AQUA class is how Donnie Davidson usually starts each morning. Ms Davidson said the health benefits extend to the post-class coffee on the nearby pool deck and this part of her workout routine was just as important.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
“There’s always someone to have a chat to. It’s good for the wellness and social connection side of your health,” Ms Davidson said. “This cafe has a nice group of women who have been catching up for coffee for a long time. I didn’t know anyone beforehand but they’re really inviting.”
Ms Davidson made a determined effort to improve her health this year as she began her retirement. A teacher by trade, Ms Davidson had been going to the gym for a couple of years but was keen to explore new classes and ways to improve her fitness. She urged others of all ages, retired or not, to give a new sport or fitness goal a go this Women’s Health Week.
Getting in the pool proved not too intimidating – Ms Davidson bought herself a new pair of bathers and jumped right in.
Flexibility and strength is also important to Ms Davidson who also enjoys Pilates and pump classes in a bid to try and stay active long into her retirement.
“I find in Aqua Action, you can do so much more in the water than on land because it is so low impact and is easy on your joints but you still improve your fitness,” Ms Davidson said.
Ms Davidson encouraged women to start small, if returning to exercise or trying a new form of fitness, and build up, knowing there was always plenty of help in the community.
Really, it depends on how much you put into any class as to what you get out of it.
Women’s Health Week is aiming for women to put themselves and their health first and to start making positive lifestyle changes.
BALC group fitness team leader Megan Lamb said a perceived lack of fitness was often a big barrier for women starting out on a fitness journey but there were options for all abilities and fitness levels, particularly in a gym.
“We find everyone is at different levels. it’s just that mental thing of getting started and finding the support,” Ms Lamb said.
In a bid to encourage more women to get started or try something new, BALC is offering women of all ages a free seven-day group fitness pass to celebrate Women’s Health Week, until September 7. BALC has more than 90 classes on the spring group fitness timetable.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Have you signed up to The Courier's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.