Exercise and getting active
Benefits of being active
Being active not only keeps you fit and healthy, but provides all kinds of social, emotional and intellectual benefits.
Research shows that regular physical activity can:
- help you feel more confident, happy and relaxed, with improved self-esteem
- encourage healthy growth and development of your body
- improve your concentration skills and ability to manage anxiety and stress
- help you to develop skills such as cooperation and teamwork, and is a great way to have fun, meet new people and develop friendships
- help you to become more motivated and organised.
Find out more about the benefits of being active.
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!
You could try cycling, swimming, basketball, netball, tennis, skating, boating, fishing or walking. Check out Brisbane City Council’s list of active activities to get some ideas.
How to get active
You can get active through the following events, programs and facilities:
- join a sport or recreation club
- check out sport and recreation events in Queensland
- find out what recreational areas, facilities and activities are near you
- contact your local council to find out what's on in your area.
- if you're in Brisbane visit the Brisbane City Council website, check out their list of exercise equipment in parks, and learn more about their Black Diamonds Program which provides a range of free or low cost activities to local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people
- join your local Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) for affordable sporting, recreational, leadership and welfare activities
- PCYC’s Channelling Healthy Aggression Mentoring Project (CHAMP) provides positive role models to work alongside young people to improve their life choices, using boxing as a vehicle to foster personal growth
- find a YMCA in your local area or a YMCA Brisbane fitness centre
- if eligible, apply for a FairPlay voucher to assist in paying for membership, registration or participation fees with registered activity providers for children and young people aged 5 to 17 years
- access programs and facilities at the Queensland recreation centres including weekend and holiday accommodation and activities, and school and sporting camps
- if eligible, apply for a travel subsidy through the Emerging Athlete Pathways program that provides financial assistance to help alleviate the costs associated with competing or officiating in eligible championship events
- find sport and recreation programs for young people with disability or a medical condition
- view the Healthier. Happier website which asks you to think about how small changes can help you to be a little bit healthier
- check out this list of state sporting organisations to find a sports organisation that interests you, such as athletics, AFL, basketball etc.
Stay sun safe when active
In Queensland the levels of ultraviolet radiation from the sun are high enough to damage your skin all year round, so it’s important to use the 5 recommended sun protection methods whenever you’re outside:
- slip on a shirt
- slop on broad spectrum SPF30 or higher sunscreen
- slap on a broad-brimmed hat
- seek shade, and
- slide on some sunglasses.
Find out more about sun safety.