Q & A on Heartmoves for Local Government Areas
What is Heartmoves?
Heart Foundation Heartmoves is a gentle group exercise program suitable for anyone who hasn't done any exercise in a while. It is offered on a continuous basis, i.e. it is not time limited to a, for example, 6 -10 week program. Participants can exercise at their own pace in a friendly atmosphere either in a fitness centre or a community environment. Heartmoves is open to everyone and is designed to be safe for people with stable long term health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or obesity, or for those who have not exercised for a while and want a low impact approach to getting fit. Options for exercising while seated in a chair are also a component of these classes.
The Heart Foundation trains health and fitness professionals in a Heartmoves training program consisting of an online theory module and a 2-day practical workshop, so that they can then provide Heartmoves classes to the community. The course is accredited with five peak health and fitness associations and the focus of this training is on providing exercise professionals with strategies on how to deliver safe, low-to-moderate intensity physical activity programs to those who may not have exercised in a long time. In a word, Heartmoves classes are 'lycra-free'.
Taking part in regular Heartmoves sessions can help participants:
• Lower blood pressure
• Improve cholesterol levels
• Manage weight
• Improve well being and quality of life
• Manage diabetes
• Improve balance and flexibility
• Improve sleep
• Improve bone mineral density with arthritis management
• Prevent falls and injuries from falls
• Provide an opportunity to build new friendships and a sense of connection
Is there financial assistance available to help us launch Heartmoves programs in our community?
Thanks to Australian Government funding, the Heart Foundation can provide a limited number of training scholarships to health professionals or fitness leaders to establish Heartmoves programs in the local government areas (LGAs) included in the pilot program (listed below) and those given funding as part of Phase 2 of the project (download the listing here). If you live or work within any of the LGAs or believe you are in a position to service these communities, we would like to hear from you.
• City of Palmerston, NT
• Canberra, ACT
• Cradle Coast Authority, TAS
• City of Playford, SA
• Shire of Derby/West Kimberley, WA
• City of Wanneroo, WA
• Hume City Council, VIC
• Central Goldfields Shire, VIC
• Fairfield City Council, NSW
• Narrandera Shire Council, NSW
• Whitsunday Regional Council, QLD
• Maranoa Regional Council, QLD
For more information about the training scholarship please contact Melanie Ward, Heartmoves Business Manager on 02 9219 2461 or email melanie.ward@heartfoundation.org.au
What is the cost of a Heartmoves class to the consumer?
Heartmoves classes around the country are generally pay as you go and prices will vary from $5.00 - $12.00 per class depending on the location and business type, and the Heartmoves leaders' expenses.
What is the cost to the LGA of setting up Heartmoves programs in our community?
Heartmoves asks each LGA to support the establishment of the programs in their community. There are a number of ways the LGA can provide support, including the following:
- Subsidised venues, participant costs, Heartmoves Leaders wages etc
- Contributing to the costs of Heartmoves Leaders' training, travel expenses, licence fees etc
- Providing advertising support in local newspapers
- Providing marketing material support to promote Heartmoves programs in the LGA
A lot of detailed information, including a short video presentation of a Heartmoves class, can be found on this website.
Are there some examples of how LGAs are supporting Heartmoves programs in their local area?
Yes. For example, Blacktown Aquatic Centre has been running Heartmoves as one of its most successful programs since 2004. The Centre has 7 sessions during the week, and is aiming to increase this due to demand. They have a number of leaders trained and an ongoing commitment to Heartmoves. For more examples, please read the case studies on the website.
Who should I contact for more information?
Melanie Ward, Heartmoves Business Manager on 02 9219 2461 or email melanie.ward@heartfoundation.org.au