The humble squat is being billed as an “ultimate health and longevity fix.” No gym membership required. No prescription. No government program.
According to content fetched from The Australian, squats can help shape the behind, improve blood pressure and support brain health. The piece rates them among the best exercises a person can do. It’s an appealingly simple claim: a basic movement, open to anyone, that may deliver outsized returns for the body.
The Health Pitch
The case for squats rests on their reach. The article covers cosmetic benefits, cardiovascular markers such as blood pressure, and even cognitive function. That’s a lot to claim for one exercise, while the headline promises benefits for the brain, back, joints and lifespan.
The barrier to entry is low. A person doesn’t need a specialist, clinic or subsidized program to start. Personal responsibility for one’s health can begin with something as basic as bending the knees.
The Paywall Economics
There’s a business story here, too. The page promoting squat advice also listed detailed subscription terms for readers seeking full access. Digital Access costs $4 for a duration of 4 weeks, then renews automatically at $44 every 4 weeks unless cancelled under the full Terms and Conditions. Payments are non-refundable, subject to law. The offer isn’t available with other offers and is for new customers only.
The 12 Month Plan costs more up front. It costs $338 minimum for the first 12 months, charged at $26 every 4 weeks, then renews automatically at $26 minimum every 4 weeks. The page says customers can’t cancel during the first 12 months, payments are non-refundable subject to law, the offer isn’t available with other offers and is for new customers only, and prices after the first 12 months may vary under the full Terms and Conditions.
A student subscription is also available, described as “Verified journalism. Expert analysis” for studying and staying informed.
That’s the market at work. Publishers test introductory prices, longer commitments and discounted tiers to attract paying readers, who can weigh the terms and decide for themselves. Nobody’s forced to sign up. The free-market trade is plain: content in exchange for a subscription fee.
Access Hiccups and Data Collection
The page didn’t load cleanly for everyone. It said the request couldn’t be processed at that time and listed 1800 070 535 for questions, with phone hours Monday to Friday 7:30am–6pm and Saturday 7:30am–11:30am (AEST).
A notice on the site said it collects information about content, including ads, that users access across its network to make advertising and content more relevant. The site also provides information about its policy and opt-out choices. Readers concerned about their data can read the policy and use the opt-out options the site describes.
Why This Matters:
The squat story is small, but it points to a bigger idea: many of the best health gains come from individual choices, not state programs. A free, bodyweight exercise said to help blood pressure, brain health and longevity costs taxpayers nothing and asks nothing of the health system. Prevention at the personal level eases pressure on budgets that are already stretched. The subscription terms also remind readers that quality content has a price, and consumers can compare offers and opt in or out. That’s how a healthy market should work. Readers are best served by weighing the claims, reading the fine print and taking charge of their own habits.