Exercise and getting active

What being active can do for you

Doing something active is an opportunity to improve your health and lead a happier life. How much you move each day can have a big impact on how you feel inside and out. Try to fit 60 minutes of exercise into your day and you’ll:

• feel more energetic
• maintain a healthy weight
• be less stressed
• have stronger bones and muscles
• learn how to be a team player and learn leadership skills
• meet new friends
• improve your flexibility and coordination
• improve your concentration and do better at school, university or at work
• believe in yourself and be more confident
• improve your fitness
• improve your posture
• be more relaxed
• be protected from heart disease
• reduce your blood pressure
• reduce your risk of stroke
• reduce your risk of developing diabetes
• sleep better
• boost your immune system
• start good habits that will serve you well throughout your life.

Exercise is one of the ways your body gets rid of toxins. It also helps produce sebum—your skin’s natural moisturiser. The increase in blood flow helps transport oxygen and vital nutrients to your skin—which gives your skin it’s healthy glow.

Ideas to get you active

Don’t be afraid to try something new or different—it might just be your thing! Physical activity isn’t just about sport— it’s about feeling good, being healthy and expressing yourself. You don’t have to be the best—you just have to have fun! Why not try:

• bike riding
• skateboarding
• rock-climbing or abseiling
• bare-foot bowls
• archery
• skirmish
• netball
• basketball
• fun runs and walks
• surfing or body boarding
• kick-boxing or martial arts
• school sports—you don’t have to be a star just get involved and have fun
• frisbee
• backyard cricket or softball
• joining your local gym or sport and recreation club
• taking a class like spin, aerobics or pump
• learning to dance including hip-hop, Latin or break dance
• helping around the house—mow the lawn, do some gardening
• washing cars and walking dogs—for cash!

Staying safe when active

While being active you should:

• drink water before, during and after the activity
• wear a broad brim hat, clothing to protect your skin, and sunscreen
• wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun
• wear safety equipment, like a helmet (e.g. when bike riding or skateboarding)
• play in the shade
• avoid too much activity during the hottest part of the day—between 10am and 3pm.

Youth with disability

Many young people with disability or a medical condition enjoy participating in physical activity or sport.

Help available for getting active

Young people can get active through the following events, programs and facilities:

• at your local sports club
• at an Active Recreation Centre
• contact your local council— to find information on sport and recreation
• go to a free sporting workshop or seminar
• join your local Police Citizens Youth Clubs for affordable sporting, recreational, leadership and welfare activities
• the Young Athlete Assistance Program—helps kids with representation in their sport by covering the cost of travel and accommodation for various championships
• the Challenge, Achievement and Pathways in Sport (CAPS) program offers leadership opportunities to get involved in sport, including as a coach, official, or team manager.

Holiday Adventure Programs

If you’re enrolled at school, aged 5—15, you can attend a Holiday Adventure Program held at:

Sunshine Coast

Website:

Currimundi Active Recreation Centre

Address:

Currimundi Rd, Currimundi

Phone:

07 5420 7500

Email:

info@currimundi@communities.qld.gov.au

Gold Coast

Website:

Tallebudgera Active Recreation Centre

Address:

1525 Gold Coast Hwy, North Palm Beach

Phone:

07 5507 0200

Email:

info.tallebudgera@communities.qld.gov.au

Helpful information

• Fitness programs to help you achieve your goals.
• State Sporting Organisations to help you find a sport and recreation club close to you.
• Prime Minister’s Olympic and Paralympic Challenges.
• Athlete Talent Identification and Development Program
• Queensland Academy of Sport.