06 May 2026
Written by The Hon. Jim Lloyd
Events like Men’s Health Week provide a timely opportunity to engage your support group members in conversations about physical activity and wellbeing. While many men understand that exercise is beneficial, turning that awareness into consistent action often requires the right mix of motivation, structure, and support.
A key starting point is to make exercise feel accessible rather than overwhelming. Many men are put off by the idea that fitness requires long hours in the gym or high levels of athletic ability. Reframing the exercise as a simple, achievable movement—such as walking, cycling, or gentle exercises at home—can lower this barrier.
Emphasising that even small amounts of activity bring real health benefits helps shift the focus from perfection to progress. This is really important as we are dealing with all levels of fitness. Many men in support groups are struggling just to get through the day, and the idea of exercise can be off-putting.
Goal setting plays a central role in building momentum. Encouraging men to set clear, realistic goals during Health Week gives them something concrete to work towards. These goals should be specific and measurable, such as walking a few times a week, completing a certain number of steps each day, or attending a weekly fitness class. Short-term goals are particularly effective because they create early wins, which in turn build confidence and motivation to continue.
It’s also important to connect exercise to outcomes that resonate personally. While long-term health benefits, such as reduced risk of chronic disease, are important, many men respond more strongly to immediate, tangible results.
Improved energy levels, better sleep, reduced stress, and increased strength are benefits often felt within weeks. It is important to find an exercise that you like. A person is much more likely to continue if they actually enjoy the activity.
Social connection can significantly enhance motivation. Men are often more likely to commit to exercise when it involves camaraderie or shared purpose. Health Week initiatives can include group walks, community sports, or social activities that foster accountability and friendly competition.
Exercising with others not only makes the activity more enjoyable but also reduces the likelihood of dropping out. I personally participate in Parkrun, which takes place every Saturday morning in most towns across Australia.
Another effective strategy is to encourage tracking and reflection. Whether through a simple notebook or a fitness app, recording progress helps men see how far they have come. Tracking steps, workouts, or time spent exercising provides a visual reminder of effort and achievement. This reinforces positive behaviour and helps maintain focus on goals.
Role modelling and leadership also matter. When community leaders or peers visibly prioritise their own health, it sends a powerful message. Men are more likely to engage when they see others like them taking part. Sharing stories of relatable individuals who have successfully incorporated exercise into their lives can inspire others to follow suit.
Importantly, messaging should avoid guilt or pressure. Instead of framing inactivity as failure, it is more effective to highlight opportunity and empowerment. Encouraging men to start where they are, rather than where they think they should be, creates a more supportive and sustainable approach. You must be mindful of the health challenges our support group members face.
For some, it is a daily struggle, and active exercise would be out of the question. In this case, encouragement to perform simple passive exercises, such as chair stretching, can be beneficial.
In essence, encouraging men to exercise during Health Week is about making activity achievable, meaningful, and socially supported.
By focusing on realistic goals, personal motivation, and a sense of connection, it becomes far more likely that men in your support group will not only start exercising but continue long after the week has ended.
