Healthy Living - Physical Activity - Physical Activity Programs

Heartmoves Exercise Program

Most people know that regular physical activity is good for your health. But you don't have to exercise at a vigorous level to achieve health benefits. To help, the Heart Foundation has developed a low-to-moderate intensity exercise program called Heartmoves.

About Heartmoves

The Heart Foundation's Heartmoves name lets the public and health professional know that these exercise programs are low to moderate in intensity, have a specially trained and accredited leader, follow safety guidelines and encourage people to start slowly and work safely at their own pace.

Heartmoves programs can come in various forms, from personal programs to group gentle aerobic classes and aqua classes, they can include weights, stretching and balance, T'ai Chi and Yoga elements. Leaders develop their own unique programs, all within the Heartmoves safety guidelines.

Programs are available in fitness and health centres, as well as in community venues such as Registered Clubs, YMCA, PCYC, and community halls. Sessions are moderately priced and can usually be purchased individually as well as a range of memberships, with some centres offering seniors and pensioner discounts.

Heartmoves is a great way of getting back into exercise again, or starting for the first time and the trained leaders will show you how to complete easy and enjoyable exercises which don't strain your body. All sessions are supervised by the trained leaders, and are lots of fun. This is a great way to meet new people and socialise, and this all helps to keep you on track and motivated to keep exercise as a regular part of your life.

Who is Heartmoves for?

These programs are ideal for people who are managing lifelong health conditions such as heart problems and diabetes, arthritis, lung and chest conditions, as well as those with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, overweight, depression, etc.

Programs are specifically designed to be safe for people with these types of health conditions and the trained and accredited leaders operate within a set of safety guidelines. This makes the programs ideal for people after they have completed Cardiac Rehabilitation, Diabetes Education, or other Rehabilitation programs. Medical practitioners and health professionals can access tools, resources and guidelines to assist them in referring appropriate patients into these low to moderate intensity supervised, safe community exercise programs.

Where are programs available?

Heartmoves programs are available in a variety of community venues, within fitness centres, leisure centres, community centres/halls, aquatic centres, clubs, church halls in ACT, NSW, SA, QLD, TAS, VIC and WA.

Accredited exercise leaders operate both within the fitness/exercise industry setting and as outreach leaders in clubs and community venues, aged care and retirement venues.

The Heartmoves home-based video/DVD now provides another opportunity for participation, either alone or in conjunction with a local program delivered by a Heartmoves leader.

Clients can enter directly as a result of industry promotions and from word of mouth, or from referrals from local GPs and Allied Health professionals. All accredited Heartmoves leaders are listed in a centralised database by postcode which can be accessed by the public by calling 1300 36 27 87 or via email.

For information on the location of Heartmoves in your area, please download the following PDF: Download or please contact us via email or call: 1300 36 27 87. Alternatively you can contact your local fitness centre and ask if they have the Heart Foundation's Heartmoves programs.

The Heart Foundation has also developed a DVD of the Heartmoves program. Click here to purchase your copy.