Ideas for an active life

Health & Wellbeing Blog

Articles to help and inspire you on your fitness journey.

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Stronger Together: Why Social Connection is the Secret Ingredient to Staying Active

February 23, 2026 · 2 min read

New research reveals that for older adults, physical health and social circles are two sides of the same coin—offering a powerful strategy to fight loneliness while staying fit. Recent findings suggest that treating strong social networks and physical activity as "inextricably linked" can dramatically improve well-being, yet nearly 57% of Australians over 65 still struggle to meet daily activity guidelines. From the motivating power of a local walking group to the "social glue" of community events, discover why finding your...

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The Resolution Trap: Why ‘All-or-Nothing’ is the Enemy of Consistency

January 30, 2026 · 3 min read

The "New Year, New Me" energy is a powerful motivator, but it often comes with a hidden trap: the all-or-nothing mindset. Many of us start January with rigid fitness resolutions, believing that if we can't commit to a full hour at the gym or a high-intensity session, it’s not worth...

More Than Just a Walk: How Outdoor Groups Build Community for CALD Women

January 25, 2026 · 3 min read

Beyond the physical benefits of exercise, getting outdoors provides a vital pathway for social connection and cultural exchange. Drawing on the 2025 SAFE research by RMIT University, we explore how community-led outdoor groups are helping women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds overcome barriers to participation. From reducing isolation...

Keeping Teen Girls in the Game: Is Australia Facing a ‘Grand Décrochage’?

January 23, 2026 · 3 min read

A major study from France has highlighted a concerning phenomenon known as the "grand décrochage"—the great drop-out of teenage girls from organised sport. As the pressure of exams, social media, and body image mounts, many girls are hanging up their boots before they even reach adulthood. But is this just...

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Dive into Summer: Score Free Pool Entry with the Banana Swim Pass

January 17, 2026 · 2 min read

Looking for a way to beat the summer heat without spending a cent? This Wednesday, 21 January, your morning snack becomes your ticket to the pool. Australian Bananas has teamed up with Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus for the "Banana Swim Pass"—a nationwide event where a single banana gets you free...

From Team Sports to Pickleball: How Our Relationship with Sport Changes Over a Lifetime

December 7, 2025 · 4 min read

Sport in Australia is constantly evolving, and the way we stay active looks different at every stage of life. From childhood swimming lessons to the rise of casual fitness and social sports, new data from the latest AusPlay “Lifelong Involvement in Sport” report highlights how our habits, motivations and barriers...

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Melbourne's Free Outdoor Fitness Program is Back!

November 23, 2025 · 2 min read

Melbourne's best-kept fitness secret is out! The City of Melbourne is rolling out a huge schedule of 'Free Fitness in the Park' classes this season, covering everything from calming Tai Chi and Yoga to high-energy Boxing and Zumba. This brilliant initiative removes the cost barrier and brings qualified instructors to...

Stop the Sprawl: Why Combining Activity and Diet Beats Harmful Belly Fat

November 22, 2025 · 4 min read

New research reveals that tackling weight gain, especially that stubborn belly fat linked to serious health risks, requires a combined approach: moving more and eating better. Discover why focusing on both diet quality and physical activity is your best defence against visceral fat accumulation.

New Research Proves Midlife Fitness is Key to Dementia Prevention

November 12, 2025 · 3 min read

We often feel guilty about not staying active throughout our twenties and thirties, but breakthrough research published in JAMA Network Open offers a huge sigh of relief. The study, which tracked thousands of adults across several decades, found that the physical activity you commit to in midlife and late life...

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Free On-Demand Sports Gear Lockers Trial starts in Queensland

October 30, 2025 · 3 min read

The cost of equipment is no longer an excuse! Decathlon and SportsBox have launched solar-powered smart lockers across Queensland, offering free, on-demand gear like basketballs and soccer balls. Discover how this innovative scheme is removing barriers to activity and where you can find the first SportsBox locations.

Looking to get active?

Here is a few options to explore:

Find local sports and fitness options, free and paid, such as social groups, organisers, coaches and trainers
Explore our venues directory to find local sports venues and gyms
Discover local sports and family events, free and paid, in our events directory