Gold Coast City Council launches year-round program of free outdoor and online fitness classes

The Gold Coast’s new-look Active and Healthy program is now delivering more than 180 classes each week across the city.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate recently launched the new program with a visit to a group fitness class in the Botanic Gardens where he advised “the City’s new Active and Healthy program has nearly 200 free or low cost activities available across the Gold Coast each week.

“When Covid-19 restrictions were put in place, our team worked hard to implement a range of free online courses to help keep the community moving from their living rooms.

“I’m pleased to announce that these online courses will be continuing year-round, so you can keep active from the comfort of your own home.

“Helping one another to stay positive and physically active is as important as ever, so by expanding our Active and Healthy program we hope to help Gold Coasters become stronger, healthier and happier.”

Mayor Tate adds “for those with more of an adventurous side, the program offers over 50 skateboarding workshops and events plus an introductory course to mountain biking.

“We’ve increased our frequency of yoga and pilates classes – because we know these are popular activities.

“Pimpama, Parkwood, Ashmore and Kirra are all new suburbs which have been added to the Active and Healthy schedule.”

The City has also partnered with Griffith University to offer weekly ‘Walk and Talk’ sessions with a facilitator from the Counselling program in the School of Applied Psychology.

Participants are encouraged to set their own pace for the walk and enjoy the company of a trained listener as they stroll through the Botanic Gardens.

The program aims to support mental health and provide valuable firsthand experience for those studying to provide professional mental health support.

Walk and Talk sessions operate Wednesdays and every second Saturday at the Botanic Gardens Benowa.

For more information go to cityofgoldcoast.com.au/ICAN.