Fitness groups trade high-intensity workouts for more social outdoor activities
Shireen Rigby knows all too well the extreme work that goes into being a competitive bodybuilder and the toll it can take mentally.
She saw the benefits of swapping out her high-intensity workouts for low-pressure social exercising, and she's not alone.
Alternative low-pressure exercise groups are increasing in popularity with the appeal of socialising, without stress or excessive sweating, drawing in the crowds.
"I've gone through body building; I've done CrossFit and been quite competitive and experienced the pressure … to maintain that sort of intensity," Ms Rigby said.
The exercise physiologist, along with her dietitian housemate Keira Murray, wanted to create a space where people could exercise socially in a way that didn't have to be physically demanding.
"In our practice, we've seen that social isolation was a huge component in people's health," Ms Rigby said.
The duo started Salty Steps, a Sunday morning gathering in Yeppoon in central Queensland.
"We really wanted to create something that was no pressure," Ms Rigby said.
"It's a 30-minute walk at your own pace with no pressure, followed by a guided breath meditation, then we have the option of going for a swim."
It is a more relaxed alternative to the higher-intensity run clubs that have sprung up around Australia.
In Rockhampton, Mum Miles Club brings a wave of strollers to the street.
The new club, founded earlier this year, has grown significantly from week to week.
"We either get a coffee before or after, or a play at the playground for the kids," founder Georgia Howard said.
"We've got mums of all stages of motherhood, we've got pregnant mums, we've got mums trying for babies, mums with newborns.
Ms Howard said the group also encouraged important conversations.
"There's a lot of domestic and family violence going on … and you see a lot of women in hard situations," she said.
"I think knowing you've got that group of support, having that person walk with you and beside you, is nice and comforting."
CQUniversity physical activity researcher Anetta Van Itallie said it was that kind of connection that was drawing crowds to low-key social exercise groups.
"It's definitely more than just physical, to be honest, when you look at the social connection and the mental wellbeing side of being with others," she said.
"Looking into habit research and how we can start exercising and being physically active every day, we know that it's got to be fun, we know it's got to be satisfying.
"I think people are moving away from your traditional sports and the level of commitment that is required from them."
Sian Anstis wanted to combine her love for adventuring and meeting new people in ways that didn't revolve around drinking, so she created Hike Club Social.
"I think people are really jumping at the opportunity to meet people organically again," she said.
"We've lost a lot of community, I think, with social media, so to use it to be able to bring people back together again feels really good."
The club is based in Brisbane and travels around Queensland for different hikes and social activities.
"There have been camping events, we've been out on boat days going snorkelling, and we've even gone interstate to Tasmania for a multi-day hike," Ms Anstis said.
It is the same sentiment that Yeppoon's walking group shares.
"We love connecting people and that's a huge part of why we started Salty Steps," Ms Rigby said.
"We know that everyone lives busy lives, and it's such a great way to not only catch up with your friends but do a bit of exercise."
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