Free fitness classes aim to get office workers moving

By Jessica O’Donovan Get City Fit, a community initiative by Perth City Council, is working to fight obesity with fitness classes aimed at CBD office workers. The classes include Yoga, CrossFit, Tai Chi and HoopFit, all held outdoors and run by fitness professionals in the Northbridge Piazza free of charge. “One of the strategies of the City of Perth’s Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2014 – 2016, is to get more people active in the City, because physical activity makes for a happy and healthy community,” says Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi. “Ultimately the events are designed for optimal health, better living conditions, and improved quality of life, and that’s the outcome we want for people living and working in the city.” Rates of weight-related health issues are continuing to rise in Australia, according to the Heart Foundation, with sedentary office workers at a higher risk. Laura Carroll, owner of Northbridge Yoga, runs a free yoga class weekly as part of the Get City Fit initiative. “Getting people active after being sedentary all day – that’s kind of what we are here for. It provides an open space where people can come right after work and move their body,” says Miss Carroll. The classes are open to people of all fitness levels and aim to encourage CBD workers to start or finish their day by being active. “It’s nice to get outdoors when you’re inside all day working. It’s nice to be with friends and the community,” says Perth resident and yoga attendee Emma. “We don’t get to move around a lot at work sitting in an office so it’s great to have the opportunity to get outdoors and get active.” The free Get City Fit classes will be held weekly over summer until April next year. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpJGhAxAEfo&w=640&h=360]