Signing up for a gym membership, joining a sports team or finding a group to be active with has more benefits than just the physical ones.
Last week was Female Football Week in Northern NSW and a common theme emerged while talking to a range of women involved in the sport, from competition level to their Kick-On For Women introductory program. That was social connectedness.
Annelise Rosnell, NNSWF female participation and inclusion officer, told me that was the main reason she went looking for a football club when she relocated to Newcastle from Yamba six years ago.
"I knew that joining a football club would be important for my social health and having that connectedness within a community," she told me.
I often tell my kids how my closest friends have come through playing sport and how it is important to developing a support group. Obviously if you find some enjoyment through whatever you are doing, it is going to encourage you to keep at it.
This could be through a tough gym workout. Since joining a new gym a few months back, I have met many people and am loving the way everyone encourages each other to keep going.
While the weather is colder and less enticing to get up and get out the door in the mornings or evenings, there are plenty of social and physical benefits of doing so.
Go dry in July
During July people are being encourages to go alcohol-free to raise funds for people affected by cancer.
The funds raised will provide invaluable services for cancer patients, their families and carers.
That could be transport to an appointment, guidance from a specialist nurse, connection to an informative voice, access to therapy programs or a bed close to treatment.
According to www.dryjuly.com, the health benefits of having a month off alcohol include sleeping better and having more energy. Go online to find out more or to get on board.
Keeping kids active
We have been glued to the fifth season of Australian Ninja Warrior in our house and I am planning to cash in on the hype with my own kids.
While the bubble-wrap mum inside of me doesn't want them launching themselves off all kinds of stuff after watching a couple of episodes, setting up our own "Ninja" style courses at the park and in the backyard through the holidays will be one way I keep them active.
Setting up your own Ninja course is a fun way to engage your kids while getting them moving. It does not have to be anything too extreme. My kids are happy with a backyard course that might include climbing onto the trampoline for 20 jumps, crawling a set distance on the ground, jumping over a couple of toys set up in a line, hopping through "a maze" (also just some toys set up in staggered fashion), 10 star jumps and a running lap of the yard.
You can get creative at the park too, using obstacles to negotiate and climbing walls. Let the kids take turns of mapping out a course. Do it a few times each and try to beat your own times.
Send your health and fitness news to r.valentine@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
Renee Valentine is a journalist, qualified personal trainer and mother of three.
