An Initiative of the Tasmanian Government
Penguin Runners
In pursuit of physical and mental health. Get your happy feet on....
Are we chasing the dream? Striving towards a healthy work/life balance? Or just in pursuit of happiness.
The “Penguin Runners” meet each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the Penguin Statue on Macquarie Street (Hobart) at 6am, come rain, hail or shine.
Director Matthew Richman is the protagonist in this group of ‘happy feet’, regularly advocating the benefits of running in the brisk early morning air and sustaining clarity of mind prior to starting their respective days. Like the penguins they are named after, embodied within the group is also a feeling of social connection and support.
The Penguins include people from all walks of life with differing life experiences. They go at a pace that is comfortable to talk and share questions, advice and stories essentially meeting the needs of their mental health while attending to the needs of their physical health.
Currently within the group there are representatives from Health, Legal, Tourism, IT, Policing, Wellbeing Support, Career Counselling, Private Sector and Industrial Advocates; all happily engaging in the pursuit of a healthy work/life balance. Engagement in any sort of regular exercise activity is not just good for your physical health but is proven to have lasting impacts on your mental health too. Benefits of exercising as part of your workday, whether it is before or during a break, can include improved focus and efficiency at work, and colleague interactions.
Once they've finished their morning session, the Penguins also make time to have a cuppa and a chat.
If early morning running or walking is something you would like to add to your daily routine, you are welcome to join in the fun - arrive early to head off at 6am sharp.
Wellbeing Support wants to hear from you! How are you keeping fit for life? Tell us about your story and help inspire others - email wellbeing@dpfem.tas.gov.au and title your email Fit for Life.
