So, how can we change our habits to boost our physical activity? Here are five ideas for Novocastrians to consider to boost their physical activity in the short and long term.

Since the time of the Ancient Greeks, we've been exercising during our leisure. And while digging out the running shoes or playing sport may not be everyone's idea of 'leisure', these 'traditional' ways to be active can have great social and emotional benefits.

So, if it's too cold outside, why not retreat to the warmth of the gym, or set up that mixed indoor sport team you've been thinking about?

If you're motivated and can afford it, the traditional way remains a great opportunity to replace some of our inactive leisure time.

While the traditional ways to move more are very important, for many of us, it makes up a small fraction of our daily activity. We do most of our moving while going from place to place, at work or through housework.

Have you ever seen the public health signs to "take the stairs, not the elevator"? Or perhaps, "get off the bus one stop early and walk"? The concept is simple: choose the active option over the inactive one.

Recognising opportunities is the first step. Can you think of an opportunity you'll have today to choose the active option?

If you're going grocery shopping, consider walking instead of taking the car, or, if it's too far for you, parking a little further away from the shops.

If it's not raining, try carrying your shopping to your vehicle, rather than taking a trolley. And if you're in work all day, why not walk over and speak to your colleague face-to-face about that task, rather than emailing or calling them?

There will be plenty of opportunities throughout your day to choose the active option.

Despite physical inactivity being the fourth leading cause of premature death, that might not be your sole motivator for moving more.

Try to identify reasons to be active other than for your physical health.

This could be to make some friends, admire Newcastle's beautiful scenery, have fun, blow off steam, have a cleaner house or a tidy garden, etc.

And while physical activity can cost us money through things like gym memberships, it can also save us money.

For example, if you're travelling into Newy, park just out of CBD and walk in.

Not only do you save $8-$12 on parking, and probably a further dollar in fuel driving around looking for a space, you'll get some steps in.

There are many reasons to be active. Find what yours are, and use them to motivate you.

By this, I don't mean a champion who wins competitions and medals, but someone who has passion to lead their workplace, sports club, school or place of worship to be more active.

If you're in a position to help someone else be active, encourage them.

If you think you can make the case for a progressive work health and safety program that includes physical activity at your work, do it.

If your child's school needs more physical activity, write a letter to the principal.

We all have a role to play to foster more active lifestyles.

If you're irritated by bad traffic, irked by having trouble parking, conscious of the looming climate crisis, or worried about rising rates of obesity, then, like me, you should be demanding physically active spaces to help remedy all of this.

Why? Because encouraging people to move more without changing the environments that guide them to move less, is akin to curing someone of lung cancer and then forcing them to work in the smoky pokies.

Think about the environment around us and how it can be improved to encourage people to move more. It could be through more parks and public play areas, segregated cycle lanes or safe walking routes, introducing tram services or more bus routes.

Or, ideally, all of them.

So be an advocate for physically active spaces. They benefit everyone, and our environment.