To celebrate our new brand platform Do It For life, we sat down with AIA Ambassador and AFL legend Shane Crawford to find out what motivates him to be a do-er, his relationship with health and life.
How Shane Crawford plans to live well, for longer
ARTICLE
1 October 2025
2 min read
2 min read
What motivates Shane Crawford to be a do-er for his health?
What are some ways you take care of your health, and what keeps you motivated to keep doing when it feels hard?
S: “I always try and move in the morning, even if it’s just a stretch and a walk around the block. Not only does it make me feel calm and energised, but I also love the social interaction and connection it brings, particularly with my kids. Being able to actively keep up with my boys and experience new things with them—whether it’s rock climbing or a kick of the footy—is a big part of why I take the time to look after my health.
Now I’m a little older, exercise is less about pushing myself to my limits, and more about tuning into what my body and mind need in the moment, so I can feel my best. Some mornings, that’s a gentle jog, other days, it’s a five-minute breathing exercise, but I always try to do something because I know how much better I’ll feel for it.”
What kinds of exercise bring you the most joy now?
S: “I love variety. So, I might go for a bike ride, a walk, or jump on the Peloton. But I also love doing things that make me feel good. I call these ‘feel good sessions’: activities that leave me feeling energised, not drained. This approach has really helped me get out of my comfort zone and stay social, which is particularly important for us blokes as we get older and tend to become more isolated.”
You mentioned trying new things, can you share more on that?
S: “I’m a big advocate for stepping out of your comfort zone and giving things a go. You don’t have to be great; you just need to take that first step and have some fun with it.
Recently, a few mates and I did a dancing class together. Even though I was a fish out of water, I had an absolute blast, and if I’m being honest, I’d do it again! But if I refused to put myself out there, I wouldn’t have had this great memory.
New experiences bring new energy, and if you can share those experiences with friends, even better.”
How does your approach to health intersect with being a parent?
S: “My philosophy has always been: If the kids are doing it, I’m doing it too.
I don’t want to just sit on the sidelines while my kids play, I want to be in there with them. If we’re at the park or the trampoline centre, I’m in the foam pit, I’m on the monkey bars. I want them to see that moving your body is fun and that being active isn’t a chore or punishment, but a part of life.”
Like Shane, at AIA, we believe health is about more than metrics: it’s about the bigger picture. Remembering why our health matters can motivate us to keep making healthier choices. Whether you lift weights so you can lift the grandkids, or take the stairs to keep your hiking form strong, our health and wellbeing hub is full of resources and tools to help you Do It For Life.
Staff Writer
Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.
Disclaimer:
Copyright © 2025 AIA Australia Limited (ABN 79 004 837 861 AFSL 230043). This is general information only, without taking into account factors like the objectives, financial situation, needs or personal circumstances of any individual and is not intended to be financial, legal, tax, medical, nutritional, health, fitness or other advice. The source information of the articles is current as of the date of publication and may be subject to change. While the information contained herein is believed to be accurate, AIA Australia expressly disclaims any and all liability for representations or warranties, expressed or implied, contained in, or for omissions from, the information.
Copyright © 2025 AIA Australia Limited (ABN 79 004 837 861 AFSL 230043). This is general information only, without taking into account factors like the objectives, financial situation, needs or personal circumstances of any individual and is not intended to be financial, legal, tax, medical, nutritional, health, fitness or other advice. The source information of the articles is current as of the date of publication and may be subject to change. While the information contained herein is believed to be accurate, AIA Australia expressly disclaims any and all liability for representations or warranties, expressed or implied, contained in, or for omissions from, the information.
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This inspirational content is brought to you by AIA Vitality
AIA Vitality is a science-backed program that helps you learn more about your health,
offers ways to improve it and motivates you with rewards along the way.
offers ways to improve it and motivates you with rewards along the way.
