YMCA urges Australians to put health and family first

As Australians start to plan or put into practise their New Year's resolutions, the YMCA is urging everyone to make family and fitness a priority in 2012.

The YMCA suggest that joining a gym, starting a diet or promising to spend more time with the children might rank as top New Year's resolutions year after year, but few will actually succeed in putting these into action.

Yet improving one's health and family life has never been so important, with 61% of Australian adults being classified overweight or obese and family time being increasingly compromised by work pressures, technology and busy lifestyles.

YMCA of Sydney Chief Executive Phillip Hare said he is encouraging Australians to put their personal health and that of their families first in 2012 in order to influence positive, lasting change within their communities, stating "when you're feeling fit and healthy and your family is spending plenty of quality time together, you feel on top of the world and there really is no limit to what you can achieve.

"Many people think they're living a healthy life and doing what's best for their family, but the reality is that obesity rates and diabetes are on the rise, there is an increase in broken homes and one-parent families, and busy lifestyles and technology are threatening family 'fun time'.

"In essence, the YMCA is all about creating spaces for families to be healthy and active together - whether it be going for a swim, participating in sport or doing a class at the gym.

"We aim to build strong people, families and communities and we want to see more families take up the challenge of living happier, healthier lives in the New Year."

Hare added that the Y has a New Year's resolution of its own, explaining "the Y's New Year's resolution is to be that 'third place' away from the pressures of work and home where families can connect and be active, and through initiatives such as Family Memberships we're committed to ensuring every family can spend quality time together without financial burden."

The YMCA offers a range of exciting programs for individuals and families of all ages and abilities to get involved in. While every Y is different, because every community is different, they all have one thing in common ï¾ offering opportunities for people to get fit and spend time with the family in a welcoming and supportive environment.

For those feeling the strain of Christmas, the Y's Fee Assistance initiative ensures no one that is willing to pay but unable is denied access to its facilities.

As a charity, the YMCA also has a number of programs to assist families in need including its Rebuilding Families camps.

For more information on the Y's family and fitness programs visit www.ymcasydney.org.au 

26th November 2010 - YMCA URGES PARENTS TO KEEP CHILDREN’S WATER SAFETY SKILLS A PRIORITY

19th March 2009 - YMCA CALLS FOR INVESTMENT IN HEALTH