VicHealth’s This Girl Can Week, running September 12 to 18, is all about getting women across Victoria, including those in Hume and Whittlesea, into exercise.
According to VicHealth, one in five Victorian women currently do no physical activity, with 52 per cent of Victorian women anxious about being judged while they work out.
This Girl Can Victoria is now in its fifth year, aiming to help women focus on the positive feelings of being active, rather than worrying about what others think.
VicHealth’s This Girl Can head Rebecca Ahern said the week was an opportunity for women to try something new or get back into getting active after winter.
“We know that women are looking for ways to get out and about after winter and enjoy the social aspects of getting active,” she said.
“This Girl Can Week will allow women the opportunity to connect and try this in new ways.”
The campaign features everyday women from all over the state – models, actors, Instagram influencers and elite athletes are nowhere to be seen.
“There will be plenty of opportunities to get involved this spring,” Ms Ahern said.
“From bite sized fitness classes, yoga, tai chi to Bollywood dance, come along in-person or online and join other women who know ‘This Girl Can’.
“It’s all about celebrating what women can do, whether that’s a walk around the block or a few laps of the pool.”
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the week provided a great health benefits for women taking part in the campaign.
“Getting active empowers women to feel comfortable in their bodies and in public spaces. It inspires women to shift their thinking from worrying about being judged to focusing on how they feel,” Ms Thomas said.
For activities across Victoria, women can visit thisgirlcan.com.au/events and the Facebook page at facebook.com/ThisGirlCanVIC to discover events in their local area.