What to know about Ballarat
- Ballarat's urban area was home to 111,973 people at the 2021 Census, and its median age was 38.Source: ABS 2021 Census QuickStats
- By our count of the 2021 Census age rows, about 18.8% of people in the Ballarat urban area were aged 65 or over.Source: ABS 2021 Census QuickStats
- To be eligible for the City of Ballarat's permit for personal training on public land or council facilities, a trainer needs a current workplace level 2 first aid certificate, current public liability and professional indemnity insurance and registration with a recognised peak body association.Source: Australian Business Licence and Information Service, City of Ballarat listing
- The City of Ballarat offers three Seniors Exercise Parks, at Mount Pleasant Reserve, MR Power Park Reserve and Lucas Central Park, and says they are free, inclusive and available all year round.Source: City of Ballarat
- Lake Wendouree has a 6 km walking track.Source: City of Ballarat, Lake Wendouree
Exercise parks made for older residents
The City of Ballarat runs three Seniors Exercise Parks: one at Mount Pleasant Reserve, one at MR Power Park Reserve and one at Lucas Central Park. In the council's words, they are free, inclusive and available all year round.
By our count of the age rows, about 18.8% of people in the Ballarat urban area were 65 or older at the 2021 Census, so these parks have a big audience. If you are getting back into exercise later in life, a trainer can walk you through the equipment at a pace you are happy with, until you feel confident using it on your own.
What the national guidelines suggest
For Australians aged 65 and over, the Department of Health's physical activity recommendations begin with 30 minutes or more of moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity on most days, plus muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week. A short session in one of these parks can count towards that. If you live with a health condition, see your doctor before you take on something new.
Around Lake Wendouree
The City's Lake Wendouree page lists a 6 km walking track at the lake. A stretch of it makes a handy warm-up before an outdoor session, or a way to keep moving between visits from your trainer.
What a trainer needs from the City
Personal training on public land or council facilities in Ballarat takes a permit. The City's permit listing sets the eligibility terms: a current workplace level 2 first aid certificate, current public liability and professional indemnity insurance policies and registration with a recognised peak body association. Asking whether a trainer holds that permit is a simple way to know a park session is above board.
Ballarat's 111,973 residents at the 2021 Census had a median age of 38, so plenty of people starting out here are younger too. Whatever your age, the request form takes a couple of minutes, and we send it to one personal trainer near you.
Before you train in Ballarat
Are the Seniors Exercise Parks free to use?
Yes. The City of Ballarat says its three Seniors Exercise Parks are free, inclusive and open all year round.
Does a trainer need council approval for a session in a Ballarat park?
The City of Ballarat has a permit for personal training on public land or council facilities. Ask your trainer whether they hold one.