FREE fitness classes on the Fraser Coast are helping make the region a healthier place to live and work.
Live Life, Get Active is a physical fitness and health program geared towards getting people active and outdoors.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the program was primarily designed to address obesity.
“The classes are also an opportunity for people to play in a park, meet new people and have fun,” Cr Seymour said.
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Live Life, Get Active has been operating on the Fraser Coast since April 2018.
Regular camps are held at Anzac Park in Maryborough and Bill Fraser Park in Torquay.
To cater for the fitness program’s growing popularity, extra sessions will be held at Bauple Recreation Ground, beside the Burrum Heads Christian Community Church and Brendan Hansen Park in Granville.
The Fraser Coast is one of 70 locations across Australia participating in the program developed by Olympian Jane Flemming as co-founder of Live Life, Get Active.
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The classes are led by local personal trainers and yoga instructors.
“This ensures the program not only benefits people wanting to get active but also our local economy,” Cr Seymour said.
“Data from regional Australia indicates more than 70 per cent of adults are overweight or obese across the Wide Bay.
“The program has a number of benefits besides promoting fitness.
“It fosters social inclusion, increased opportunities for disadvantaged residents and encourages people outdoors.”
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At the Torquay Camp (October 2019 to February 2020), 541 people participated. Some 59 per cent of participants reached their goals and the total weight and waist loss (all terms) stands at 538kg and 592cm.
At the Maryborough Camp, (May 2019 to October 2019), 332 people participated. Some 55 per cent of the camp reached their achievements with the total weight and waist loss (all terms) stands at 197kg and 343cm.
Council, in partnership with Live Life, Get Active, gained an $80,000 grant (to be added to a $20,000 in-kind contribution from Live Life, Get Active) through Health and Wellbeing Queensland together with Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport to fund the next camps.
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Member for Maryborough, Bruce Saunders MP said it is great to work with partners such as the Fraser Coast Regional Council on the initiative.
“I encourage residents take advantage of this program as improving our fitness has many benefits.
It can make you feel happier, increases your energy and can reduce the risk of conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes or heart disease.”
To book a spot at any of the Fraser Coast sessions go to the Live Life, Get Active website.
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