BIG is "big

With BIG (Bewegung als Investition in Gesundheit), Erlangen has a beacon throughout Germany. The aim of the project is to promote exercise and health among women. BIG offers sports and exercise programs by women for women - from A for aqua fitness to Z for Zumba. BIG was developed in 2005 at the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg.

Erlangen still the most successful location

At the meeting of the Sports Committee on February 27, the Office for Sport and Health Promotion informed the committee members about the current status. The acceptance and demand for these offers is very high. The number of registrations has reached record levels. This was the result of the latest evaluation by the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg:

• 57 percent of those surveyed said they were doing more sport as a result of BIG. And the increased physical activity is also reflected in their health.
• 81 percent of women also felt that their health had improved as a result of taking part. The positive effects also include an increase in the participants' self-confidence and social integration.
• 68 percent of women stated that they had made new contacts and new friends or acquaintances. Many also stick with it: half of those surveyed attend BIG for longer than four years. Around 25 percent even stay longer than eight years.

Mayor and sports officer Jörg Volleth: "With BIG, we have achieved something really big in Erlangen. The project has now been transferred to 23 locations in Germany. Erlangen is still the most successful location with the largest offer, the longest duration and the highest participation rate."

Participation is very simple

The program is particularly aimed at women

• in difficult life situations
• single parents
• with a migration background
• low income
• cultural or health barriers,

who are not reached by the usual sports programs in clubs or studios.

Participation in BIG is very uncomplicated: no membership, no pressure to perform, no compulsion. Instead, there are short distances, easy registration and low prices. Holders of the ErlangenPass and women with a disabled pass receive an additional 50% discount.

Detailed information about offers and registration can be found on the Internet at www.big-erlangen.de (external link).