By Callan Date
A LOCAL fitness expert has slammed Australia’s rate of obesity and called on Casey residents to make the most of leisure facilities in the municipality.
Casey Aquatic and Recreation Centre (ARC) manager and YMCA official Simon Beqir has outlined the array of fitness opportunities the local community can make use of in the City of Casey.
Mr Beqir said there were five YMCA recreational facilities and many more managed by independent operators in Casey.
He said it was outrageous that the obesity issue in Australia had become so dire.
“We tend to think of disadvantage in social, economic or cultural terms, but maybe we need to extend our definition to include obesity, so that we can truly embrace just how serious this is,” he said.
“But first we need to stop the individual blame game and look to environmental solutions at a local level.
“As a local community we can support local activity groups, advocate for play areas, safe walking tracks and bike paths.
“We can insist on healthy food choices at schools and sporting clubs and most importantly build strong role models for tomorrow’s adults.”
Cranbourne Indoor Pool centre manager Chris Hargreaves said several fitness programs had proved popular at the complex.
“In our Family Fitness Classes, we have in the past had grandparents exercising with their grandchildren and on occasions have had three generations exercising together,” Mr Hargreaves said.
“This is really exciting for us as we always encourage a healthy opportunity for families to engage with each other and other families while combining gentle exercise.”
Mr Beqir said Fountain Gate’s Casey ARC had several different programs for various fitness levels.
“We have long recognised the seriousness of obesity and removed some of these barriers to good health by providing greater access to those identified as being at greatest risk of poor health outcomes, due to either their low-income status, cultural backgrounds or disability, through YMCA Open Doors,” he said.
