21 September 2017

Battle is on to find Canberra’s biggest hearted fitness team

| Ian Bushnell
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tug of war team

Canberra’s fitness industry has been challenged to put their hearts and soles into a life-saving health promotion next month.

The Heart Foundation ACT is challenging all gyms, fitness centres, bootcamp and cross-fit groups across Canberra to battle it out for the title of Canberra’s Biggest Hearted Fitness Team.

ACT Sports Minister Yvette Berry called on all Canberrans to make their gym activities count towards an important local cause.

“The Heart Foundation is a great advocate for preventative health in our community and I’m pleased to be supporting their call for Canberrans to sign up for the challenge at www.mymarathon.com.au,” Ms Berry said.

People are encouraged to walk, jog or run the equivalent of a marathon (42.2 kilometres) in their own time during October, and raise money to help fund life-saving research to fight heart disease.

ACT Heart Foundation CEO Tony Stubbs said more than 60 per cent of Canberrans were overweight or obese.

“Finding ways to increase physical activity is one important way to improve heart health. In Canberra, nearly one in three people have some form of heart disease but don’t know it,” he said.

“It’s not too late to sign up. The challenge officially starts from 1 October, with the winner to be announced in November. If your gym isn’t signed up yet, ask the staff and start the group.”

Ms Berry said heart disease was still Australia’s biggest killer.

“It’s so important to get more Canberrans moving and this Heart Foundation challenge is such a fun and
rewarding way to do it. You’ll improve your own heart health and raise money to support others with heart
disease,” she said.

“Working toward a marathon distance of 42.2 kilometres at your own pace through the month of October is a
wonderful individual challenge and having teammates to cheer you along will only make it feel easier.”

Mr Stubbs said MyMarathon was free and staff participants would receive a running singlet (limit of five).

The following groups have already risen to the challenge, with more expected this week – Canberra Southern Cross Club, Fitness First Deakin, Ascend Strength & Fitness in Gungahlin, and Femmefit Bootcamp.

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