Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

CQUniversity and Health and Wellbeing Queensland deliver 10,000 Steps program to boost physical activity

CQUniversity and Health and Wellbeing Queensland deliver 10,000 Steps program to boost physical activity
May 14, 2020

CQUniversity's 10,000 Steps program, led by Professor Corneel Vandelanotte, and Health and Wellbeing Queensland have joined forces encouraging Queenslanders to take on 'The Billion Steps Challenge' to boost physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Support from community leaders has seen the challenge already achieve over 270 million steps in as little as 11 days.

The initiative has strong support from Queensland Premier Anastasia Palaszczuk and was officially launched in Brisbane on 2nd May by Queensland Minister for Health Steven Miles and Queensland Minister for Sport and Recreation Mick de Brenni.

Prof Vandelanotte advises “we are proud that CQUniversity has been funded by the Queensland Government to deliver the free 10,000 Steps program for nearly 20 years, and I’m keen to help promote the latest challenge for the good of all Queenslanders.”

Others supporting the Billion Steps Challenge include former Australian Cricket Captain Jodie Fields and Health and Wellbeing Queensland (HWQld) Chief Executive Robyn Littlewood.

Fields, the first Queenslander to captain the Australian Women’s Cricket team, has stepped up as an Ambassador for The Billion Steps Challenge – part of the Boost your Healthy initiative led by Queensland’s new health promotion agency HWQld.

Some of Queensland’s favourite community programs are partnering with HWQld to roll out a series of Boost your Healthy challenges over the coming weeks, and the first is the Billion Steps Challenge in partnership with the 10,000 Steps program.

Fields said staying physically and mentally healthy during this time was important for all Queenslanders, including for her sporting peers who currently had competitions on hold.

“The opportunity to show Queenslanders that there are still some great ways to stay active right now, even simply challenging yourself to a walk, is why I’ve put my hand up to be an ambassador for The Billion Steps Challenge. Now more than ever we need to keep moving so, whether you’re walking or wheeling, join me and let’s boost to a billion steps together.”

Prof Littlewood adds “Queenslanders have already taken more than 270 million steps towards The Billion Steps Challenge since we launched on Saturday 2nd May. So far residents from across 300 postcodes are logging their steps and we would love to see this grow and reach every region within our State.

“This is an incredible effort by Queenslanders and a demonstration of what we can achieve by starting with a step.”

Prof Vandelanotte explained that regular physical activity was important now more than ever noting “there is overwhelming evidence that regular physical activity improves mood, happiness, and quality of life, as well as reducing feelings of anxiety, stress, negativity and depression.

“A step is a very simple and effective unit of activity. Steps make it easy to set goals and see if you have met them.

“And best of all: there is overwhelming evidence for the health benefits of taking more steps.”

Prof Vandelanotte said social support was an important part of being active, and while this was being challenged by the measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is still possible to be physically active within social contexts through web-based and app-based programs that can connect people online.

“The perfect example would be how our Queensland 10,000 Steps participants are coming together as one team to work towards a common goal in The Billion Steps Challenge.”

For details on The Billion Steps Challenge and to see what other challenges are coming up visit: www.hw.qld.gov.au/boostyourhealthy .

For more information on the 10,000 Steps program go to https://www.10000steps.org.au .

Related Articles

13th May 2020 - Life Fitness helps guide safe reopenings of fitness and wellness centres

8th May 2020 - Fitness Australia welcomes Federal Government’s Coronavirus relaxations that focus on importance of exercise

8th April 2020 - CQUniversity research looks at whether wearables could help early detection of Coronavirus

7th May 2020 - ExerciseNZ advises Parliament on fitness during alert level two

6th May 2020 - Fitness Australia survey finds Australians keen to renew gym memberships

4th May 2020 - Fitness and wellness Industry organisations publish reopening guidance

1st May 2020 - Fitness Australia report shows massive impact of Coronavirus closures on the industry

28th April 2020 - Facing up to the Fitness Industry’s post lockdown challenges

24th April 2019 - 10,000 Steps program continues to deliver positive wellness outcomes

10th October 2018 - Facility operators need to revise emergency plans to cater for cardiac arrest incidents

2nd November 2017 - CQUniversity risk management expert warns of dangerous sports supplement promotions

26th May 2015 - Queensland Government backs 10,000 Steps wellness initiative


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

 

Links Modular Solutions

Links Modular Solutions was a leading provider of high-quality, innovative software solutions for aquatic and recreation facilities. Links Modular Solutions is now part of Xplor Technologies.

read more

Access / Billing / Finance / Fitness / Technology

 
 

Clubworx

Switch to smarter fitness management software with Clubworx based in Australia that enables fitness businesses to start or grow their business with ease. - all in one place from anywhere in the…

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Technology / Wellness

 
 

Aussie Strength

Commercial gym equipment supplier Aussie Strength was wound up at the end of 2022.    .aussie p { padding:20px; }

read more

Fitness / Technology / Wellness

 
 

Altitude Training Systems

ATS are global leaders in altitude training and research. From mask systems and inflatable tents to simulated altitude facilities, we help all athletes gain the competitive edge. Our…

read more

Fitness / Sport / Technology

 
 

WATERPLAY Solutions Corp

Whether your goal is increasing your centre's revenues or creating an engaging environment, why not add play to your project? If you're looking for stylish aquatic play features, kid-tested…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Play / Recreation / Waterparks

 
 

AIS Water

AIS Water, the trading name of Australian Innovative Systems, is a multi-award winning, Australian owned leader in the design, production and supply of commercial and residential chlorine generators…

read more

Aquatics / Safety / Technology

 
 

Pricemark Pty Ltd

Pricemark supplies a wide range of custom branded membership & RFID access products for the Health & Leisure Industry. 

read more

Access

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business