Calling Ballarat women of all fitness levels

Women and girls who have fallen out of love with exercise are being encouraged to take advantage of many free or low-cost events being held in the City of Ballarat next week. 

As part of VicHealth’s This Girl Can Week 2022, there will be a push to encourage, motivate and inspire females of all ages to re-establish exercise routines that might have lapsed. 

The events and activities will be open to women of any fitness and abilities and will be held in fun and non-judgmental environments. 

This Girl Can Week is part of the This Girl Can – Victoria campaign. 

The City of Ballarat Deputy Mayor, Cr Amy Johnson said the events would be beginner-friendly and welcoming for all women, regardless of their fitness levels. 

Activities will not be limited to traditional exercise routines, with the likes of fitness classes, dragon boating, pickleball and soccer among the many activities. 

“These sessions provide an amazing opportunity for women and girls to continue their fitness journey or rediscover their passion,” Cr Johnson said. 

 “There's loads of variety in the activities on offer, and also options for absolute beginners to activities for those who’re quite fit. 

 “So many of us are emerging from hibernation after a long, cold winter and this program presents the perfect opportunity for us to get active again”. 

VicHealth’s Head of This Girl Can – Victoria, Rebecca Ahern said This Girl Can Week is about creating more opportunities for women to be active in their local community, no matter their age, background, or abilities.  

“This Girl Can – Victoria is all about celebrating what women can do, whether that’s a walk around the block or a few laps of the pool,” Ms Ahern said.  

“This Girl Can Week is here to support women to get back into exercise and enjoy the feeling of moving their body again – whether it’s the connection of being part of a team, the peace found through yoga or the freedom of going for a run or ride. 

“There’s no judgement if you haven’t exercised in a while, all that matters is that you give it a go.”   

“There’s lots of fun options to try, from Strongwoman fitness classes, dragon boating, pickleball and soccer, so come along and join other women and girls who know ‘This Girl Can’.”  

This Girl Can Week is held across Victoria from 12-18 September 2022.  

As part of the City of Ballarat’s Active Women and Girls Strategy 2018, it was identified that 84.1 per cent of female Ballarat residents had engaged in some form of physical activity in 12 months prior to the study being conducted, slightly higher than the overall rate of 82 per cent. 

However, there is a significant decrease in female sport participation from ages 15–19, with a further decline in ages 20-29. 

Women and girls wanting to get involved can visit ballarat.vic.gov.au/AWAG and the This Girl Can Facebook Events page to discover activities and events in their local area.