Enjoyable exercise. It’s not such a stretch.
Looking for ways to improve your health and fitness? You’re in luck. There are loads of easy ways to get your health and fitness on track and keep it there – safely and locally!
To get the show on the road, you could start with gentle exercise, like walking around your neighbourhood or taking part in your local communities’ free programs (now that’s exercise at our level!).
Or, if you’re looking for professional advice tailored to your individual needs and goals, we find that optimally tailored information comes from an Accredited Exercise Physiologist.
What’s an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP)?
That’s a very good question.
Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEP) are university qualified health professionals, specialising in exercise prescription and programming – in short – they know their exercise like you know the back of your hand.
Talking to an AEP is a really smart thing to do if you happen to be managing an injury or medical condition. Your AEP will provide an appropriately tailored exercise program that is safe and selected for your individual needs. They can equip you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to enhance your health and fitness, including:
- Improving your general health and wellbeing
- Reducing your risk of many chronic health conditions (e.g. heart disease, diabetes, depression)
- Aiding management of many chronic health conditions or injuries
- Giving you the right diet and lifestyle advice
On your first meeting with an AEP, they will:
- Professionally assess your fitness
- Recommend the right exercises for you
- Train you on how to perform the exercises safely
- Help you to avoid injury, overuse and pain
- Provide you with strategies to keep you motivated and on track.
The main thing is, they’ll help you find the right exercises and ensure you’re performing them in the safest possible way.
AEPs are also recognised by most private health insurers
Questions?
What are their qualifications?
It’s no wonder Accredited Exercise Physiologists have so much advice to offer. Their credentials are seriously impressive! They’re 4-year university degree qualified and accredited with the industry body Exercise Sports Science Australia (ESSA).
To find an ESSA Accredited pro near you, click here. https://www.essa.org.au/find-aep/
You may be able to claim the cost of your consultation with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist on Medicare or on your private health insurance.
Community groups
If you don’t feel you need a formal fitness assessment, or directed training isn’t quite up your alley, there are so many free health and fitness groups. Have a look through the groups below and see which one might be the right one for you.
Heart Foundation Community Walking Network
Even if you’re not that active these days, this is a brilliant way to take your first steps to increase your physical activity and make exercise fun. It’s Australia’s largest FREE community-based walking network.
Keen to get walking? Click here http://walking.heartfoundation.org.au
10,000 steps
Want to be part of a walk with a difference? 10,000 steps is a virtual walk that tracks your daily local walks as a team, or as an individual against a virtual, online walk around our wonderful country. You just clip on your pedometer to join this walking challenge.
Take the first step. Click here.
Free exercise equipment in your local park
Free public exercise equipment gives you more options on exercise and makes it even more fun. You can exercise and get fit out there in the fresh air – for free. Check with your local council for the location of equipment near you. Good luck. We might just see you out there getting your move on!
Brisbane City Council Active Parks
If you live in Brisbane, the Active Parks program has exercises for all levels of ability so you can get a great workout or relax with some gentle exercise. And it all happens in more than 50 Brisbane parks. They’re free or low cost activities. Try out recreational tree climbing, join in a boxing class, get fit with Zumba or get out on the water with kayaking. Here are some other suggestions.
- Mum’s fit camp. This is a fun, challenging and action-packed session and a great way to de-stress, recharge and keep fit and healthy. The aim is for mums to socialise while getting fit.
- Stretchband pilates. Here’s a new spin on regular pilates, the stretch band improves the exercise options available in class. It’s suitable for all levels and all ages. Give it a go.
- 8-Week weight loss challenge. Make a great start to a healthier and slimmer you by mixing with like-minded people. Great nutrition and exercise tips will help you lose those unwanted kilos. Get a wriggle on.
Click here to see the amazing range of activities in Brisbane or check with your local council to find out what kind of organised activities are in your area.