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Chief Executive John Lee Supports Sport For All Day 2024, Encouraging Parent-child Exercise and Fitness.

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Chief Executive John Lee Supports Sport For All Day 2024, Encouraging Parent-child Exercise and Fitness.

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video)

​To promote the message of regular exercising for health, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (August 4) attended the Sport For All Day (SFAD) 2024 held by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) at the Tung Cheong Street Sports Centre, Tai Po, and showed support for the national team and Hong Kong athletes participating in the Paris Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, wishing them success in the upcoming events.

The theme of this year’s event is “Parent-child Exercise for Fun and Fitness”. The LCSD organised parent-child fitness exercises at designated venues to encourage parents to take part in activities with their kids to build up their physical fitness and foster relationships among family members.

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Accompanying Mr Lee to attend the event were the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung; the Acting Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Miss Winnie Chui; the Chairman of the Community Sports Committee (CSC), Professor Patrick Yung; the Vice Chairman of the CSC, Mr Eric Fok; the District Officer (Tai Po), Ms Eunice Chan; karate athlete Tang Yu-hin; and fencing athlete Kaylin Hsieh.

During the event, guests watched a parent-child fitness exercise, e-racing for kids, electronic virtual dodge games, a new sport Kabaddi participation activity, an electronic virtual sports of virtual cross-harbour swimming, and parent-child 3-on-3 basketball. They also paid a visit to the booth of the Festival of Sport organised by the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC) to promote the Olympics sports.

At the same time, to echo the Sport For All Day, 17 Principal Officials also joined the recreation and sports activities held at sports centres in various districts, including the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong;the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Mr Cheung Kwok-kwan;the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai;the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau; the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn; the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin; the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong; the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun; the Acting Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Joseph Chan; the Acting Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Liu Chun-san; the Acting Secretary for Housing, Mr Victor Tai; and the Acting Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong.

Moreover, the LCSD has set up an SFAD activity booth at the “Sport for All Fun Day” of Festival of Sports, which was held by the SF&OC at the Free Space of Kwun Tong Town Centre on August 3 and today, aiming to further enhance public interest in sporting activities. Furthermore, over 10 organisations held free recreation and sports programmes for the public to join in their venues, or open up their facilities for free use today in order to echo the event.

The LCSD has been organising the SFAD in August every year. On the event day, most of the LCSD’s fee-charging facilities are available for free use by members of the public, and various free recreation and sports programmes are offered for public participation at designated venues under the LCSD across the 18 districts. Today, a live webcast of sports demonstrations was also arranged via the event’s dedicated website and the “LCSD Plusss” Facebook page. Members of the public can revisit the videos on the website at www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/sfad .

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The Sport For All Day 2024 is co-organised by the SF&OC; the Department of Health; the Sports Medicine Team of the Chinese University of Hong Kong; the Sports Medicine and Health Science Alumni Association of the Chinese University of Hong Kong; the Physical Fitness Association of Hong Kong, China; and the Sports Association for the Physically Disabled of Hong Kong, China.

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE takes part in Sport For All Day 2024 to encourage public to exercise (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Transport Department monitors refund arrangements by green minibus operator after overcharging of fares

The Transport Department (TD) reported today (August 5) that the New Territories green minibus (GMB) operator which overcharged fares earlier arranged for refund to the affected passengers through various channels from today. The TD will closely monitor the refund arrangements.

GMB routes No. 501A, 501C, 501K and 501S operated by Fully Mint Limited had charged passengers fares higher than the effective fares approved by the TD from May 19 to July 26. The differential ranged from $0.3 to $1 per trip.

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A spokesman for the TD said that the GMB operator and Stored Value Facility operators arranged for refund to the affected passengers from today. Overcharged fares paid by Stored Value Facilities or cash can be refunded in full:

  • Octopus: The overcharged fares can be refunded to the same Octopus card via the mobile application or at any of the 51 Octopus Service Points (including MTR Fanling and Sheung Shui Station) across the territory on or before April 30, 2025. The GMB operator’s staff will also assist affected passengers on refund at the Wo Mun Street Public Light Bus (PLB) Terminus in Luen Wo Hui, Fanling at designated time slots (9am to 1pm; and 6pm to 8pm daily);
  • Alipay and AlipayHK: The overcharged fares have been refunded directly to the relevant accounts of the affected passengers this morning; and
  • Cash: The affected passengers can visit Wo Mun Street PLB Terminus at designated time slots (9am to 1pm; and 6pm to 8pm daily) and collect the overcharged fares in cash on site from the GMB operator’s staff on or before September 4, 2024, after providing their name and contact information, etc.
  • As beneficiaries under the Government Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities were not affected by the overcharging incident, refund is not needed. The GMB operator will reimburse the Government for the overpaid subsidies under the Scheme.

