Benefits of exercise

People associate exercise with the well-known health benefits that are taught to us even at a young age. However the benefits of exercise don’t stop with direct health benefits. This article focuses on the other associated benefits of exercise highlighted in a VicHealth research summary into participation in physical activity.

Health Benefits: the health benefits of physical activity are well recognised and include increased life expectancy, physical fitness, energy, mental health, cognitive functioning and social connectedness.

Psychosocial health impacts: There is evidence that physical activity can make a significant contribution to preventing depression, reducing stress and anxiety and improving moods.

Community health impacts: Participation in physical activity can provide opportunities for social interaction and reduce isolation and exclusion though strengthening relationships, building cohesive communities and enhancing our access to safe and supportive environments.

Economic impacts: By reducing physical inactivity by as little as 5 per cent in the Australian population there would be significant savings to expenses in the health sector, increases in overall productivity and reduced mortality.

The rise of futsal     

Futsal is a sport that is increasing in prominence not only in Melbourne but across the whole of Australia. This trend is on the back of the increase in popularity of soccer and an improving A League competition that is starting to attract numerous household names.

Some of the major differences between soccer and futsal include: Futsal is played between two teams of five players each, one of whom is the goalkeeper. Unlimited substitutions are permitted which allows for a fast paced style of game. Futsal is also played with a smaller ball with less bounce than a regular football. The surface, ball and rules create an emphasis on improvisation, creativity and technique as well as ball control and passing in small spaces.

These differences have allowed the shortened format of soccer to explode in popularity. Active Melbourne City Sports offers three futsal competitions within the CBD including Docklands Sports Courts, Flagstaff Gardens and MSAC.

Over these three venues are five different competitions across a variety of grades.  Visit http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/amcs for more information.
 

Fitness in the Square

Fitness in the Square is a fantastic community event which provides free Zumba classes at Federation Square. These classes will be held on April 3, 10, 17 and 24 during lunchtime from 1pm to 1.45pm. These sessions are led by a qualified Zumba instructor and are guaranteed to provide a refreshing way to break up your working week.  

The Zumba revelation that has spread worldwide is due to the fact that Zumba is an exercise class that anyone can enjoy regardless of prior experience, age or fitness levels. Zumba can be described as a program that fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy to follow moves to create a one of a kind fitness program.

To register for event information and updates please visit http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/amcs or email [email protected] for any assistance.