A new club has set its sights on improving the fitness of the region’s students.
University of Wollongong (UOW) Run Club launched in February and wants people to engage in vigorous exercise once a week, regardless of fitness levels.
Wollongong Run Club Vice President Antonia Kairis said the club had attracted 200 members, and included people who had never run for regular exercise.
“The run caters for all paces, there is always going to be someone there with you while you run,” Kairis said.
“That’s the beauty of a run club, you are able to change your running pace based on your ability.
“It’s a great way to meet new people, particularly those international students who usually come alone, whilst exercising at the same time.”
The Australian Bureau of Statistics data from 2022 revealed an increase in the number adults engaging in physical activity compared to 2017. In the data, of people aged 15 years and over, only 18.6% engaged in vigorous consistent exercise.
The 2022 ABS National Health Survey revealed just more than one in five adults aged 18–64 (22.4%) years met the physical activity guidelines, which has seen an increase from one in six in 2017–18 (17.0%).
However, more than three-quarters (77.6%) of adults aged 18-64 failed to meet the guidelines.
Physical activity has long been considered an important contributor to maintaining good overall health.
Inadequate fitness levels have been identified as a risk factor for various health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Osteoporosis, and obesity.
The federal Department of Health and Aged Care has issued physical activity guidelines for individuals aged 18-64 years.
Yellow and Green Simple Drawing Sport Exercise Health Infographic by UOWTV.
The University of Wollongong’s new run club is among hundreds of community-driven run clubs to have popped up across Australia.
“The run club is a great excuse to get outside, seize the day and start your day well,” Kairis said.
Feature Image: Creative Commons