WHEN it comes to people moving a little each day, Ballarat is the second-most active region in the state. A strong movement is gathering momentum to take Ballarat to the top.
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Premier's Active April challenges Victorians of all ages, ability and fitness levels to commit to 30 minutes' exercise each day in April. This can be from housework, play with pets and sport.
Ballarat Community Health is leading the city's charge in what its experts say is a good reminder to re-evaluate lifestyle and modify daily activity to get moving a little more or kick-start new habits.
Jackie Slade said she could feel the benefits from keeping an exercise routine. Ms Slade had long enjoyed gym sessions until weights and some of the moves became too much for her body as she aged. A BCH seniors health class has allowed her to keep up the exercise she needs, along with walking, but in a gentler gym work-out.
"I'm a great believer in keeping balance in activities I do...Exercising is just a beautiful feeling afterwards," Ms Slade said.
You can get self-conscious as you get older but you've only got your health.
Two in three adults in the Central highlands region are overweight or obese and more than 50 per cent are not moving enough.
BCH health promotion officer Catherine Kennedy said activity need not be scheduled work-out sessions. Ms Kennedy said it was important to do activities you enjoyed and finding positives in incidental activity.
"This is an opportunity to move your car park on work days, park a little further away and walk," Ms Kennedy said. "Gardening and walking are very popular activities people say they do in Ballarat for Active April."
- READ MORE: Greener approach for Active April 2018
Ballarat registrations include free passes to health club facilities and exercise sessions. Ms Kennedy encouraged work places to form teams and support each other.
BCH is also hosting a community team online for people to log their activity. Find out more here.
- Register free: activeapril.vic.gov.au.
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