Congratulations to everyone who participated in the first week of the 31 Days of Activity. It’s safe to say that this Townsville-first free initiative is certainly succeeding in its goal of starting the New Year with an active bang; with 330+ Goers signing-up for an activity that they’ve always wanted to try.
Here is a wrap-up of each day; but we’d just like to say a huge thank you to these businesses and organisations involved in Week One who donated the fun and their time:
Lighten Up NQ | Barra Fun Park | Parkrun | Bikram Yoga | Laser Combat NQ | Sk8way | Alpha Omega Health | Accident & Injury Physio
Pssst: If you missed out, check each wrap-up below as some are offering incentives so you can still get involved…
Jan 1 – Yoga Nidra
The 31 Days of Activity kicked-off on a restful and rejuvenating note at Lighten Up NQ with a Yoga Nidra class. With Yoga Nidra also known as ‘sleep yoga’ (you enter a state of deep sleep yet remain conscious: it’s in the deep theta wave sleep that Lighten Up NQ’s Bec Dore says is very healing and rejuvenating for the mind and body), there was at least one report of a participant visiting the land of nod. There was little question by all involved that this was an ideal way to start 2015. If you missed out, mention TheGo and receive a seven-day free trial (for first-time visitors). lightenupnq.com.au/
Jan 2 – Aqua Park at the Barra Fun Park
Who said people can’t fly? The Aqua Park certainly challenged that notion as Goers took the plunge. Kids and adults got to submerge themselves in the excitement of the Barra Fun Park’s inflatable obstacle course which had many awesome features; one being a tower with a giant pillow underneath – jump off the tower onto the pillow and watch your child/friend/partner fly through the sky! It was a lot of fun to watch and even more fun to do. The consensus was that Goers would return for round two: “It was an awesome afternoon thanks heaps to everyone involved and we will definitely be back,” said one of the participants. If you missed out, the Barra Fun Park is open every day of the school holidays so get along for some action-packed fun. barrafunpark.com/
Jan 3 – parkrun
From pram pushers to pace-setters, runners and walkers turned out in force with family and friends for Riverway parkrun’s first weekly event of the year. This 5km run/walk takes in the picturesque and shady surrounds of Ross River and is an ideal way to get moving and challenge yourself to beat the clock. We were delighted to see people of such a breath of fitness – some finished in 20 minutes while others were done in an hour, and many in-between, but everyone managed a smile for the camera. Angela Ryan’s t-shirt requires a special mention: “Gonna run till I don’t jiggle”. Nice! Parkrun is held every Saturday morning at Riverway and North Shore at 7am – it’s free but you need to register here: parkrun.com.au/register/.
Jan 4 – Bikram Yoga
Goers worked-up a sweat and stretched their bodies throughout Bikram Yoga’s 26 postures and two breathing exercises at this Hyde Park studio that’s relatively new to Townsville. The 90-minute class was in a room heated to 38C with 40% humidity, which is designed to warm bodies and eliminate toxins. Having never done Bikram ourselves (this will change soon), we were surprised and awed by the physicality – not only does this style of yoga help to reduce stress and develop flexibility and muscle tone, it also builds strength and stamina. Check out the photos – sweating has never looked so good! If you missed out and you’ve never been before, mention TheGo and pay just $39 for 30 days of unlimited yoga. bikramyogatownsville.com.au/
Jan 5 – Unlimited Laser Combat and Roller-Skating
Hundreds packed into Sk8way for non-stop roller-skating and laser combat games and the whole Cannon Park venue was abuzz with activity. Kids and adults laced up and hit the skate rink, soaking up the disco-like atmosphere. Some were naturals, but others found their feet after a bit of practise and a few minor tumbles. Kids aged seven plus got to experience the excitement of the brand new Laser Combat NQ – a game of high tech hide and seek with laser guns. They could hide inside and behind inflatable obstacles and had to run and duck for cover to complete their missions. There were lots of smiles across the three-hour session and it was described as a “fantastic day”. lasercombatnq.com.au/ + sk8way.com.au/
Jan 6 – Intro to Barre
Ladies stepped up to the barre on Day 6 of the 31 Days of Activity. Barre class at Lighten Up NQ was the order of the day and cores, arms, butts and thighs were worked in this ballet and Pilates-influenced workout that’s renowned for toning and sculpting bodies. Those little weights certainly got a heavier than they looked rather quickly! One Goer revealed she had been meaning to try Barre for a while and said the class gave her the final push she needed. If you missed out and you’ve never been to Lighten Up before, mention TheGo and receive a seven-day pass. lightenupnq.com.au/
Jan 7 – Alpha Omega Health Boot Camp (AM)
Heart rates were elevated and bodies were challenged across multiple fronts in this dynamic boot camp with a difference. Alpha Omega Health’s Come & Try Boot Camp session had five stations set-up at the Townsville Sports Reserve; even making good use of the stairs of the grandstand (try running up and down both sides four times – ouch!). The session was designed and delivered by accredited exercise physiologist and AOH owner Justin Smith, who ensured Goers certainly got an all over body workout that challenged speed, strength and endurance. One participant said, “Awesome workout: I slept like the dead last night, thanks guys”.If you missed out, you can try any of AOH’s timetable classes free of charge – just mention TheGo. alphaomegahealth.com.au/
Jan 7 – Manlates (PM)
While in the afternoon, men of all fitness levels had their core stability, strength and flexibility tested. Designed specifically to target the strengths and weaknesses of fellas, this small class was all about participants pushing themselves to the limit safely to gain core strength benefits that can be used to reach other training goals, or for injury prevention and rehab (also a great one for those with lower back issues). The clincher was a seven-minute ‘Ab Challenge’ at the end of the class, which left only two blokes ‘standing’. Nothing like a bit of friendly competition! aihealth.com.au/treatments/clinical-pilates
Coverage
Thanks to local media including the Townsville Bulletin, 106.3FM, and Channel 7 News for supporting our efforts to get Townsville active. If you missed any of them, you can check them out here:
Townsville Bulletin (29/12/14): Active Community Group TheGo formed to give Townsville Residents Options to get Fit in the New Year
Townsville Bulletin (2/01/15): News Year Resolution: Get Fit for Free
Townsville Bulletin (8/01/15): Health Kicks Prompting Plenty to Head for the Hill
Want to get involved?
Check out our calendar to see the remaining active events here: https://thegotownsville.com.au/31-days-of-activity-january-2015/