    For enquiries, affected passengers may call the respective hotlines or visit the mobile applications or websites of the operators: Hotline Website Fully Mint Limited 9137 7273 www.ma-minibus.com

    Octopus Cards Limited 2266 2222 www.octopus.com.hk

    Alipay Financial Services (HK) Limited 2245 3201

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    (Hong Kong)

    400 1032826 (Mainland) www.alipayhk.com/en/shoppers/

    Source: AI-generated images

    Source: AI-generated images

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    Fitness

    How Jeremy Clarkson Reset His Health and Fitness at 66 – Walking, Pilates and Trying ‘Not to Die’

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    How Jeremy Clarkson Reset His Health and Fitness at 66 – Walking, Pilates and Trying ‘Not to Die’

    Rewind a decade or so, and Jeremy Clarkson had a particular disdain for exercise, healthy eating and denying himself life’s pleasures. He never worked out, smoked 40 cigarettes a day and, in his own words, drank four pints of wine daily. Now, at 65, his entire outlook on health and longevity has shifted.

    At the heart of Clarkson’s desire to change are his young grandchildren.

    ‘I’m not going to dwell on the joys of being a grandparent because what can be said about it has already been said. But I have decided that it is so wonderful that I want it to go on for as long as is humanly possible. Which means I must do everything in my power not to die,’ he wrote in his column forThe Times.

    And the British TV personality has certainly had a couple of wake-up calls.

    After being admitted to hospital with pneumonia in 2017, Clarkson then suffered what he described as ‘really bad coronary artery problems’ at the end of 2024. Documented in the latest series of Clarkson’s Farm, he experienced a ‘sudden deterioration’ in his health and needed a stent fitted to restore proper blood flow.

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    Why Clarkson Finally Started Taking His Health Seriously

    Since then, he has taken up reformer Pilates, had a pickleball court installed at his Oxfordshire home and started going for walks when the weather is just right.

    ‘Eventually, I decided that organised, indoor exercise was not for me and decided instead to do walking. Not when it’s raining obviously. Or if it’s too cold, or hot. And not if I’m busy. But on a reasonably temperate Sunday morning, I’d get out there and pootle along,’ he wrote.

    ‘So far I’ve relied on luck to keep me alive. But I’m in sniper’s alley right now and I have to work at dodging the bullets. Two years ago, I saw old age as a wearisome tangle of tubes and knee-replacement surgery. Now though, thanks to my grandchildren, I’m actively looking forward to it.’

    Clarkson’s comments highlight just how much his attitude to ageing has changed.

    ‘I’m buying time. It hurts and it’s expensive. But it’s better than wasting your money on a new watch.’

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    The Diet Changes Behind Clarkson’s 3-Stone Weight Loss

    Diet has also become a key part of his health overhaul.

    He now eats burgers wrapped in lettuce rather than buns and opts for alcohol-free versions of his Hawkstone beer. Underpinning much of that change has been a microdose of the GLP-1 medication Mounjaro, which Clarkson credits with helping him lose more than three stone in six months by suppressing his appetite – although he admits he doesn’t particularly enjoy the experience.

    ‘When you are on Muntjac [his name for Mounjaro] you can come down in the morning and idly help yourself to a small handful of sunflower seeds,’ Clarkson said. ‘And it’ll feel like you’ve just finished a massive Christmas lunch. You’re stuffed.

    ‘So you find yourself living a minibar existence. Tiny packets of milk, sachets with only three grains of sugar in them, vodka in thimbles. That’s not living, though. That’s existing.’


    If there’s one thing Kori Sampson knows, it’s how to optimise your body composition for performance. To tap into his knowledge as an elite athlete and coach, we asked him to create a 4-week plan to help you move faster, recover quicker and keep pushing when the fatigue sets in – all while improving your muscle-to-fat ratio.

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    Ready to build muscle, burn fat and come out the other side looking, feeling and performing better? Click here to get 14 days of free access to the plan via the Men’s Health app.


    Headshot of Ryan Dabbs

    Ryan is a Senior Writer at Men’s Health UK with a passion for storytelling, health and fitness. Having graduated from Cardiff University in 2020, and later obtaining his NCTJ qualification, Ryan started his career as a Trainee News Writer for sports titles Golf Monthly, Cycling Weekly and Rugby World before progressing to Staff Writer and subsequently Senior Writer with football magazine FourFourTwo.

