Where is your favourite place to exercise in Ballarat?

Finding different ways to exercise to keep it fun!
We all know that we need to be meeting the minimum recommendations for exercise each week (quote recs). While this can seem like a lot of time and effort to slot into our already busy weeks, by making exercise fun and something you look forward to, it is easy to make the time. 
When we think of high intensity exercise, most people immediately think of running, or going to the gym. If these are your passions and you love to get out for a jog to clear your head, or spend time lifting weights or doing classes at the gym, that is great. A simple, easy way to keep your body moving. 
But not everyone loves spending time in the gym or pounding the pavement. So what are the options for those who don’t enjoy it? Any way to keep your body moving that you enjoy is the answer!
So here are some options that you may not have considered in your quest to get your body moving!

1. Walking (bonus points if it is with a friend or pet!). Walking is one of the best exercises we can do. It uses the whole body, it’s free and can get your heart rate up if you set a decent pace. Ballarat has some wonderful places to walk, including Lake Wendouree (with its new lighting!), Yarrawee Trail, Victoria Park and even just along the streets near your home. If you want to make this an indoor activity, basic treadmills are a great option, and you can even watch TV at the same time!
2. Team sports. If you struggle to keep up your own motivation, joining a team can be a great way to create some accountability and keep you on schedule. Ballarat has great choices for team sports for all ages and skill levels, with basketball, netball, football, futsal, cricket, badminton- basically whatever you would like to try, there is a team available for your age and level of experience. 
3. Swimming. While this may not be the first thought during the winter months, swimming is a fantastic whole body exercise that can improve your fitness, all while being easy on your joints. Plus it can be indoors, at whatever time suits you.
4. Tai Chi. A great choice if you want to work your whole body, without high impact movements. Tai Chi is passed down wisdom on ways to move your body to improve stamina, strength and balance, and you will sleep well after too! Want to try Tai Chi? We have classes here at Soldiers Hill Allied Health every Thursday at 7pm. 
5. Home workouts. YouTube has a wealth of exercise videos to follow along with (Free if you don’t mind watching ads) from yoga to HIIT style workouts. There is also an abundance of exercise apps for download on your phone, some free and some paid, that can curate an exercise routine for you. Whatever your style, there is a free and easy option available in the comfort of your own home. 
6. Dancing. Whatever sort of dancing you love or want to try. Ballroom, latin, salsa, zumba, line dancing, pole dance- dance has been shown to improve mood, cardiovascular fitness, balance and is fun! Whether by yourself, or with a partner, it’s a great way to keep moving. Really self conscious about your boogie moves? Try ‘No Lights No Lycra’, every 2nd Monday at the Victorian Railways Institute Hall at 8pm, a dance party in the dark!

Any of these sound appealing? Follow the links for some local Ballarat activities, all ready to enrol and get yourself moving!
The Dance Studio
Zumba with Erin
No Lights No Lycra
Tai Chi
Ballarat Aquatic & Lifestyle Centre
Physipole
Major League Indoor Sports
Sebastopol Football Netball Club