Cost-of-living squeeze pushes Tasmanians to cut back on health and fitness

Prioritising health is often one of the first things to be dropped when budgets get tight. (ABC News: Jake Grant) Many Tasmanians are reporting rising cost-of-living pressures often mean fitness and wellbeing regimes slide or are let go completely. An expert warns de-prioritising health can become a cycle and encourages cheap or free options to keep people staying active. The Tasmanian government has said it will release its 20-year preventive health strategy this month, under the banner The Health Revolution. Link copiedShareShare articleFor Hobart teacher Mary Holton, health means everything. She started feeling the squeeze from cost-of-living pressures when fuel prices spiked again. Mary Holton says since joining the group, her fitness across the board has improved. (ABC News: Jake Grant) Many Tasmanians are feeling cost-of-living pressures in a very physical way, with locals saying exercise routines are being dropped, health appointments delayed and wellbeing pushed to the bottom of the list as budgets tighten. Ms Holton relies on multiple physiotherapy sessions each week, but says paid fitness classes simply are not an option. Ollie Mathewson conducts a free workout session. (ABC News: Jake Grant) National data shows that almost half of Australians already fall short of minimum physical activity guidelines, and rising prices are making even basic care unaffordable for many. Consultant clinical psychologist academic Kimberley Norris says this is exactly how unhealthy patterns begin. Kimberley Norris says humans tend to focus on alleviating stress first and foremost, and warns de-prioritising health can become a cycle. (ABC News: Jake Grant) For Ms Holton, going to a free workout group in her local community was a game-changer. "Came down and absolutely loved it. It's really nice to have a group and it just keeps growing," she said. Finding a free exercise group has drastically improved her health, as noted by her GP, and she is part of a growing trend. At a community exercise class in South Arm, south-east of Hobart, the mood is upbeat, with laughter, movement, and a sense of relief. Participation has more than doubled in the past year, with more than 100 Tasmanians now involved. Trainer Ollie Mathewson said the surge was unmistakable. Ollie Mathewson says attendance at his classes has almost doubled over the past year. (ABC News: Jake Grant) Across greater Hobart, free and low-cost alternatives are multiplying and include walking groups, community-run circuits, and morning and afternoon fitness meet-ups. Tasmanians are increasingly organising their own solutions. Mr Mathewson said connections drive outcomes. Professor Norris said one's health can be prioritised for free. "What we know about health is, it's more about sustainable wellbeing, it's about quality of life," she said. "So rather than focusing on how much you can deadlift, how far you can run, it's about how your life has improved and how close your life is to the way you want to live it." She said free options were vital because once people stop moving, it becomes harder to start again. For some Tasmanians, the financial pressure is forcing even tougher choices. Amy Dakin says she can't even think about getting a gym membership with all the other costs of living on her mind. (ABC News: Jake Grant) Amy Dakin, who lives with a compromised immune system, often has no choice but to delay essential care. "My health needs to be prioritised, but your bills come first, really," she said. Jordyn Rowbottom says she's not the only one changing her hobbies to save on costs. (ABC News: Jake Grant) Jordyn Rowbottom has seen the same pattern around her. Professor Norris warns that these short-term decisions can create long-term harm, not just for individuals, but for the broader health system. She said the combination of financial pressure and reduced physical activity would create a public health challenge. Personal trainer Nickola Orr works with clients across different income levels, ages and needs. She said affordability now shapes almost every program she designs. Nickola Orr is concerned about access to fitness and health services in the face of rising cost pressures. (ABC News: Jake Grant) With the median individual spend on fitness in Tasmania sitting at almost $600 last year, Ms Orr said the warning signs were already visible. "We're going to see more results of long-term neglect; higher injuries, more need for mental health assistance. It's going to snowball." Her concerns echo Professor Norris's academic findings that once healthy routines break down, the consequences ripple for years. Mr Mathewson hopes the success of free community classes will inspire governments and private operators to expand accessible fitness programs. "More free options would be a great thing. There are a few now, but there should be more," he said. Treasurer Eric Abetz wants to find $1.47 billion in "efficiencies" in Tasmania's

Cost-of-living squeeze pushes Tasmanians to cut back on health and fitness

Key takeaways

More in international