    During his two-and-a-half years there he wrote news stories for the website and features for the magazine, while he also interviewed names such as Les Ferdinand, Ally McCoist, Jamie Redknapp and Antonio Rudiger, among many others. His standout memory, though, came when getting the opportunity to speak to then-Plymouth Argyle manager Steven Schumacher as the club won League One in 2023.

    Having grown up a keen footballer and playing for his boyhood side until the age of 16, Ryan got the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland national futsal team eight times, scoring three goals against England, Scotland and Gibraltar. Now past his peak, Ryan prefers to mix weightlifting with running – he achieved a marathon PB of 3:31:49 at Manchester in April 2025, but credits the heat for failing to get below the coveted 3:30 mark…

    You can follow Ryan on Instagram or on X  

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    Fitness

    Fitness coach debunks 8 ‘crazy’ exercise myths women still believe: From periods and workouts to weightlifting

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    Fitness coach debunks 8 ‘crazy’ exercise myths women still believe: From periods and workouts to weightlifting

    Despite growing awareness around fitness and women’s health, several outdated exercise myths continue to persist. From misconceptions about strength training to beliefs surrounding periods, pregnancy and weight loss, many women still receive advice that isn’t backed by science. These myths can not only slow progress but also discourage women from prioritising their health and fitness. (Also read: Can eating too much protein be harmful? Experts explain why excess intake may do more harm than good )

    Fitness coach debunks 8 harmful fitness myths women still face. (Pexels )

    Fitness coach Zoe recently addressed some of the most common misconceptions women continue to hear in a June 12 Instagram post titled, “craziest exercise myths women still hear.” Here’s what she had to say:

    1. Periods mean complete bed rest

    According to Zoe, menstruation does not mean you need to stop exercising altogether. “No. You can train. Just adjust intensity if needed,” she wrote, explaining that while energy levels may fluctuate during different phases of the menstrual cycle, movement and exercise can still be beneficial.

    2. After marriage or kids, fitness is not important

    Many women are often made to feel that fitness should take a back seat after major life changes such as marriage or motherhood. Zoe strongly disagrees. “That is exactly when it becomes more important,” she said, highlighting the need to maintain strength, mobility and overall health while navigating increased responsibilities.

    3. A C-section means your core is gone forever

    Recovering from a Caesarean delivery can be challenging, but Zoe says it doesn’t mean women should give up on rebuilding strength. “Wrong. It means you need rebuilding, not giving up,” she wrote, emphasising that gradual rehabilitation and proper training can help restore core function.

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    4. Walking around the house is enough exercise

    While daily movement is important, Zoe points out that it isn’t the same as a structured workout. “No. That is movement, not full training,” she explained, noting that a balanced fitness routine should include strength, mobility and cardiovascular exercises.

    5. Sweating more means more fat loss

    Many people associate excessive sweating with effective fat burning, but Zoe says that’s a common misunderstanding. “No. It means you are hot,” she wrote. Sweat is the body’s cooling mechanism and does not necessarily reflect the number of calories burned or fat lost.

    6. Running will ruin your uterus, boobs or joints

    This long-standing myth often discourages women from running or high-impact activities. “No. Poor preparation and weak support is the issue,” Zoe said, stressing the importance of proper training, supportive gear and gradually building endurance.

    7. Women should only do yoga, not weights

    Strength training is still viewed by some as a male-dominated form of exercise, but Zoe believes women benefit greatly from lifting weights. “Women need strength too,” she wrote, highlighting how resistance training supports muscle mass, bone health, metabolism and overall fitness.

    8. Carbs at night make you fat

    Carbohydrates often get unfairly blamed for weight gain, especially when eaten in the evening. “No. Overeating does,” Zoe explained, pointing out that overall calorie intake and dietary patterns matter far more than the timing of carbohydrate consumption.

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    Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

    This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

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    Fitness

    As cost of living bites, one of the things slipping may be fitness goals

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    As cost of living bites, one of the things slipping may be fitness goals

    For Hobart teacher Mary Holton, health means everything. 

    She started feeling the squeeze from cost-of-living pressures when fuel prices spiked again.

    “Going out for just fitness alone was a bit much,”

    she said.

    Mary Holton says since joining the group, her fitness across the board has improved. (ABC News: Jake Grant)

    Many Tasmanians are feeling cost-of-living pressures in a very physical way, with locals saying exercise routines are being dropped, health appointments delayed and wellbeing pushed to the bottom of the list as budgets tighten.

    Ms Holton relies on multiple physiotherapy sessions each week, but says paid fitness classes simply are not an option.

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    That costs … so to actually go to other classes as well, it’s out of my budget really.

    People working out in a community hall.

