Keeping active
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- Exercise programs
If you are unfamiliar with what is involved, starting an exercise program can be challenging.
- Physical activity - staying motivated
Pick an exercise or fitness activity that appeals to you and suits your lifestyle.
- Physical activity – setting yourself goals
When you're trying to become more physically active, set realistic health and fitness goals.
- The amount of physical activity you need
It’s important for your health that you get enough physical activity every day, and that you limit your sedentary behaviour. But getting the amount of physical activity you need doesn’t have to be hard or unpleasant.
- Aerobics - preventing injury
Aerobics injuries are usually caused by trauma and overuse, but can be prevented by using the right techniques and equipment.
- Australian rules football - preventing injury
Australian rules football is a physical contact sport that often results in injuries from tackling, kicking, running and constant competition for the ball.
- Basketball - health benefits
Basketball is a sport enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.
- Basketball - preventing injury
Basketball is a fast game with frequent and aggressive body contacts - injuries can and do occur.
- Canoeing and kayaking - health benefits
Canoeing and kayaking can be done as a hobby, a competitive sport or as a fun activity on holidays.
- Canoeing and kayaking - preventing injury
Careful preparation and the right equipment can help prevent canoeing and kayaking injuries.
- Cricket - health benefits
To play cricket you need to be fit and strong and have good hand-eye coordination and ball-handling skills.
- Cricket - preventing injury
Cricket is a very popular sport. Injuries are often caused by overuse, being struck by a cricket ball and falls.
- Cycling - health benefits
Cycling can help to protect you from serious diseases.
- Cycling - preventing injury
You are much more likely to hurt yourself by falling off your bike or hitting a stationary object than colliding with another vehicle.
- Dance - health benefits
Dancing can be a fun way to stay fit for people of all ages and abilities.
- Dancing - preventing injury
Dancing is fun and a great form of exercise, but make sure you avoid injuries.
- Dog walking - the health benefits
If you are planning to buy a dog, make sure you choose a breed that's appropriate to your lifestyle.
- Exercise safety
Training too hard or fast is a common cause of sports-related injuries.
- Fishing - preventing injury
Never go fishing alone, always fish with someone else and, ideally, with two other people.
- Golf - health benefits
Golf provides a stimulating challenge, combined with a healthy walk in pleasant surroundings.
- Golf - preventing injury
The average golfer playing an 18-hole game walks about seven kilometres.
- How to survive a rip current (video)
Learn what to do if you find yourself in a rip current.
- Lawn bowls - health benefits
Lawn bowls is a popular participant sport, particularly for the elderly, due to its relaxed pace and comparatively light physical demands.
- Lawn bowls - preventing injury
People who take part in lawn bowls develop skills and coordination that improve their fitness.
- Martial arts - preventing injury
The risk of injury from martial arts is low compared to other contact sports.
- Mouthguards
A mouthguard provides the best protection for the teeth, lips and jaw during sport and leisure activities.
- Orienteering - preventing injury
Orienteering organisations remove hazards where possible or clearly signpost them and warn all participants.
- Physical activity - staying motivated
Pick an exercise or fitness activity that appeals to you and suits your lifestyle.
- Resistance training – preventing injury
When starting a program of resistance training, follow the advice of a qualified professional to avoid injury.
- Rowing - preventing injury
Rowing builds physical skills of stamina, strength, balance, timing and technique.
- Rugby codes - health benefits
People of all ages and abilities can get involved in rugby codes through clinics and modified rules games.
- Rugby codes - preventing injury
A high proportion of injuries associated with rugby occur during the tackle.
- Running and jogging - health benefits
Running helps build strong bones, strengthens muscles and helps maintain a healthy weight.
- Running and jogging - preventing injury
Warm up before running and do lots of slow and sustained stretches as part of your cool-down routine.
- Snow sports - safety issues
Pay attention to basic safety precautions to reduce your risk of injury from winter sports.
- Soccer - health benefits
Soccer is great for your health and can be played in competition or in the park with friends.
- Soccer - preventing injury
Common causes of injuries to soccer players are player contact, falls and tackles.
- Sports injuries
A sports injury may be more severe than you think.
- Squash - health benefits
Squash can be a fast-moving, sport that provides an excellent cardiovascular workout.
- Squash - preventing injury
Eye protection is recommended to prevent eye injuries.
- Surfing - health benefits
Take surfing lessons to learn the correct technique and get started safely.
- Surfing - preventing injury
The main cause of injury when surfing is contact with a surfer?s own board or that of another surfer.
- Swimming - health benefits
Swimming is fun, and a great way to keep fit and make friends.
- Swimming - preventing injury
It only takes seconds for a child to drown, so never take your eyes off children near the water.
- Tennis – health benefits
People of all ages enjoy tennis for its physical, social and psychological benefits.
- Tennis – preventing injury
Common tennis injuries include injuries to the ankle, knee and wrist.
