People wanting to become more active and healthier in 2025 can take part in a new support program that will help keep them motivated.
The Open to Move project, led by Southern Cross University, is a free 12-month online physical activity support program aimed at helping adults across Australia maintain a more active lifestyle long-term.
Lead researcher, Professor Christian Swann, who also leads the university’s Physical Activity, Sport and Exercise Research (PASER) group, said the project was designed by some of the world’s leading physical activity researchers.
“We hope it will help people who are trying to get more active,” he said.
“We’re able to provide free support for a whole year, including regular one-to-one meetings via Zoom during the first six months, which is designed to help people build habits and stick with a more active lifestyle long-term.
“Best of all, we may even be able to help people achieve their New Year’s resolutions in 2025!”
The online program, which started on January 2, 2025, can accommodate eligible adults aged 18 to 69 regardless of their location and fitness level.
Participants will receive six months of individualised mentoring with a physical activity researcher, through online one-to-one Zoom meetings, and activity tracking via an app.
They will also be asked to provide feedback via surveys and interviews to help build the evidence base for Open to Move.
Participants will receive gift vouchers at the six-month and 12-month milestones to thank them for their involvement.
People aged between 18 to 69 years who live in Australia, own a smartphone, and are able to join meetings via Zoom, may be eligible.
To find out more and to check eligibility, go to the Open to Move website or email opentomove@scu.edu.au
This research is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian Research Council’s Discovery Project scheme (DP240101163). It is led by Southern Cross University in partnership with the University of Wollongong, the University of Southern Queensland, University of New South Wales, the University of British Columbia, the University of Lincoln, and the University of South Carolina, and the 10,000 Steps Program.
