Find Your Motivation

17 Mar, 2016 Last updated: 21 Jun, 2017

We're helping women across Victoria to find their motivation and rediscover how good it feels to get active.

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Getting active doesn't have to be difficult, but getting motivated can be hard. In fact, more than two thirds of Australian women are classified as being sedentary or having low levels of exercise, yet women demonstrate the strongest intent to increase levels of physical activity and are seeking out social and non-organised sport and physical activities.

That’s why at VicHealth, we've launched the #FindYourMotivation campaign to help Victorian women like you get started and rediscover how good it feels to get active. We've also partnered with six sporting organisations to help spread the word and get you inspired to get active.

When physical activity is fun and social, it is much easier to stay on track. You can meet new people, feel good and set a great example for your friends, family and the community.

By getting together with a friend for a walk, or by joining a team in your local community, your chances of staying motivated and sticking with the activity are much higher.

Finding new ways to get active is easier than you think, and there are flexible options around the state.

Sport

Sport is a fantastic way to stay active. Many people find sports and group activities social, fun and easier to continue. Joining a group activity can make it easier to catch up with friends, as well as make new friends and learn new skills. Why not join a club with a friend?

Sport doesn’t have to be all about competition, rules or memberships. It can be about finding something to do that helps you move and become more active

Our Changing the Game initiative, launched last year, directly addresses the issue of female participation by providing innovative and non-traditional activities that focus on making physical activity fun, flexible and social.

Have a flick through this handy A-Z index of State Sporting Associations
If you’re involved in a local sports club in rural or regional Victoria, find support, information and training and development opportunities through Regional Sports Assemblies
Discover accessible, inclusive sport and recreation through Disability Sport and Recreation and Disability Sport Victoria
Get the lowdown on all cycling events and programs in Victorian through Bicycle Network
Get involved in local community programs through Centre for Multicultural Youth

Active travel

Active travel is about choosing a convenient way to work activity into your daily routine. Plan on doing something once a week to get started.

Taking some refreshing time away from your desk and going for a walk at lunch is a great way to get moving, and taking a scenic walk home can relieve the stresses of the day.

And don’t forget part way is okay. Hop off the tram one stop early and walk the rest of the way home, or park a block away from the train station and stretch your legs.

Walking or cycling with your kids to or from school shows them the importance of an active lifestyle, and gives you valuable time to bond among the hustle and bustle of the school rush.

Find a walking group near you through the Heart Foundation
Have a look at these handy walking maps from Victoria Walks
Easily incorporate walking into your work day with Smart Steps for Business
Walking with young children? See these family-friendly walks from Victoria Walks
Bicycle Network Victoria provides tips for getting around town on a bike
Check out these cycling and walking maps from VicRoads
A great option for short trips across the city is Melbourne Bike Share

Your local community

There are heaps of opportunities to get active in your local community. And we’re here to help you find them.

Choose an activity that interests you and conveniently fits with your lifestyle. Whether it’s tending to a community garden or getting involved in the arts. You may end up meeting new people and contributing to your community in ways you never thought possible.

Check out some day to day tips for keeping fit and healthy through the Better Health Channel
YMCA has health and wellness programs across the state
Get involved in the Premiers Active April
Find out what’s happening locally through Know your council
Explore Victoria’s National Parks
Check out art activities for everybody with Arts Access
Combine physical activity and arts with Active Arts, through Arts Centre Melbourne
Have some serious fun with Circus Oz
Women’s Circus offers performance and training programs for women of all ages
Explore The Australian Ballet
See your active self in a new light with No Lights No Lycra
Visit The Squeaky Wheel to find out more about bike riding as a mainstream transport choice
Chunky Move is a contemporary dance company based in Melbourne
For more information on dance, check out Ausdance Vic
National Institute of Circus Arts is a training institute offering programs and courses