Health & Wellbeing Blog
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Get Active for Less: The Changes Proposed to Make Fitness More Affordable in Australia
With the cost of living biting hard, getting active can feel like the last thing you can afford. But a bold new proposal from Australia's peak fitness body could be about to change that — with $500 family vouchers for gyms and studios, tax-free gym perks through your employer, and even the ability to get a referral to a personal trainer from your GP. Here's what's on the table in the 2026 Federal Budget — and why it matters for every Australian trying to get moving.
Can an E-Bike Be the Key to Your Fitness Journey?
If you’ve ever felt that traditional cycling was too demanding or that injuries were holding you back from staying active, you aren’t alone. A recent qualitative study on the NZ HIKO e-bike programme highlights how electric bikes are acting as a powerful "circuit breaker" for inactivity. By reducing the physical strain on joints and making hills manageable, e-bikes are helping people manage chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes and arthritis while providing a significant boost to mental wellbeing. Discover how this "power-assisted" movement is making fitness more inclusive, social, and achievable for Australians of all fitness levels.
Stronger Together: Why Social Connection is the Secret Ingredient to Staying Active
New research reveals that for older adults, physical health and social circles are two sides of the same coin—offering a powerful strategy to fight loneliness while staying fit. Recent findings suggest that treating strong social networks and physical activity as "inextricably linked" can dramatically improve well-being, yet nearly 57% of Australians over 65 still struggle to meet daily activity guidelines. From the motivating power of a local walking group to the "social glue" of community events, discover why finding your community is the most effective medicine for a healthier, more connected lifestyle.
The Resolution Trap: Why ‘All-or-Nothing’ is the Enemy of Consistency
The "New Year, New Me" energy is a powerful motivator, but it often comes with a hidden trap: the all-or-nothing mindset. Many of us start January with rigid fitness resolutions, believing that if we can't commit to a full hour at the gym or a high-intensity session, it’s not worth doing at all. However, groundbreaking research reveals that this psychological rigidity is exactly why most resolutions fail by February. To make 2026 the year your fitness goals actually stick, you need to swap "perfection" for "flexibility." From embracing micro-workouts to finding accountability in local community sports groups, learn how to reframe your thinking and stay active for the long haul—even when life gets in the way.
More Than Just a Walk: How Outdoor Groups Build Community for CALD Women
Beyond the physical benefits of exercise, getting outdoors provides a vital pathway for social connection and cultural exchange. Drawing on the 2025 SAFE research by RMIT University, we explore how community-led outdoor groups are helping women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds overcome barriers to participation. From reducing isolation to building leadership skills, discover how inclusive sports and nature-based activities are redefining what it means to belong in the Australian outdoors and how local clubs can create more welcoming spaces for everyone.
Keeping Teen Girls in the Game: Is Australia Facing a ‘Grand Décrochage’?
A major study from France has highlighted a concerning phenomenon known as the "grand décrochage"—the great drop-out of teenage girls from organised sport. As the pressure of exams, social media, and body image mounts, many girls are hanging up their boots before they even reach adulthood. But is this just a European trend, or is the same thing happening in our local communities?
Dive into Summer: Score Free Pool Entry with the Banana Swim Pass
Looking for a way to beat the summer heat without spending a cent? This Wednesday, 21 January, your morning snack becomes your ticket to the pool. Australian Bananas has teamed up with Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus for the "Banana Swim Pass"—a nationwide event where a single banana gets you free entry to over 70 aquatic centres across Australia. Whether you’re planning a fun family day out during the school holidays or looking to squeeze in some laps for your fitness goals, we’ve got all the details on how it works and where you can dive in.
From Team Sports to Pickleball: How Our Relationship with Sport Changes Over a Lifetime
Sport in Australia is constantly evolving, and the way we stay active looks different at every stage of life. From childhood swimming lessons to the rise of casual fitness and social sports, new data from the latest AusPlay “Lifelong Involvement in Sport” report highlights how our habits, motivations and barriers change over time. The findings reveal why participation peaks in primary school, why so many teens step away from competitive sport, and how adults increasingly turn to flexible options like running, gym workouts and emerging sports such as pickleball.
Melbourne's Free Outdoor Fitness Program is Back!
Melbourne's best-kept fitness secret is out! The City of Melbourne is rolling out a huge schedule of 'Free Fitness in the Park' classes this season, covering everything from calming Tai Chi and Yoga to high-energy Boxing and Zumba. This brilliant initiative removes the cost barrier and brings qualified instructors to beautiful park locations across the city. It’s the perfect way to ditch the expensive gym, get fit for free, and connect with your local community under the Aussie sun.
Stop the Sprawl: Why Combining Activity and Diet Beats Harmful Belly Fat
New research reveals that tackling weight gain, especially that stubborn belly fat linked to serious health risks, requires a combined approach: moving more and eating better. Discover why focusing on both diet quality and physical activity is your best defence against visceral fat accumulation.
Looking to get active?
Here is a few options to explore:
Find local sports and fitness options, free and paid, such as social groups, organisers, coaches and trainers
Explore our venues directory to find local sports venues and gyms
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