Published Thu, 8 Oct 2026
There is strong evidence that regular physical activity can improve mental wellbeing.
Moving your body helps release endorphins, while regular exercise of any intensity can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Research from the Black Dog Institute found that 12% of cases of depression may have been prevented if participants completed just one hour of physical activity each week.
The good news is that movement doesn’t have to be intense or complicated to make a difference. Any activity that feels right for your current physical and mental wellbeing can help. This could be a 10-minute walk around the block, some gentle stretching in the morning, a swim, a bike ride, a yoga class or even some gardening.
October is Mental Health Month, and we’re encouraging our community to move for their mind and connect with others through a range of activities across our City of Sydney aquatic and fitness centres.
Walk, connect and enjoy a complimentary coffee
Throughout October, we're hosting walking groups across our centres, giving you the opportunity to enjoy fresh air, be active and connect with others in the community. Stay for a complimentary coffee or drink after your walk and enjoy a relaxed catch-up with others in a friendly and welcoming environment. See below for the full schedule and to book.
Centre | Date and time | Booking link | Meeting spot |
|---|---|---|---|
Cook + Phillip Park Pool, Sydney CBD | Monday 12 October, 10am to 11am | Mezzanine at Cook + Phillip Park Pool | |
Thursday 15 October, 1:30pm to 2:30pm | |||
Wednesday 21 October, 7am to 8am | |||
Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre, Zetland | Thursday 15 October, 6pm to 7pm | Gunyama Park Cafe | |
Saturday 17 October, 9am to 10am | |||
Saturday 24 October, 8:30am to 9:30am | |||
Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre, Ultimo | Tuesday 13 October, 10:45am to 11:45am | Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre gym | |
Saturday 17 October, 10am to 11am | |||
Tuesday 20 October, 10:45am to 11:45am | |||
Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, The Domain | Wednesday 14 October, 9am to 10am | Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool Cafe | |
Saturday 24 October, 9am to 10am |
Mindfulness classes
Throughout the month we will also be hosting a range of calming and restorative yoga and stretch classes designed to help you slow down, move mindfully and support your overall wellbeing. With warmer weather arriving and many of our centres surrounded by beautiful parklands and outdoor spaces, some sessions will be held outdoors, allowing you to enjoy the added benefits of fresh air and nature. See below to find out more about the classes.
Along with our walking groups and wellbeing classes, you’ll also find gratitude walls at our centres throughout the month. Visitors are invited to share what they’re grateful for, how they’re feeling, or a positive message for others, helping to create a welcoming, supportive and uplifting space for our community.
Whether it's through movement, connection or taking a moment to reflect, we encourage everyone to get involved and prioritise their wellbeing this Mental Health Month.
