The City of Greater Geelong is celebrating This Girl Can Week, which runs to 18 September, by running a series of free 'come and try' exercise sessions at its venues.
The City's four indoor Swim Sport and Leisure centres and the Leisuretime Sports Precinctwill offer a range of free sessions, including Beginners' Strength, Pilates, Circuit and Yoga classes.
A VicHealth initiative, This Girl Can Week aims to encourage, motivate, and inspire women to get active however, whenever and wherever they choose.
City of Greater Geelong Mayor, Peter Murrihy;
We know physical activity is an important part of maintaining our mental health and wellbeing, but more than half of us don't get enough exercise each week.Our Swim Sport and Leisure Centres and the Leisuretime Sports Precinct have put together an excellent program of free classes for women to come and try a new activity.
We hope these free sessions will allow women to take a bit of time for themselves to exercise. The sessions will be beginner-friendly and run by the City's superb instructors who will be there to support, encourage and motivate you.
aims to create more opportunities for women to be active in their local community, no matter their age, background, or abilities.
The initiative started in March 2018, and results from the 2021 campaign show that it inspired approximately 340,000 Victorian women to get more active.
The campaign aims to empower women to focus on how getting active feels instead of worrying about what people think.
Councillor Sarah Mansfield Chair of the Community Health & Aged Care portfolio;
According to research, a big part of women not trying new activities or getting involved in sport is a fear of judgement, or worrying that they're not fit enough to start.There are so many ways to get active in Geelong. We have a vast network of walking and cycling trails, plus our beautiful coastline.
I'd like to encourage all women to try a new activity during the week. There's no judgement if you haven't exercised in a while; all that matters is that you give it a go.
Rebecca Ahern, VicHealth's Head of This Girl Can – Victoria;
This Girl Can Week is about ensuring that all women feel safe and empowered to be active.This Girl Can – Victoria is all about celebrating what women can do, whether that's a walk around the block or a few laps of the pool.
This Girl Can Week is here to support women to get back into exercise and enjoy the feeling of moving their body again – whether it's the connection of being part of a team, the peace found through yoga or the freedom of going for a run or ride.
Bookings for the Beginners' Strength, Pilates, Circuit and Yoga classes can be made online via the City's website.
The Geelong Australia website also has details on the region's many trails for pedestrians and cyclists https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/paths