- The amount of physical activity you need
It’s important for your health that you get enough physical activity every day, and that you limit your sedentary behaviour. But getting the amount of physical activity you need doesn’t have to be hard or unpleasant.
- Touch football - preventing injury
Ask your coach for help to improve your touch football technique - it will reduce your risk of injury.
- Water polo - preventing injury
Water polo is a demanding game as players have to tread water or swim for the whole match.
- Exercise - the low-down on hydration
You need to drink enough and regularly to keep hydrated during exercise.
- Exercise programs
If you are unfamiliar with what is involved, starting an exercise program can be challenging.
- Exercise with a friend
Exercise is important for your physical and mental health. Working out with a friend means you’re more likely to have fun and stick to your exercise plan.
- Gardening safety
Gardening is an enjoyable form of exercise, but you need to take care.
- Healthy ageing – stay involved
Reach out to the world around you for fun, a sense of achievement, social contact and mental stimulation.
- Physical activity - choosing a provider
Choosing the right fitness centre or service provider requires some research
- Physical activity - how to get active when you are busy
Even if you’re busy, you still need to find a way to be physically active.
- Physical activity - overcoming excuses
There are many excuses we can come up with to avoid being active, but the truth is there is always a way to fit some physical activity into your day.
- Physical activity - staying motivated
Pick an exercise or fitness activity that appeals to you and suits your lifestyle.
- Physical activity – choosing the one for you
You are more likely to keep up a healthy lifestyle change if your chosen activity suits you.
- Physical activity – how to get started
If you haven’t exercised for a while, see your doctor or registered exercise professional.
- Physical activity – setting yourself goals
When you're trying to become more physically active, set realistic health and fitness goals.
- Physical activity for men
Many men are only motivated to become more active after they have a health scare.
- Physical activity for seniors
Physical activity can help older people maintain independence, recover from illness and reduce their risk of disease.
- Physical activity for women
If you can't make the time to exercise for yourself, do it for your family.
- Sport, physical activity and our health
The majority of Australians adults do not meet the recommended physical activity guidelines to gain the health benefits of increased fitness and reduced body fat.
- The amount of physical activity you need
It’s important for your health that you get enough physical activity every day, and that you limit your sedentary behaviour. But getting the amount of physical activity you need doesn’t have to be hard or unpleasant.
- The dangers of sitting: why sitting is the new smoking
The less sitting or lying down you do during the day, the better your chances for living a healthy life.
- Walking tips
Walking is an excellent form of exercise for people of all ages and abilities.
- Arthritis and exercise
Exercise can reduce some of the symptoms of arthritis, and improve joint mobility and strength.
- Asthma and exercise
Asthma triggered by exercise can be prevented with medication and by preparing for exercise and physical activity.
- Breathing problems and exercise
A little physical activity and some breathing exercises can help people with lung disease.
- Cancer - exercise to help you cope
People with cancer should be as physically active as their abilities and condition allow.
- Dementia - reducing your risk
Adopting a 'brain healthy' lifestyle may reduce your risk of dementia in later life.
- Diabetes - issues for children and teenagers
Many parents worry when their child with diabetes starts or returns to school.
- Epilepsy and employment
Many people living with epilepsy are successfully employed across a range of professional fields.
- Epilepsy and exercise
It is rare for a person with epilepsy to have a seizure during physical activity, but you should always take safety precautions when exercising.
- HIV, hepatitis and sport
People with HIV or hepatitis B or C participate in a wide range of sports without restrictions, and the risk of transmission to another player is extremely small.
- Osteoporosis and exercise
Exercise can reduce the risk of fractures resulting from osteoporosis by both slowing the rate of bone loss, and reducing the person?s risk of falling by building muscle strength and improving balance.
- Sports injuries
A sports injury may be more severe than you think.
- Sporting performance and food
Good nutrition and a healthy diet are essential to improving your sports performance.
- The amount of physical activity you need
It’s important for your health that you get enough physical activity every day, and that you limit your sedentary behaviour. But getting the amount of physical activity you need doesn’t have to be hard or unpleasant.
- Body mass index (BMI)
Body mass index or BMI is an approximate measure of your total body fat.
- Energy in food (kilojoules and calories)
A kilojoule is a unit of measure of energy, in the same way that kilometres measure distance.
- Exercise - the low-down on hydration
You need to drink enough and regularly to keep hydrated during exercise.
- Exercise intensity
If you can talk but not sing, you?re exercising at the right intensity.
- Exercise with a friend
Exercise is important for your physical and mental health. Working out with a friend means you’re more likely to have fun and stick to your exercise plan.
- Fitness centres – how to choose one
Do some research before signing up at a fitness centre.
- Personal trainers – how to choose one
You can find personal trainers at your local gym or fitness centre, by asking friends for word-of-mouth recommendations or by checking AUSactive’s directory of registered professionals.
