Exercise is good for your body but it’s even better for mental health. Regular exercise helps combat depression and anxiety, relieves stress, supports a better night’s sleep, improves concentration and boosts your happy endorphins. No matter your age or ability, getting active is a great way to put a spring in your step.
Ritua Ali'iva'a, Auckland Council’s Fitness Lead, says all forms of exercise can help you clear your mind and de-stress.
“Physical activity can help you unwind and get away from it all. It helps to distract you from your worries of daily life and allows you to think more clearly,” she says.
“In the beginning, exercise will feel more like work than fun but over time it will be something that you enjoy and depend on.”
Ritua’s 10-minute AMRAP* workout to de-stress
- 10 squats
- 10 press ups
- 10 alternating lunges
- 10 second prone plank
*As many reps as possible in 10 minutes.
Ritua also suggests incorporating ‘working in’ or breathing exercises, these can be performed anywhere and anytime.
“We focus so much on ‘working out’ and expending energy as opposed to ‘working in’ and pulling in good energy. The slow deep breathing of ‘working in’ exercises tells our body that we are calm and helps to relieve stress.
“Find a quiet space outside in the sun, lie on your back, relax your body, close your eyes and perform deep slow breaths for 2-3 minutes.”
Other ideas to get active at Auckland Council Pools and Leisure
- Have a go at a group fitness class – there’s yoga, boxing, RPM, BODYPUMP and much more.
- Go for a brisk walk on the treadmill or cross-trainer.
- Do a few laps in the pool.
- Grab a group of mates and shoot some hoops.
Pay no joining fee
Auckland Council Pools and Leisure are making it much easier for you to start it, move it, love it with no joining fee ($50) if you sign up by 31 October 2017.
Still unsure? Sign up to a free trial. Simply drop by your local council-operated leisure centre any Sunday in October or phone your local centre to make an appointment.
