Health & Wellbeing Blog
Articles to help and inspire you on your fitness journey.
R U OK? Day 2026: How to Ask “Are You OK?” on a Walk
August 10, 2026 · 7 min read
R U OK?Day falls on 10 September 2026, but you do not need to wait to check in. Learn how to choose a suitable walking route, start the conversation, listen without trying to fix everything and respond safely if someone says they are not OK.
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How to Make Your Running Shoes Last Longer—and Know When to Replace Them
Help your running shoes last longer with a simple care routine: clean only when needed, air-dry away from heat, reserve each pair for the right job, track kilometres and inspect grip, shape and fit before replacing them.
Dandenong Creek Trail: Where to Walk, Ride and Run in Melbourne’s East
The Dandenong Creek Trail gives walkers, runners and cyclists a mostly off-road route through Melbourne’s east and south-east. You can start with an easy loop around Jells Park, follow the creek for a longer ride, or join community events such as Jells parkrun, Dandenong parkrun and Run Maroondah. This guide...
Virtual Fitness Challenges: A Flexible Way to Get Active Anywhere
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...
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...
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