If you are looking for new ways to get active then Healthy Sunshine Coast's new Choose to Move program might be just the thing for you.
Sunshine Coast Council's health and wellbeing program is in its fourth year and features a range of new activities – from Zumba classes to tai chi and fitness classes. Popular offerings from last year such as yoga, aqua fitness, boxing and circuit classes are also part of the 2020 program.
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said the 2020 program covered even more locations across the region.
"At this time of year, many people set new health goals and our expanded Healthy Sunshine Coast 2020 Choose to Move program has been designed to support everyone achieve their goals," Mayor Jamieson said.
Mayor Jamieson said the new Healthy Sunshine Coast program was an example of the Sunshine Coast Community Strategy 2019-2041 in action and contributed to council's vision of being Australia's most sustainable region: healthy, smart, creative.
"Our Healthy Sunshine Coast Program plays an important role in enabling the Sunshine Coast to remain one of the healthiest regions in Australia," Mayor Jamieson said.
"A place where people of all ages and abilities have access to information and programs to get physically active and improve their health and wellbeing.
"By expanding the offerings of this program, we are making it easier for more people in our community to try new activities and meet new friends without committing to memberships or contracts."
Community Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said the classes are suitable for all levels of fitness and all ages, making them a great option for people who haven't exercised before or who have been inactive for a long time.
"Our classes have a friendly feel with many held in community halls or outdoors, taking advantage of our beautiful environment," Cr McKay said.
"In addition to exercise classes we also offer mindfulness and meditation courses and nutrition workshops.
"The classes are also a great way to improve community connections – many of our regulars tell us that their favourite thing about the program is the new friends they have made."
Catching up with friends is one of the things that keeps mother-of-four Cindy Buswell coming back to the weekly Mums and Bubs group fitness class in Maroochydore.
"It's the one thing I do for me each week. I have also made friends with the other mums and it is great to see everyone each week," Ms Buswell said.
Ms Buswell said the classes made it easy to exercise as she didn't have to worry about childcare and the classes were affordable.
Lauraine Bertram has also formed many friendships from attending Healthy Sunshine Coast Seniors Strength and Stability classes in Maroochydore. She said the classes have also had a positive physical impact.
"I've been coming for two and a half years and in that time, I've become more flexible. It also helps your bones and your joints and it makes you feel more alive," she said.
New classes on offer include:
- Zumba at Kings Beach amphitheatre every Wednesday afternoon (beginning 12 February)
- Mountain Movement at the Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct, Glass House Mountains (starting Saturday February 1)
- Fitness in the Park at Kenilworth Town Park (commencing 11 February)
- Mindfulness and Meditation Introductory course, Currimundi Sport and Recreation Centre (starting March 24)
- Monthly nutrition workshops, Caloundra Indoor Stadium (starting February 20)
- Tai Chi for Seniors, Nambour CWA Hall (starting February 4)
- Tai Chi in the Gardens, Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden (starting February 3)
- Senior's Strength and Stability classes at Mooloolah Gym (starting February 6), and Beerwah Hall (starting February 7).
Check out the full Healthy Sunshine Coast Choose to Move 2020 program by visiting: https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/healthysunshinecoast.
