Week encourages women to get physical

A GROUP of councils, health bodies and others across the G21 region are getting behind a statewide initiative to encourage women to become more physically active.
The local organisations have united as part of the G21 Healthier Eating & Active Living (HEAL) initiative to support VicHealth’s This Girl Can Week between March 23-29.
This Girl Can Week is about encouraging more women to give physical activity a shot, or return to activity after a break.
Women of all ages and fitness levels will be encouraged through offers and opportunities during the week to inspire them to get active and stay active.
That may include trying something new, returning to a long-lost activity or visiting their local activity providers or fitness facilities for a friendly catch-up.
For the G21 region, the week will culminate in a collective event at GMHBA Stadium on March 28 to celebrate the success of the week and motivate women to continue with their physical activity.
Civic leaders, elite athletes, sporting clubs and health or fitness bodies are supporting the week.
HEAL spokesperson and G21 chief executive officer Elaine Carbines said statistics show women in Victoria participate less than men in physical activity and sport.
“Sadly, 41 percent of Victorian women feel too embarrassed to exercise in public, compared to 26 percent of men,” Ms Carbines said.
“Just two out of every five Victorians are sufficiently active. And one in every two Australian women doesn’t exercise enough, with one in five doing no exercise in a typical week.”
Ms Carbines said women across the G21 region will be reminded during ‘This Girl Can Week’ of the value of physical activity for women of all ages.
“Have you been waiting for a sign to get back into being active? This is it!
“Grab a friend and try a new activity this week, with a number of free sessions or activities on offer across our region.
“And when you do give something a go, we’d love it if you let others know all about it by sharing your experiences, photos and sweaty selfies using the #ThisGirlCanVIC hashtag on social media – to help inspire other women too.”
For details of This Girl Can Week activities in Geelong and the wider G21 region, head to thisgirlcan.com.au/events.