Thursday, 16 February 2017

Gippsland is warming up again to embrace the Premier’s Active April challenge to improve health and fitness.

Harriet Shing, Member for Eastern Victoria Region today called on everyone in Gippsland to register for Active April 2017.

Last year more than 104,000 people of all fitness levels made a pledge to do 30 minutes of physical activity each day in April, and enter the race for some great prizes.

Of these registrations, 60 per cent were women. This domination is tipped to continue with the record numbers of women and girls expected to sign up to get involved at grassroots clubs.

In 2016, 4,817 people in Gippsland signed up to Active April. Women and girls are being urged to continue the charge and out-do the men and boys.

It is also a landmark year for women’s sport with the inaugural AFL women’s league now underway.

Recent research shows Victorian women are now starting to outperform men when it comes to keeping active. That’s a big turnaround on traditional trends. The latest research reveals 61 per cent of women are exercising at least three times a week compared to 57 per cent of men. Of course we want men to continue to raise their game too!

Getting involved in Active April can be as simple as taking a regular walk, riding to school or work, exercising during your lunch break, getting out in the garden or joining a local sports club or leisure centre.

People can sign up as an individual or you can get your friends, family or work colleagues together to form a team. Last year saw nearly 11,000 teams join and motivate each other to stay active.

In 2017, there is a new mobile app that gives participants the chance to log their physical activity, time spent exercising, and allows groups to track and compare their progress.

Throughout Gippsland there will be a range of local events and activities where people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can join in and at the same time do their 30 minutes of activity.

To register visit www.activeapril.vic.gov.au or join us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Registrations are open until April 30.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region Harriet Shing MP:

“Active April is a fun and free way to get more active and healthy, and to start good habits for a lifetime of better health and wellbeing – there are also some great special offers and prizes to spur people on.”

“By committing to just 30 minutes of exercise a day for 30 days, you can make positive and lasting lifestyle changes and develop new healthy habits.”

“Our newest female sporting champions are inspiring us all and improved facilities and programs for women and girls around Gippsland have seen girls and women’s sport go from strength to strength.”