one billion steps.

Club Lime will also host more than 80 community events across Australia, from community walks and fun runs to in-club fitness challenges, while raising funds to support Beyond Blue’s work.

The major event will take place in Canberra, with a community fun run around Lake Burley Griffin at sunrise on Saturday 17 October.

Beyond Blue Clinical Psychologist, Dr Luke Martin says, "We're incredibly grateful to Club Lime and its members for getting behind the 1 Billion Steps for Mental Health challenge and supporting Beyond Blue. Every step taken and every dollar raised will help us continue providing free mental health support to the hundreds of people who reach out to the Beyond Blue Support Service each day.

“We know that moving your body can boost your mood, reduce stress, provide a sense of achievement and, when done with others, help people feel connected and part of a community. Even small amounts of movement can make a meaningful difference to how we feel," adds Dr Martin.

Hodges said the challenge was designed to make movement achievable and social.

“The 1 Billion Steps for Mental Health challenge is about getting our members moving, connecting and making their mental wellbeing a priority – one step at a time. We encourage our members to join the challenge on the Club Lime app and get stepping for mental health,” said Hodges.

The research also found significant differences between states. While less healthy coping strategies outweighed exercise in every state and territory, Tasmanians were almost twice as likely as Queenslanders to turn to alcohol, junk food or screens when feeling low (37 per cent compared with 19 per cent).

“Everyone has different ways of managing their mental wellbeing and stress, but we know that movement makes a big difference, regardless of age and lifestyle. The key is finding something that works for you, whether it’s a walk with a friend, a solo gym session or a group glass. If you enjoy it, you’re more likely to stick with it and make it part of your routine,” concluded Hodges.

For more information on Club Lime’s ‘1 Billion Steps for Mental Health’ challenge, visit https://www.clublime.com.au/1billionsteps.

If you or someone you know is struggling, free and confidential support is available 24/7: call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or webchat at beyondblue.org.au/get-support.