Health & Wellbeing Blog
Articles to help and inspire you on your fitness journey.
Virtual Fitness Challenges: A Flexible Way to Get Active Anywhere
July 20, 2026 · 10 min read
Virtual fitness challenges let Australians walk, run, ride or complete an activity goal on their own schedule while still gaining structure, progress tracking and a shared purpose. They can be especially useful for beginners, busy parents, shift workers and people who live far from organised events. Here is how they work, what to look for and how to choose your first challenge.
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E-Bikes in Australia: Fitness, Commuting Costs and Road Rules
E-bikes are becoming a practical way for Australians to add more movement to everyday travel. New cycling counts show that electric bikes now represent a growing share of bike trips, with particularly strong growth among women. Research suggests riders still reach useful exercise intensities, even with motor assistance. For commuters,...
Group or Solo Exercise? New Research Says Both Can Work
A 2026 meta-analysis of 71 studies found group and individual exercise programs produced broadly similar results. Group formats showed a small functional advantage, while social connection may depend more on how a group is designed than simply exercising beside other people.
How to Join a Social Basketball Team in Australia (Even if You’re a Beginner)
Thinking about playing basketball again but don’t have a team or much experience? You’re not alone. Basketball is now Australia’s second-biggest team sport, and thousands of adults are joining social competitions every year. This guide explains exactly how to get started, from finding beginner-friendly associations and come-and-try sessions to understanding...
Older Adults, Friends and Mental Health: What New Australian Research Reveals
A six-year UNSW study of older Australian twins suggests strong social ties with friends, neighbours and community groups may help protect mental health in later life. Here’s what the research found — and how to apply it.
Rachel Entrekin: First Woman to Win Cocodona 250
At 8.09am on a Saturday in Flagstaff, Arizona, Rachel Entrekin finished a 253-mile race ahead of every other person on the course. The 34-year-old physical therapist became the first woman to win the Cocodona 250 outright, clocking 56 hours, 9 minutes and 48 seconds, more than two hours faster than...
What New Research Says About Exercise After Prostate Cancer
A new 2026 review found men who stayed physically active after a prostate cancer diagnosis had a much lower risk of dying early. The benefit showed up at modest levels of movement, roughly a brisk half-hour walk most days. Here is what the research found, how much activity it points...
Sunshine Coast Marathon 2026: A Beginner's Guide to the 5km and 2km
The EVA Air Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival returns to Alexandra Headland on Sunday 2 August 2026, with distances from the 2km mini marathon to the full 42.2km marathon. If you are a first-time runner or returning after a long break, the 5km is the smartest goal to choose, especially if...
Can Strength Training Help Women Over 60 Sleep Better?
Poor sleep can make everything harder, from mood and memory to finding the energy to stay active. A 2025 randomised controlled trial of 160 older women found that 12 weeks of supervised resistance training improved sleep quality, anxiety, mood, cognitive function, and physical capacity. The useful part is that the...
What If More Australians Got Active? The Health Gains Are Bigger Than You Think
A 2026 Australian simulation study asked a simple question: what would happen if more of us moved more? The answer was measured in healthier years, fewer early deaths and billions of dollars in extra working-age income. But the most useful finding is not that everyone needs to become extremely active....
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