By Victoria Goodwin-Barlow, Belgravia Group Health and Wellbeing Manager

A snapshot of the trends shaping our future health span

It’s safe to say that as Australia’s fastest growing leisure provider, Belgravia Leisure plays an important role in the wellness journey of our guests and members in 250+ ANZ venues spanning aquatics, health and wellbeing, spa and wellness, tourism and sport. 

In light of this, and as Global Wellness Day arrives, it is the perfect moment to reflect on how active wellbeing continues to evolve, and to celebrate how Belgravia Leisure is rising to meet these new horizons. More than ever, our members and guests are craving programmes and facilities that build physical strength, nurture mental resilience and spark genuine connections. Leaning into these cravings – as well as the below trends shaping the future of active wellbeing – is pivotal in keeping up with the evolution of wellness. 

Gen Z and the rise of sober curious 

Many of our younger members – especially Gen Z – are choosing alcohol free lifestyles in favour of health and connection. In Australia, a whopping 25 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds are choosing to abstain from alcohol altogether, and 65 per cent want to drink less. This sober curious movement calls for thoughtful programming and facilities, and one part of this is the opportunity to redefine socialising in a public setting. At our gyms for example, we are reconfiguring our layouts to include dedicated social nooks and integrated gathering areas so that members have the space to chat and socialise. 

Our spa and wellness facilities also promote togetherness in a sober, mindful setting, offering guests the chance to relax and unwind in a group, public or private setting while focusing on both their physical and mental health. Sport in its many forms, played across our many stadiums and golf courses, also offers the chance to build relationships outside of a setting that requires alcohol. 

Building foundational strength for longevity

For our older adult members, leg strength is essential. Stronger legs mean they can walk further, while getting out and socialising. It’s not just about adding years to one’s lifespan, but about enhancing active wellbeing and improving one’s health span. A landmark study from the European Heart Journal found that poor leg strength in middle-aged and older adults was linked to a 50-60% higher risk of death. 

How to combat this in new and creative ways? We’ve introduced walking groups outside of venues and, by weaving targeted, longer sessions into our group timetable, we help older adults build muscle power that supports independence and a richer social life. Also, across many of our tourist parks, there are also opportunities to go on gorgeous bush walks or beach swims, allowing guests to move their bodies in a natural setting. 

Exercise Physiology

One in two Australians lives with a chronic disease or ongoing injury, according to the 2022 National Health Survey. That’s why exercise physiology – providing comprehensive assessments, individual goal setting and tailored interventions – is so vital. Across many of our venues, our allied health experts work alongside members to manage chronic conditions, rehabilitate injuries and embed safe, effective movement strategies into their active wellbeing journey. A recent study in the UK has revealed that the economic value of providing physical activity as an intervention for those with a long-term health condition is $45,000 AU dollars. 

Supporting women through life stage transitions 

Open conversations about menopause and perimenopause were once more than a little taboo. More and more, however, we are seeing this topic move into the spotlight, and we have a responsibility to embrace this. 

As bodies change, running shoes may need to take a rest but that does not mean movement stops. In fact, it is more important than ever before. We encourage women to move beyond endless running and calorie counting and choose strength-based circuits to build muscle and preserve bone density. 

We’re working hard to create safe spaces for women to openly discuss menopause and perimenopause, and we are also busy planning upcoming information sessions on the topic for women at various venues across the country. By normalising these conversations in our community spaces, we break down stigma and empower women to maintain strength and vitality through every life stage transition. 

Recovery

To help our members recharge in our venues we offer yoga classes, recovery clinics with breath work and sound bath classes, foam rolling sessions, massage chairs and massage guns. Dedicating time to recovery means avoiding burnout reducing injury risk and improving resilience. 

And here is a little secret – our Business Development GM swears by a quick plunge into his unheated pool after a long cycle ride. He admits it is freezing yet raves that it gives him the best night’s sleep ever. I haven’t quite found the nerve yet – but let’s see. 

And whilst on the topic of water, the rejuvenating benefits of dipping into a mineral bath or a cold plunge at a spa has compelling evidence to assist with recovery. And whilst there, the incredible benefits of treating yourself to a massage to melt away any tightness or stiffness cannot be ignored. 

Wellness is for everyone 

The team behind Global Wellness Day state that ‘Everyone has the right to live well…so the doors of Global Wellness Day are open to everyone’. This ethos is one that is lived and breathed by our teams across our venues every day.  And it’s these teams that are no doubt the critical piece of the puzzle that enable the promotion of social inclusion, having embraced this ethos with open arms. 

These inclusive services and programs are happening all around us. Just recently, Whitlam Leisure Centre in Sydney’s west launched a Play Our Way Learn to Swim program aimed at removing barriers that prevent CALD women and girls from accessing water safety and recreation programs. Geelong Golf Club in Victoria recently delivered a free clinic designed specifically for individuals with vision loss, whilst over at Yarrambat Park Golf Course, the Rainbow Golf Cup returned for its third year, welcoming LGBTIQA+ golfers and allies of all ages and abilities. 

There is absolutely no reason why everyone can’t enjoy active wellbeing, irrespective of any personal circumstance. And the beauty of it is that active wellness comes in so many forms, allowing us ALL to improve our health, happiness and wellness together. 

Together we move more 

As Jayden Cox, our Product Development Manager, highlighted in his recent article on creating community centred spaces, our venues are evolving into vibrant hubs where members feel seen, supported and empowered and included – all of which promote active wellbeing and wellness. 

Wellness is something we are continuously working on. It happens in the warm welcome at reception, the shared smile after a challenging set, and the encouraging word in class. This Global Wellness Day, let’s learn more about holistic health, mental resilience and the power of community. We will continue designing programmes and spaces that spark genuine connection and fuel personal growth that drives active wellbeing.

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