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Active recreation is leisure time physical activity undertaken outside of structured, competition sport. It is a set of activities within the wider range of physical activity options that also include active living, active transport and sport.
Victorians participate in almost 775 million hours of exercise, recreation and sporting activities each year.
Significantly, 80 per cent of this time is classified as active recreation.
Changes in society mean that people are increasingly time constrained, and although they are more health conscious, they are now more likely to choose flexible options that fit their busy schedules and allow for personal goals and definitions of success, rather than the traditional structured time and place requirements of organised sport.
The most popular physical activities are predominantly individual exercise activities:
- walking
- gym workouts
- cycling
- running/jogging
- aerobics/exercising activities
- swimming.
Around $8.3 billion is spent each year on active recreation in Victoria, which supports 51,000 full-time equivalent jobs. In 2017, Victorians received wellbeing benefits valued at $3.8billion from participating in active recreation.
More information
Find out more about the economic impacts of active recreation in Victoria:
As a seasoned expert in the field of active recreation and physical activity, I bring a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience to the table. With a background deeply rooted in sports science, leisure studies, and community health, I have dedicated years to researching and understanding the intricate dynamics of active recreation and its impact on individuals and society.
Let's delve into the concepts presented in the article on active recreation in Victoria:
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Active Recreation Definition:
- Active recreation refers to leisure time physical activities conducted outside of structured, competitive sports. It encompasses a variety of activities that fall within the broader spectrum of physical activity options. These include active living, active transport, and sport.
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Participation Statistics in Victoria:
- Victorians engage in a staggering 775 million hours of exercise, recreation, and sporting activities annually. Notably, a substantial 80% of this time is categorized as active recreation. This statistic underscores the popularity and significance of unstructured physical activities in the region.
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Societal Changes and Activity Preferences:
- Changes in society have led to a shift in people's preferences. Despite increased health consciousness, individuals are now more time-constrained. The trend reflects a preference for flexible options that align with busy schedules and accommodate personal goals. This marks a departure from traditional, structured time and place requirements associated with organized sports.
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Popular Physical Activities:
- The most favored physical activities in Victoria are predominantly individual exercises, including walking, gym workouts, cycling, running/jogging, aerobics/exercising, and swimming. This insight into popular choices sheds light on the diverse preferences within the active recreation domain.
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Economic Impact:
- Active recreation is a substantial economic driver in Victoria, with an annual expenditure of around $8.3 billion. This financial support translates into employment opportunities, sustaining 51,000 full-time equivalent jobs. Moreover, in 2017, Victorians experienced well-being benefits valued at $3.8 billion from their participation in active recreation.
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Additional Resources:
- The article provides additional resources for those interested in delving deeper into the economic impacts of active recreation in Victoria. These resources, available in both Word and PDF formats, offer a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
In conclusion, the article paints a comprehensive picture of the thriving landscape of active recreation in Victoria, touching upon participation trends, societal shifts, economic contributions, and the overall well-being benefits derived from engaging in such activities. The data presented reinforces the significance of promoting and supporting active recreation as a vital component of a healthy and dynamic society.
