Active Ipswich: Exercise and physical activity trends revealed
22 September 2020
Walking is the most popular form of exercise in Ipswich, with an increasing number of adults choosing less formal ways of staying active instead of organised sport.
More than 1,500 residents were surveyed in a recent study to identify trends and participation levels in sport, recreation and physical activities across the city.
It found that 53 per cent of adults take part in some walking activity, while 23 per cent of people enjoyed gym-related activities.
Cycling, running, bushwalking, swimming, yoga and Pilates also made their way into the top 10 physical activities for adults.
Community, Culture, Arts and Sport Committee Chair, Councillor Andrew Fechner, thanked residents for responding to the survey and said the data would help to shape strategic planning decisions.
“We want to thank the public for their great response to the survey which will help Council better understand the different ways the community is keeping active and where we may need to direct our future planning,” Cr Fechner said.
“Council is committed to providing and maintaining facilities and spaces that encourage people to make active choices and which better serve the community’s needs to participate in sport and recreational activities, both now and in the future.”
A lack of time and the expense of sporting activities were the two main factors which prevented people from being physically active.
The report found that adults are increasingly choosing more informal ways of exercising. The three most popular activities were walking, gym workouts and off-road cycling.
Children were more active than adults and were more involved in organised sports.
Soccer and swimming were the two most popular physical activities for young people.
Outdoor recreation was popular, with 66 per cent of people saying they were happy with the number of parks and facilities on offer across Ipswich, while 47 per cent of those surveyed said there were not enough indoor sport and recreation facilities.
Those surveyed said that upgrading walking paths, bike trails and improving bushland management should be the top priorities for council funding.
The outcomes of this report will used to shape policies, strategies and action plans across Council, including the Active Ipswich Strategy and the Children, Young People and Families Policy.