    Ollie Mathewson conducts a free workout session. (ABC News: Jake Grant)

    National data shows that almost half of Australians already fall short of minimum physical activity guidelines, and rising prices are making even basic care unaffordable for many.

    Consultant clinical psychologist academic Kimberley Norris says this is exactly how unhealthy patterns begin.

    “We tend to focus on the most stressful thing first … and health is one of those things we don’t think about until things go wrong,”

    Professor Norris said.

    Woman standing at the end of a corridor.

    Kimberley Norris says humans tend to focus on alleviating stress first and foremost, and warns de-prioritising health can become a cycle. (ABC News: Jake Grant)

    For Ms Holton, going to a free workout group in her local community was a game-changer.

    “Came down and absolutely loved it. It’s really nice to have a group and it just keeps growing,” she said.

    Finding a free exercise group has drastically improved her health, as noted by her GP, and she is part of a growing trend.

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    Free exercise classes become a lifeline

    At a community exercise class in South Arm, south-east of Hobart, the mood is upbeat, with laughter, movement, and a sense of relief. 

    Participation has more than doubled in the past year, with more than 100 Tasmanians now involved.

    Trainer Ollie Mathewson said the surge was unmistakable.

    “It’s free of charge for everybody … and over the last 12 months I’ve noticed a lot more people starting to come along,”

    he said.

    Man standing in front of a playground.

    Ollie Mathewson says attendance at his classes has almost doubled over the past year. (ABC News: Jake Grant)

    Across greater Hobart, free and low-cost alternatives are multiplying and include walking groups, community-run circuits, and morning and afternoon fitness meet-ups. 

    Tasmanians are increasingly organising their own solutions.

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    Mr Mathewson said connections drive outcomes.

    A lot of people talk about weight and strength, which are obviously insanely important, having other people there to push you single every week makes it a hundred times easier.

    Professor Norris said one’s health can be prioritised for free.

    “What we know about health is, it’s more about sustainable wellbeing, it’s about quality of life,” she said.

    “So rather than focusing on how much you can deadlift, how far you can run, it’s about how your life has improved and how close your life is to the way you want to live it.”

    She said free options were vital because once people stop moving, it becomes harder to start again.

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    If we develop routines in which health is not a priority, then we almost get stuck in this cycle of health always being last.

    Health appointments being delayed or dropped

    For some Tasmanians, the financial pressure is forcing even tougher choices.

    Woman standing in front of a brick wall leading to a dock full of boats.

    Amy Dakin says she can’t even think about getting a gym membership with all the other costs of living on her mind. (ABC News: Jake Grant)

    Amy Dakin, who lives with a compromised immune system, often has no choice but to delay essential care.

    “My health needs to be prioritised, but your bills come first, really,” she said.

    Woman standing in front of a carpark.

    Jordyn Rowbottom says she’s not the only one changing her hobbies to save on costs. (ABC News: Jake Grant)

    Jordyn Rowbottom has seen the same pattern around her.

    “People are being forced to cut what they can access,”

    she said.

    Professor Norris warns that these short-term decisions can create long-term harm, not just for individuals, but for the broader health system.

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    She said the combination of financial pressure and reduced physical activity would create a public health challenge.

    Trainers adapting to shrinking budgets

    Personal trainer Nickola Orr works with clients across different income levels, ages and needs. 

    She said affordability now shapes almost every program she designs.

    “You want to make sure they can get as much help as they can within their price range,”

    she said.

    GYM

    Nickola Orr is concerned about access to fitness and health services in the face of rising cost pressures. (ABC News: Jake Grant)

    With the median individual spend on fitness in Tasmania sitting at almost $600 last year, Ms Orr said the warning signs were already visible.

    “We’re going to see more results of long-term neglect; higher injuries, more need for mental health assistance. It’s going to snowball.”

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    Her concerns echo Professor Norris’s academic findings that once healthy routines break down, the consequences ripple for years.

    “The changes are very small … while they add up over time, there is no immediate impact,”

    Ms Orr said.

    Calls for more free and low-cost options

    Mr Mathewson hopes the success of free community classes will inspire governments and private operators to expand accessible fitness programs.

    “More free options would be a great thing. There are a few now, but there should be more,” he said.

    The Tasmanian government has said it will release its 20-year preventive health strategy this month, titled The Health Revolution.

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    A Department of Health spokesperson said the strategy “will address the broader social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health and wellbeing”.

    “Specific issues about access to health services and programs are being considered through the Access to Health Services project, a Commonwealth-State partnership.

    The Health Revolution will complement that project by addressing the root causes of poor health and the underlying conditions to make it easier for Tasmanians to live well.

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