A few weeks ago, I received an email from the Queensland Government asking me to be involved in a new campaign aimed at promoting active living for girls and women in our fine state.
“We thought you would be an incredible role model for other women and girls throughout Queensland…”
I quickly put down the donut I was eating.
While I don’t think of myself as any kind of role model, I do understand how important it is for women to be active—for our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
As part of my new #rolemodel status, I was asked to share why I move, and my obsession with eating baked goods and chocolate is just one of the reasons.
Mostly #IMoveBecause there’s nothing quite like the feeling I get after a good workout; my eyes sparkle, my skin shines (usually with sweat, but once the sweat and the redness subsides it looks great) and I feel positive and happy thanks to the all the endorphins racing around my body.
Plus, it’s great way to naturally lower my stress and anxiety levels, and boost my mental health and self-confidence!
However, I also understand that winter is here (and so is Netflix) so the struggle to get off the couch and get moving is particularly real right now, here are 11 awesome workouts to get your endorphins pumping that won’t feel like exercise!
Walk and talk.
Walking can boost your self-esteem, ease anxiety and improve your mood, and if you walk and talk with a friend, you’ll be surprised how fast the time goes or how much ground you can cover, all without it feeling like hard work!
Try a new sport.
Get your family or friends together and take lesson lessons, form a touch team or sign up for indoor netball, soccer or cricket. You could even take surfing lessons together! When you’re doing things with friends, it’s always more enjoyable.
Pilates.
That’s pilates, not a pie and lattes but if it’s good enough for the Victoria’s Secret models, it’s good enough for us! Any kind of exercise that involves lying down for part of it gets my tick of approval but don’t be fooled; do it properly and you’ll definitely know you’ve done a workout when you wake up the next day!
Go trampolining.
Let your inner child loose as you bounce your way to health and fitness. Apparently just 10 minutes of jumping on a trampoline can give you the same benefits as a 30 minute run. Check out Skyzone and Bounce for locations around Australia.
Bust it like ‘Yonce.
There’s a reason that Zumba and Bollywood-style fitness classes have skyrocketed in popularity: They’re fun. Now there’s a dance class dedicated to the pure glory that is Beyoncé. Whether you’re a beginning or advanced dancer, get ready to be left Crazy in Love with the fact you forget you’re exercising! Check out Dance Masala’s YONCE classes.
Take a barre class.
Whenever anyone mentions taking a Barre class to me, I immediately think cocktails. But, with a base in ballet, this new fitness craze promises long, lean limbs and a firm core. Head over to Barre Brisbane to see what’s happening.
Go to new heights with aerial yoga.
Performed in hammocks (although sadly not the tropical island kind), aerial yoga can help build core and upper-body strength as well as improve flexibility. Check out FlightSkool for classes around the country.
Dance.
Shake what yo’ mumma gave you, even if it’s just in your lounge room. Dancing is my favorite way to be active; it’s fun, leaves me with that flushed glow of goodness and gives me a serious endorphin boost. Let me know if you want me to share my favorite dancing songs.
Hula hooping.
Hula hooping is a great cardio workout to slim your waist, hips, buttocks and thighs while toning your abs and lower back muscles. If you can last more than five seconds, you’re doing better than me!
Riverlife Adventure Centre.
At the bottom of the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, next to the Brisbane River is Riverlife, an outdoor adventure center that boasts a range of fun activities to get you moving. There’s abseiling, rock climbing, rollerblading, cycling and even kayaking. Check out Riverlife’s website for more.
Stand up paddle boarding.
Combine surfing with kayaking and you’ve got stand up paddle boarding. With almost every muscle in the body used at some point during paddle boarding, you’re guaranteed a full body workout, but it’s also a low-impact exercise so you’re unlikely to damage any ligaments or tendons! Click here for The Urban List’s list of paddle boarding places around Brisbane.
Did you read about my Bust a Move six hour fitness challenge which is happening on Saturday 18 June? Click here, you know you want to!
I’d love to know what your #IMoveBecause reason is … you can share it in the comment section below!