- Physical activity - how to get active when you are busy
Even if you’re busy, you still need to find a way to be physically active.
- Physical activity - it's important
Just 30 minutes of moderate activity each day can improve your health and reduce the risk of developing certain conditions or diseases.
- Physical activity - overcoming excuses
There are many excuses we can come up with to avoid being active, but the truth is there is always a way to fit some physical activity into your day.
- Physical activity – setting yourself goals
When you're trying to become more physically active, set realistic health and fitness goals.
- Physical activity for men
Many men are only motivated to become more active after they have a health scare.
- Physical activity for seniors
Physical activity can help older people maintain independence, recover from illness and reduce their risk of disease.
- Physical activity for women
If you can't make the time to exercise for yourself, do it for your family.
- Resistance training – health benefits
If you do resistance training repeatedly and consistently, your muscles become stronger.
- Sport, physical activity and our health
The majority of Australians adults do not meet the recommended physical activity guidelines to gain the health benefits of increased fitness and reduced body fat.
- The amount of physical activity you need
It’s important for your health that you get enough physical activity every day, and that you limit your sedentary behaviour. But getting the amount of physical activity you need doesn’t have to be hard or unpleasant.
- The dangers of sitting: why sitting is the new smoking
The less sitting or lying down you do during the day, the better your chances for living a healthy life.
- Weight and muscle gain
Gaining lean body weight is a slow process that takes months and years, rather than days and weeks.
- Children – keeping them active
A young child is naturally active, so build upon their inclinations to use their body.
- Healthy ageing – stay involved
Reach out to the world around you for fun, a sense of achievement, social contact and mental stimulation.
- Healthy and active ageing
Being physically active, eating well, socialising and improving your health can help you live a healthy, happy and active life as you get older.
- Parent's guide for active girls
Physical activity is an important part of health and wellbeing, and girls should remain active as they grow up.
- Physical activity - overcoming excuses
There are many excuses we can come up with to avoid being active, but the truth is there is always a way to fit some physical activity into your day.
- Physical activity for men
Many men are only motivated to become more active after they have a health scare.
- Physical activity for seniors
Physical activity can help older people maintain independence, recover from illness and reduce their risk of disease.
- Physical activity for seniors – staying active during summer (video)
Physical Activity and Fitness Trainer - Sherri Bourne shares a few easy and low-impact ways for seniors to stay healthy over the summer months.
- Physical activity for women
If you can't make the time to exercise for yourself, do it for your family.
- Postnatal exercise
It is important to consult with your doctor or midwife before embarking on any postnatal exercise program - you may need more time than you think to heal from childbirth.
- Pregnancy and exercise
Unless you have complications, you should be able to exercise throughout your pregnancy.
- Sport and children
Make sure that some family outings offer opportunities for physical activity, such as playing sport together.
- The amount of physical activity you need
It’s important for your health that you get enough physical activity every day, and that you limit your sedentary behaviour. But getting the amount of physical activity you need doesn’t have to be hard or unpleasant.
- Vision loss and sport
Many sports can be adapted to suit people who are blind or have low vision.
- Walking - the benefits for older people
Walking is great exercise for older people. It has a range of health and social benefits, and most people can do it.
- Walking for good health
Walking will improve your fitness and reduce your risk of heart disease.
- Exercise - everyday activities
There are lots of everyday activities that provide an opportunity to be active and provide health benefits.
- Exercise programs
If you are unfamiliar with what is involved, starting an exercise program can be challenging.
- Exercise with a friend
Exercise is important for your physical and mental health. Working out with a friend means you’re more likely to have fun and stick to your exercise plan.
- Healthy ageing – stay involved
Reach out to the world around you for fun, a sense of achievement, social contact and mental stimulation.
- Physical activity - overcoming excuses
There are many excuses we can come up with to avoid being active, but the truth is there is always a way to fit some physical activity into your day.
- Physical activity - staying motivated
Pick an exercise or fitness activity that appeals to you and suits your lifestyle.
- Physical activity – choosing the one for you
You are more likely to keep up a healthy lifestyle change if your chosen activity suits you.
- Physical activity for men
Many men are only motivated to become more active after they have a health scare.
- Physical activity for seniors
Physical activity can help older people maintain independence, recover from illness and reduce their risk of disease.
- Physical activity for women
If you can't make the time to exercise for yourself, do it for your family.
- The amount of physical activity you need
It’s important for your health that you get enough physical activity every day, and that you limit your sedentary behaviour. But getting the amount of physical activity you need doesn’t have to be hard or unpleasant.
- Physical activity - overcoming excuses
There are many excuses we can come up with to avoid being active, but the truth is there is always a way to fit some physical activity into your day.
- The amount of physical activity you need
It’s important for your health that you get enough physical activity every day, and that you limit your sedentary behaviour. But getting the amount of physical activity you need doesn’t have to be hard or unpleasant.