Workplace exercise for physical and psychological health

INTERVENTION: 1:1 supervised exercise intervention with pre‐ and post‐testing. Minimum of 1 and maximum of 5, 60‐minute exercise sessions per week. 1. Participants in the 1:1 supervised exercise intervention will receive an exercise program incorporating aerobic, resistance, balance and flexibility training. The supervisor’s role is to provide guidance (e.g. exercise technique) and motivation for the participant. 2. The total duration of the exercise intervention is 2 years, with follow‐up testing at 8 weeks, 16 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months and 24 months. However after the first 8 weeks all participants have the choice of continuing in either the 1:1 supervised or unsupervised exercise group. 3. Adherence to the exercise program will be encouraged through 1:1 supervision, with adherence being monitored with a log book detailing session attendance and exercises performed. CONDITION: Cardiovascular disease Metabolic syndrome Psychological health PRIMARY OUTCOME: Adherence to the exercise intervention. Adherence to the exercise intervention will be measured with a log book detailing session attendance, exercises performed and load. Energy expenditure (METS) will be estimated using American College of Sports Medicine metabolic equations. Health‐related quality of life (SF‐36 Health Survey, Ewart Self Efficacy Scale, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire). Physical fitness ‐ cardiorespiratory fitness (sub‐max cycle test) and muscular strength (Biodex isokinetic dynamometer and hand grip dynamometer). SECONDARY OUTCOME: Cardiometabolic risk (blood glucose, blood lipids, waist circumference, body mass index, blood pressure). Falls risk ‐ dynamic balance (4 square step test), flexibility (ankle range of motion) and walking pattern (GaitRite). Respiratory function (Spirometry test). INCLUSION CRITERIA: RMIT University employees.