The 31 Days of Activity 2016 has got off to a flying start. Here’s a summary of the week’s activities and some photos of some of the 450+ Goers getting active, trying new things and stepping outside their comfort zones. Well done to everyone who got involved!
Also, a huge thanks to our activity hosts for putting on such fantastic sessions.
Magnetic Island Forts Walk Boxing Bonanza | parkrun | Bikram Yoga | Jump Free! | Aqua Fitness Class | Urban Orienteering Adventure | Scuba Diving
Scroll to the bottom of this story to find out how you can still #GetInvolved and kick your 2016 off by discovering something new, awesome and motivating.
Day 1: Magnetic Island Forts Walk Boxing Bonanza
The 31 Days of Activity packed a punch in the first session of 2016 when Magnetic Island residents and visitors alike got their hearts racing at Maggie Island Bootcamp Forts Walk Boxing Bonanza.
The scenic and super popular Forts Walk provided a fantastic warm-up, but the bulk of the Christmas calories were shed amongst the WWII ruins when Goers paired up to punch, jump and lunge their way into an active 2016. It was easy to be distracted by the stunning view and landscape.
Get involved in 2016: Look up Maggie Island Boot Camp on your next trip to the Island — fun sessions for all ages are held throughout the whole week at some of the most striking places on Maggie. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/Maggie-Island-Bootcamp-690018457703080/?fref=ts.
Day 2: parkrun
Runners and walkers celebrated the New Year and recognised parkrun’s generous volunteers on Day Two of the 31 Days of Activity.
About 60 runners gathered at North Shore’s Town Square to complete the 5km timed course — seeking to set a benchmark or wanting to improve their times from last year in a supportive atmosphere.
There was a 30-minute pacer to help runners gauge their speed, plus plenty of walkers who wanted to get active with the kids.
Get involved in 2016: Join North Shore parkrun or Riverway parkrun Saturday mornings and make it a regular habit for 2016 — it’s so rewarding improving on your times each week and catching-up with like-minded active types. Find more info about getting involved here: https://thegotownsville.com.au/events/photo/?tribe_eventcategory=266
Day 3: Bikram Yoga
A group of Bikram first-timers joined together to find out what this physically-challenging and rewarding form of yoga was all about for Day 3 of the 31 Days of Activity.
Known for its ability to reduce stress and develop flexibility and muscle tone, Bikram Yoga is a dynamic series of 26 postures and two breathing exercises. All classes are 90 minutes in a room heated to 38C with 40% humidity. The heat enables you to warm your muscles efficiently, preventing injury and allowing for a deeper workout; and the sweat helps to purify your system and eliminate toxins from your body.
Get involved in 2016: Pay just $39 and get 30 days of unlimited Bikram yoga (for first time visitors to the studio). Check out Bikram Yoga Townsville’s full timetable here: http://www.bikramyogatownsville.com.au/timetable/
Day 4: Jump Free!
More than 130 Goers experienced the joy of LAUNCH ZONE for the first time when Australia’s largest trampoline wonderland offered free jump sessions for Day 4 of the 31 Days of Activity.
Toddlers through to adults let loose throughout the huge air-conditioned facility that offers everything from a massive jump zone that’s made up of 70 connecting trampolines, to a basketball zone; dodge ball zone; tight rope; cage ball; slam dunk; junior zone and more.
The new junior zone was particularly popular for littlies, which has jungle inflatable equipment and a big pit of foam (an ideal place to visit when the older kids go back to school — parents are free).
Get involved in 2016: Buy an hour jump pass and get the second hour free (including school holidays). For more information, go here: https://www.launchzone.com.au/.
Day 5: Aqua Fitness Class
It was the perfect way to spend a hot summer’s afternoon — splashing around and having lots of laughs in Aqua@Riverway’s Aqua Fitness Class. This free session marked Day 5 of the 31 Days of Activity and Goers of all ages hopped into the pool to experience this popular low-impact workout.
But don’t be fooled — just because it’s low impact doesn’t mean it’s easy — participants used floating equipment to train their cardiovascular and muscular systems to challenge themselves while keeping (relatively) cool.
Get involved in 2016: Find out more about Aqua@Riverway’s fun-filled regular sessions here: https://www.facebook.com/AquaRiverway-152415178104716/?fref=ts.
Day 6: Urban Orienteering Adventure
A record number of Goers and urban-adventurers turned out to Day 6 of the 31 Days of Activity, with 217 people competing in 62 teams to find clues and tick-off checkpoints all around Jezzine Barracks, The Strand and beyond.
The aim was for families, friends and newly-introduced teamies to walk, jog or sprint around the course and collect the checkpoint codes and challenge points. Some stayed relaxed and took the excitement in their stride, while others unleashed their competitive steaks.
Everyone was back by 7pm where they were scored, rewarded with refreshments, and the winners were announced with the victors presented with a trophy.
Get involved in 2016: Totally Tropical Orienteering Club’s super-popular Urban Adventure Series is back on Wednesday, February 3. Find out more and register here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1537113769948325/
Day 7: Discover Scuba Diving!
Goers got to experience what it’s like to breathe underwater on Day 7 of the 31 Days of Activity thanks to Remote Area Dive.
Four 45-minute sessions throughout the morning at Riverway Pool saw Goers get an easy introduction to what it takes to explore the underwater world; including how to use the gear and the rules and principles of scuba; then they put it into action in the shallow safety of the pool.
Get involved in 2016: Chat to RAD about their upcoming Open Water Courses and make 2016 the year you make the most of having the Great Barrier Reef on your doorstep! More information here: http://www.remoteareadive.com.au/.
Get involved
The 31 Days of Activity is a community initiative that we run throughout the whole of January, offering a different event each day that Goers can try for free, thanks to the generosity of our supporting businesses, sporting clubs, and sponsors. For more information and to view the January 2016 schedule, see here: https://thegotownsville.com.au/31doa2016/.
