Personal trainers, coaches, sports clubs and wellness experts are needed to take Ipswich into an active and healthy future.
Next year’s Active and Healthy Ipswich Guide will feature free and low-cost classes run by qualified trainers.
Activities will include boot camp, circuit and interval training, yoga, dance classes and sessions for mums and bubs.
Trainers can register here by Tuesday, 5 December.
Part of this year’s guide, Shea Carney from Gym and Tonic Movement shares her top tips to find the perfect exercise session for you.
Remember, everyone is different
Finding a new style of training can be a challenge, but once you find one it won’t take long before the endorphins that exercise release have you hooked. Everyone is different, and what works for your friends might not work for you.
The benefits of boot camp
If you’re looking for fast, intense workouts, then boot camp and group fitness training might be for you. Most boot camps and group fitness sessions incorporate circuit training, boxing, HIIT (high intensity interval training) and a range of other fun styles. This type of training keeps your heart rate up, burns more fat in less time and builds strength, power, coordination, fitness and endurance. You also get to work out with a group of likeminded people who encourage, motivate and support you.
Something for mums and bubs
For mums who want to get out of the house or return to exercising a great place to start is a mums and bubs class. For expectant mums there are also pregnancy fitness classes that accommodate your new belly. These classes are specifically designed to target your mum-bod to lose weight, improve pelvic floor strength and abdominal separation and introduce you to other wonderful new mums who will support and guide you along your journey.
Pound the pavement
If you’re looking for a free workout, running is an exercise you can do alone or with a friend. Running is one of the most effective ways to lose weight, improve fitness and health and relieve stress.
Dance like you mean it
If you like cardio exercise but don’t enjoy running then dance and Zumba classes could be for you. Incorporating simple dance moves with lunges and squats will have you sweating up a storm in no time.
Stretch it out and shake it off
If your muscles are tight or tense, you’re stressed or looking to try something new, then head to your local yoga and pilates studio. Yoga and pilates are often grouped together, but both have different benefits. Pilates lengthens and stretches all the major muscle groups in the body in a balanced fashion, improving flexibility, strength, balance and body awareness. Alternatively, yoga brings the body and mind together through stretching, controlled breathing techniques and meditation.
Put your best foot forward
Walking is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Because it’s low-impact it has a very low risk of injury and doesn’t require any additional training. It also improves health and fitness, balance and coordination and manages weight. Additionally, it reduces the risk of fractures, falls and other injuries. Grab a friend, or your dog, and head out for 30 minutes a day.
Build strength for seniors
Low-impact, weight-bearing exercise is extremely important for seniors. Weight-bearing exercises help to improve muscle strength, bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, while low-impact exercise reduces the risk of damage to the body. Aqua fitness is a great low-impact workout that strengthens muscles and improves respiratory and cardiovascular fitness. You also get to keep cool as the hot summer sun heats up the day!
Ride a bike to better health
Cycling is great for improving mental wellbeing, weight loss, building muscle, better lung health and reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer. It’s also low-impact, improves navigational skills and helps you sleep.
Find a new friend in Parkour
Do you like living on the edge? Parkour could be your new best friend. Parkour is a full body workout involving running and obstacle jumping, applying practical and fundamental movements and promoting quick-thinking and creative style. Your agility, balance, power, speed, coordination, strength and reaction time will all be tested and improved.
If in doubt, just get off the couch
It doesn’t matter what training style you choose, getting off the sofa and getting your body moving will benefit your physical and mental health. Try it today!
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