Fitness

How does walking benefit our physical and mental health? How many steps do we need to do to see benefits to our overall wellbeing? In this article, Postdoctoral Research Fellow Matthew Ahmadi shares the origin of the 10 000 steps per day goal, and how we can still see substantial benefits from fewer steps.

‘Over the Christmas break last year, I decided to commit myself to being active every day for at least 28 days in a row so that I could develop a healthy habit.’ Tamara Smith from St Mary’s Memorial School in South Australia shares how she began walking every day and the positive effect it’s had.

‘Whenever my colleagues say they’re stressed, I give them a lecture about the benefits of “me time”.’ Primary teacher Vikki Rhodes shares how she makes time to care for her own wellbeing by walking with her friend, and by attending weekly Zumba classes.

Principal David Smith shares three activities he’s embedded into his life to maintain his health, fitness and wellbeing, whilst also helping to relieve some of the pressures that come with being a school leader.

After an unprecedented one-year postponement, the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics are scheduled to begin on 23 July and 24 August. While billions of fans around the world tune in to their favourite sporting moments from home, the question remains – Does elite sport performance act as a catalyst to increased mass sport participation?

Climb your stairs at home, use a gym step machine, or aerobic step and track the totals to virtually scale these iconic world landmarks. This infographic features a magnificent seven structures that offer up different levels of challenge – from the world’s tallest building and an iconic bridge climb, to an ancient feat of engineering and spiral staircases with a distinct lean.

‘Walking is more than getting from one place to another.’ Assistant Principal Amanda Alcock shares how her walking routine has helped her to gain perspective, focus and gratitude, and explains why it will always be an important part of her life.

Warming up before exercise is considered an important part of your overall fitness regime. It is said to help prevent injury, improve performance and prepare you for the task ahead. But what is the most effective way to warm-up before exercise to ensure you gain those benefits? We explore this question with Professor Anthony Blazevich from Edith Cowan University.

With the Tokyo 2020 Games finally set to go ahead this year, there will be plenty of inspiration on show. So, why not shake up your exercise routine and try something new? Olympic athletes will compete across 33 sports and Paralympic athletes across 22. From Badminton to Sport Climbing, here are six suggestions to get you started.

‘If anyone asks, I would definitely tell them that it is healthy to put yourself first on a regular basis; to do something that is just for you.’ Michelle Feely, College Librarian at St Patrick’s College for Girls, shares how yoga has become part of her weekly routine and gives her the opportunity to put herself first.