Hard slog not the only key to good health

Brisbane residents are embracing low-impact exercise programs as an attractive alternative to traditional gut-busting workouts.

The popularity of low-impact exercise has soared with many Brisbane residents determined not to become a statistic in Australia's burgeoning health crisis attributed to inactivity.

Recreation officer at The University of Queensland, Sasha Emmery said pounding the pavement early on a cold morning holds little appeal for most people.

"The demand for new opportunities and alternatives to traditional workouts has ushered in a new era of exercise for Brisbane's health conscious," Ms Emmery said.

"We are seeing increased popularity in new programs such as our dance classes, the Ballet Workout, belly dancing, holistic health courses with dynamic yoga and the Feldenkrais Method and Martial Arts workouts such as Capoeira and self-defence."

Enrolment numbers in the recreation program at The University of Queensland, which offers a host of low impact exercise programs, have more than doubled since 2001 with more participants reaping the benefits of a healthy mind and body.

Ms Emmery said the courses, run through UQ SPORT on the St Lucia campus, have become more popular within the Brisbane public with many seeking an affordable, structured exercise program.

"More people are becoming drawn to a wide range of programs, which aim to improve fitness levels in a friendly social environment," Ms Emmery said.

"We are seeing significant interest across a complete range of dance, holistic health, martial arts, sports coaching and personal/professional development courses.

"From the popular yoga and pilates courses through to the unique workouts of Capoeira and Chakradance there really is a course out there to suit anyone."

UQ SPORT is staging a free Come n' Try Week through until Friday, August 8, for those interested in having a taste of the many recreation courses on offer.

A full program of courses is available through the UQ SPORT recreation program online at www.uqsport.uq.edu.au

Further information contact: Rowan Foster on 3365 6041 or 0421 976 972 or Sasha Emmery on 3346 9295 or 0401 624 647