Fed up of the long run to nowhere on the treadmill? Need to re-energize and re-inspire your fitness routine? Checked out a park recently? Many of Brisbane's
local parks have had fitness equipment installed enabling you to enjoy a free workout in our glorious climate.
Cardio and resistance exercises can be completed using arm press and stepping machines as well as a range of stretches and flexibility exercises. All machines have instructions to guide you in their correct use. Other ways to get fit in the park for free include getting a group together and shooting hoops on the half court basketball courts or get ready for the Australian Open by working on a Federeresque backhand on the tennis rebound walls. Walking and jogging trails allow you to exercise on paved surfaces while experiencing sensational scenery.
If exercising by yourself won't get you off the couch, the Brisbane City Council's
Active Parks program offers a variety of group classes and activities including tai chi, swimming, karate, meditation and zumba. Activities are either free or low cost and full detail's can be found on the Council's website. North of Brisbane,
Moreton Bay Regional Council offers similar equipment and programs as does
Logan City Council south of Brisbane.
Every person should achieve 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days, however research has found that over half of Australian adults do not meet this goal. If you are new to exercise, 30 minutes of moderate activity means activity that raises a sweat but still leaves you able to talk, for example going for a brisk walk. Also you do not have to complete the 30 minutes all at once, you can build up your sessions over the course of a day in 5, 10 or 15 minute bursts.
The SMART goal formula is tool you can use to help you plan the things you would like to achieve and to record the steps you will need to take to achieve them. SMART stands for specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time focused. The formula can be used for any type of goal from weight loss to building a house. The most important thing to remember with goal setting is to be flexible. Human life is subject to many fluctuations and we cannot plan out to the nth degree. If something gets in the way of your goal, such as a pregnancy or a promotion, review your life at that moment in time and recreate your goals accordingly. Remember, if you try to achieve something you will never fail, even if you don't make the journey's end – you will always learn many lessons about yourself during the journey.
