Fitness goals dropped as cost of living bites Tasmanians

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.

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.

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.

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 s