Yarra Ranges Council is encouraging women to try something new and get active in all their red-faced, sweaty, jiggly glory, with events being held as part of VicHealth’s inaugural This Girl Can Week kicking off on Monday 18 March.
This Girl Can Week (18-24 March 2019) aims to encourage more women to give physical activity a go or return to exercise after a break.
Yarra Ranges Council received VicHealth funding to run activities during This Girl Can Week, including:
- Lillydale Lake running sessions, with groups completing laps of the 2.6km lake
- Older adults exercise sessions, with demonstrations of circuit equipment at the Yarra Glen Recreation Reserve and circuit classes including boxing, battle rope, kettlebells and equipment
- Lilydale mountain bike sessions, with basic skills techniques and drills for riders
- Fitness equipment session at Lillydale Lake
- Body balance class and personal training session at Lillydale Lake, including elements of yoga, tai chi and pilates.
These events are tailored to women and girls who want to get active but aren’t sure about how to take the first step.
Council is calling on local women to get involved with the highly successful campaign which launched in March last year and inspired one in seven Victorian women to get moving in 2018.
The campaign features real Victorian women instead of professional athletes or airbrushed models and is about empowering women to feel comfortable in their bodies and in public spaces – regardless of their ability, how they look or how sweaty they get.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Richard Higgins, said the campaign would give women tools and confidence to get around the traditional barriers to physical activity.
“We know that feeling uncomfortable or having a lack of confidence can be a huge barrier for women participating in sport or physical activity,” Cr Higgins said.
“This Girl Can is about providing a comfortable space and encouragement to help women get back into physical activity, without the fear of judgement that stops so many from having a go.
“Our events will be fun and inclusive and will hopefully help women in our community to take that first, often daunting, step.
“We want to support all women in our community to get active in their community and embrace a healthy lifestyle, no matter their age or ability.
“I’d encourage anyone interested to come along to an event, give it a try and show others in their community that This Girl Can.”
VicHealth Acting CEO Dr Lyn Roberts said This Girl Can Week was about empowering everyday women to get active in their local community without feeling judged.
“We want all women – no matter how sweaty they get, how red their face is or how good they are – to feel comfortable about getting out there and giving physical activity a go. That’s what This Girl Can – Victoria is all about,” Dr Roberts said.
“We want women to know that we get it. Rocking up to a gym class or training session is tough when you don’t know what to expect.
“That’s why the activities during This Girl Can Week will be inclusive, non-judgemental and accessible for women of different ages, body shapes and abilities.
“This Girl Can Week is for all kinds of Victorian women who are all kinds of active. I encourage you to give something a go – you might discover a new favourite hobby.”
This Girl Can events in Yarra Ranges
This Girl Can Week will be held across Victoria from 18-24 March 2019. Women wanting to get involved can visit thisgirlcan.com.au
