National Day of Yoga

Fernwood Fitness Launches First Ever National Day Of Yoga Supporting Women's Mental Health

A leader in women's health and fitness since 1989, Fernwood Fitness, is launching a National Day of Yoga on Wednesday 22 November and is encouraging Aussie women to join them in supporting women with anxiety and depression.

The National Day of Yoga will take place in all 69 Fernwood Fitness clubs across Australia and aims to raise funds to support the 40 per cent of Australian women who have been professionally diagnosed with depression and anxiety.

Women are invited to attend special yoga classes run by Fernwood Fitness instructors, with all proceeds going to the Fernwood Foundation, a registered charity that aims to foster greater self-reliance in women who are experiencing difficult life circumstances.

After recent research revealed 60 per cent of Australian women do not participate in at least 2.5 hours of moderate physical activity per week, Fernwood Fitness is opening its doors to all women. Throughout the National Day of Yoga, each club is welcoming Fernwood Fitness members and non-members alike, and running at least five classes, ranging from traditional yoga to Body Balance and tai chi.

The funds raised on the day will go directly to the Fernwood Foundation who are currently working with Deakin University to research anxiety and depression, to aid the development of evidence-based wellness programs at Fernwood Fitness clubs. Each class will cost $20 per participant.

Fernwood Fitness managing director Diana Williams said hosting the company's first ever National Day of Yoga is a small yet vital step toward supporting women's mental health and addressing depression and anxiety among Australian women.

'Yoga is all about the connection between the mind and the body, so it's an excellent form of exercise for both physical and mental wellbeing. We want the National Day of Yoga to act as a reminder to women that regular exercise is important for overall health," Diana said.

'With just under half of all Aussie women having been professionally diagnosed with depression and anxiety, there is a real need for us to find ways to support one another, and the National Day of Yoga is a fun way to get women moving for mental health."

Since its launch in 2005, the Fernwood Foundation has raised more than $1 million to support Australian women.

Following the National Day of Yoga Fernwood Fitness clubs across Australia will accept donations to the Fernwood Foundation via the Fernwood Foundation website.

To find your nearest club, register for a National Day of Yoga class or donate to the Fernwood Foundation, head to fernwoodfoundation.org.au