Women's Fitness Podcast Women’s Fitness Podcast – Million Moves with AusActive’s Mariana Ivantsoff
Episode Summary
In this episode, Mish chats with Mariana Ivantsoff, Senior Policy and Advocacy Advisor at AusActive, about why political advocacy matters for the fitness industry and the impact of grassroots initiatives like Million Moves. They dive into how engaging government can benefit fitness professionals, the success of Million Moves in Queensland, and how trainers, gym owners, and exercise professionals across Australia can get involved.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why advocacy matters – How AusActive is pushing for government investment in preventive health and what that means for the fitness industry.
- Shifting perceptions – Breaking the stereotype of gyms as bodybuilding spaces and reframing them as community hubs for health, connection, and prevention.
- Million Moves explained – The origins of the campaign, its growth from a fun challenge between politicians to a national activation, and how it helps get sedentary Australians moving.
- Practical ways to get involved – How fitness professionals can encourage members, set up teams, run activations, and even invite local politicians to experience their facilities.
- The bigger picture – Why preventive health needs to be front and centre in Australia’s health strategy, and how grassroots action can create real change.
Key Quotes:
- “Exercise is preventive health, and preventive health is the government’s remit.” – Mariana Ivantsov
- “If exercise was a pill, it would be a bloody magic pill.” – Mish Wright
- “Every bit counts—invite your local MP, show them what you do. It is life-changing.” – Mariana Ivantsov
Resources and Links:
- https://millionmoves.org.au/signup – Pledge your 75 moves a day and get involved.
- The perks you get when you sign up and the prizes you can win (if you are in a participating area): https://millionmoves.org.au/benefits-prizes
- https://electorate.aec.gov.au/– Invite them to your gym, studio, or outdoor session.
- Supporting resources for people/clubs to get involved: https://millionmoves.org.au/resources
- Women’s Fitness Education – Start your fitness career with qualifications designed with women’s health in mind.
Take Action:
Be the squeaky wheel. Whether you’re running a gym, an outdoor bootcamp, or classes in your community, get involved with Million Moves, invite your local politician, and share the message that exercise is the most powerful preventive health tool we have.
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