Australians encouraged to get moving through International Fitness Week

Australians are being encouraged to get moving, get fit and get healthy during International Fitness Week which runs from 14th to 20th March, 2011.

International TV personality and singer Mel B was part of the launch of International Fitness Week two years ago in the UK and is now joining the call to get Australians moving.

The former Spice Girl explained "International Fitness Week is a great idea and I want to encourage everybody in the world to become totally fit.

"We want International Fitness Week to make people realise how good they can feel by exercising regularly."

With one quarter (25%) of the Australian adult population considered obese, a further 29% overweight and 41% overall acknowledging they are inactive, International Fitness Week aims to motivate people to get active and improve their health and wellbeing.

Fitness First health clubs are backing International Fitness Week by inviting Australian to assess their fitness level, try a new fitness activity, get expert advice or just have a go at exercising for free at any of their 93 clubs around Australia.

Each day of International Fitness Week Fitness First clubs will host different themed activities such as a Cross Training Challenge for strength on Monday to getting paticipants legs spinning on Cycling Tuesday – which includes a health check for free.

Those who can't get into a Fitness First club can get involved in the classes and displays taking place in central locations in capital cities around Australia.

To download a free 7-Day gym pass, find out what activities are happening near you or be inspired by great expert advice, tips and information go to the International Fitness Week website.

Fitness First Australia Director of Fitness Grant Twible believes International Fitness Week is about inspiring as many people as possible to get the active lifestyle bug.

He explains "Fitness First recently conducted research which found only 13% of all Australians exercise every day and, given the increasing rate of unhealthy weights among Australians, it's worrying that more people aren't being active on a regular basis.

"We also found 73% of people would like to exercise more, but 47% of these people said they lacked the motivation to get moving.

"International Fitness Week is about inspiring people across the world to get moving and to find the fitness activity which suits them best so they enjoy it and keep active.

"The key thing is you don't have to run a marathon or go to the gym every day, you just have to move – if that means going a walk or a swim or playing golf or doing yoga that's great!

"We hope that by opening up Fitness First clubs for free for a week and providing as much support, information and inspiration for Australians, we will encourage as many people as possible to make changes to their daily routine to become more active."

Fitness First is also providing simple tips to increase activity levels and improve fitness:

1. Make exercise part of your routine – approach health and fitness with the mindset of making it an integral part of your life, and not just something you start or stop when you feel you need to shed a few pounds. Take the stairs instead of the lift. Walk instead of driving, get off at a bus stop before you get to your destination and walk the rest of the way.

2. Work out with friends: two heads are better than one. A workout partner can push you to new heights and keep you motivated.

3. Go easy on yourself: Understand that people come in all shapes and sizes and everyone improves at a different pace. It's important to let others inspire you without letting them diminish your achievements. Feel proud of what you've accomplished, as any advancement from your starting point is a huge positive.

4. Enjoy yourself – if you are having a bad week, invite a friend for a walk or run.

5. Track your progress – be aware of how you are doing. Always have a goal in mind. Make a note of your milestones on paper and tick them off as you go.

For more information, tips and ideas please visit www.internationalfitnessweek.com

16th April 2011 - PETE MANUEL TO HEAD FITNESS FIRST AUSTRALIA

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4th November 2010 - FITNESS INDUSTRY PUTS CUSTOMER SAFETY FIRST 

5th October 2010 - ASSOCIATIONS JOINTLY ENDORSE NEW GUIDELINES FOR EXERCISE INTENSITY

4th March 2010 - COWBOYS DON’T LAST IN THE MODERN FITNESS INDUSTRY

5th January 2010 - FITNESS TO BENEFIT AS AUSTRALIA TURNS TO SELF-IMPROVEMENT 

18th May 2009 - GYM MEMBERSHIP IS A CASUAL AFFAIR 

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