Eight weeks, three activities, 637 participants

With the aim of facilitating a more active community, Hume City Council’s Be Outdoor Active program has been offering a series of free outdoor fitness trials, including yoga, Zumba and group fitness sessions across the Hume local government area in Melbourne’s outer north-western suburbs.

The fitness sessions, held at parks in Sunbury, Broadmeadows and Craigieburn, are the first program of their kind in the city and were developed to increase physical participation and activate Hume city’s beautiful parks and open spaces.

While the program anticipated a range of benefits, the free eight week program has exceeded expectations with over 600 Hume residents of different ages, cultures and geography united in building a healthier Hume city together.

Commenting on the program’s success, Hume City Council, Leisure and Youth Services Manager Bruce Fordham explained “Be Outdoor Active ignited a desire for group fitness that continues to grow stronger even after the trial has ended.

“Remarkably, participants themselves have instigated a continuation of classes in all three locations that is supported by Hume City Council.

“Friendships have been forged and commitments made to continue healthy journeys thanks to the Be Outdoor Active catalyst.”

 One such journey is that of Devika, who shared her experience, stating:

“After taking part in the Bowel Screening Program, at the age of 50, I was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2013.

“I had surgery and 6 months of chemotherapy till January 2014.

“(My) cancer journey impacted on my recreational life significantly.

“Prior to my diagnosis, I was a very active, energetic person. In September 2014, I started to do Yoga & Pilate classes to help my mind and body.

“Taking part in Be Outdoor Active has motivated me to get out of the house and maintain an active lifestyle. I have been attending the Craigieburn Yoga and Zumba classes since week one.

“I am also attending the Fitness for Women at the Homestead Community and Learning Centre.

“I have really enjoyed every minute of my classes and loved socialising with the other participants.

“The locations of the sessions are very convenient for me and would also attend the Broadmeadows classes if the time slots suited me.

“I have witnessed participants in my classes that are not normally active, start moving with this program.

“It is great to see different cultures and aged-ladies in particular taking part in these outdoor activities. The instructors have been amazing and have really made the classes enjoyable.

“I believe the program being free has really encouraged the community to get out and be active. It has also helped many people that suffer from financial hardship to take part in organised programs like these.

“I really want to see this program continue and I believe that Hume City Council has really proven that they want healthy people in our community. We need this type of program for the community, to stay fit and to meet new people.

“Be Outdoor Active program has really had a positive impact on my life and wish to thank Healthy Together Hume for organising it. I sincerely wish, that it will continue through the year so others too can experience that ‘HEALTH IS WEALTH’.

“Thank you so much.”

Be Outdoor Active involved instructors from both Hume City Council aquatic and recreation centres and other local services providers. 

Click here for more information.

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