Hundreds of Canberrans are expected to converge to get active for 30 minutes at three leisure centres for the Move It Canberra initiative. Photos: Belgravia Leisure Centre.
Three Canberra leisure centres are once again throwing open the doors to offer free access to their gyms, pools and exercise classes for the hundreds of Canberrans expected to take part in a local one-day health and wellbeing initiative.
Part of the broader Move It in March initiative, Move It Canberra calls on all Canberrans to carve out at least 30 minutes of exercise time to contribute to a collective goal of 15,000 active minutes across the nation’s capital.
That’s 5000 more minutes than in its inaugural year last year, but Stromlo Leisure Centre and Canberra Olympic Pool venue manager Bernice Hay is not-so-quietly confident Canberra will rise to the challenge.
“Oh yeah, we’ll smash it!” she says.
“Last year, we had around 400 people attend and had already smashed our goal of 10,000 minutes in the first hour.”
Stromlo Leisure Centre, Canberra Olympic Pool and Lakeside Leisure Centre will join forces for the event, offering Canberrans diverse opportunities to get active.
Between free access to gym facilities and pools and a range of classes, including yoga, pilates, HIIT, dance, seated fitness, and more, the idea is to encourage Canberrans to find what fitness looks like for them.
“The physical and mental benefits of finding 30 minutes each day to be active are well documented, but so many people are overwhelmed by their other commitments, whether it’s work or kids or any other number of demands, prioritising yourself can seem impossible,” Bernice says.
“Something like 65 per cent of our members this year were new, and a great many came after they tried our facilities or classes last year and discovered something new that worked for them.
“That’s great, but the purpose of this event is also just to raise awareness of how enriching it is to introduce daily activeness into your lifestyle, whether that’s through one of our leisure centres, jumping off the bus a few stops early or just kicking the ball around with you kids for a bit.
“That said, we do hope people take advantage of this opportunity to connect with other people in the local community and get active at the same time, all for free.”
The three leisure centres each have their own programs starting as early as 7 am this Saturday, 29 March, with sessions for kids and adults alike. Group classes have strict capacities and require registration, but access to facilities is open.
Each venue will hold its own fundraising activities during the event as well, with all proceeds going to the Belgravia Foundation to support local initiatives that enhance community wellbeing.
Belgravia Leisure CEO Nick Cox says there’s a beautiful synergy between Belgravia Group and the Move It Canberra initiative.
“Staying active is essential for promoting healthier lifestyles. At Belgravia Leisure, we are dedicated to breaking down barriers to participation and creating environments where everyone feels welcome. That’s why we are thrilled to invite all Canberrans to the Move It Canberra Challenge on March 29th,” he says.
“It’s an opportunity to engage with the wide range of activities offered at our leisure centres. Whether you’re looking to discover a new passion or add something new to your routine, there’s something for everyone.
“I encourage everyone, whether you’re a member or not, to join us, try something new, and perhaps discover a new favourite activity.
“It’s going to be a day full of fun, accessible to all ages and abilities, and a great opportunity to connect with your community.”
For more information or to register for a class, visit Move It Canberra.
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