Nutrition & Fitness Gold Coast locals have many things to boast about. Seventy kilometres of shimmering coastline hedged by lush native vegetation that spreads over a huge area of reserves, bushland, parks and hinterland. The dynamic conditions of South- East Queensland make the city’s environment exciting all year-round, something that strategic city development has celebrated through endless lengths of footpaths, spacious parks and stunning scenic lookouts. The Gold Coast can also boast about its higher than average health status when compared to the rest of the state. In 2013, according to the Gold Coast Medicare Local (GCML) self-review resident survey, 85 percent of Gold Coasters rated their health between good and excellent and 92 percent rated their quality of life good to very good (compared with 83 percent and 90 percent respectively for Queensland as a whole). Despite the region’s higher rate of physical activity and lower rate of obesity compared with the entire state, however, the rate of overweight or obese people has increased to over 50 percent in the last few years, with over 250,000 residents within this health bracket. Exercise can often be expensive; not everyone has the time or money to hit the gym five times a week. But with the Gold Coast’s safe, social and stunning environment, and its huge range of free outdoor and community-run exercise activities, everyone has the opportunity to improve their health, get fit and make new friendships. Here are some of the city’s best free exercise options that are fun for all ages and adaptable to all levels of health. pm Bushwalking As well as its beach-life personality, the Gold Coast also has a greener side, with 49 percent of its land being native vegetation - part of that being the Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest and the Ramsar Convention-listed coastal wetlands of southern Moreton Bay. Pack a light lunch and your walking shoes for a day of hiking one of the region’s magnificent national parks, such as the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk or Binna Burra in Lamington National Park. The Bushwalkers of Southern Queensland Inc (BOSQ) is one of the state’s major bushwalking clubs and organises a number of bushwalking activities throughout the year between Fraser Island and northern New South Wales. Trips vary on levels of fitness, distance and terrain and membership is for all ages. Visit www.bosq. bwq.org.au for more information. Surfing Know someone with a surfboard? Maybe a neighbor with a paddleboard? Or if you just like to paddle around on a boogie-board, getting among the waves is a fantastic way to exercise at no cost! The Gold Coast is a surfing mecca and attracts learners and pros alike from all over the world, so go with the flow and hit the ocean! Even without standing up, all the swimming, maneuvering and paddling is a great cardio and muscular workout and a fun time spent with family and friends. Beginners should try to use a bigger board for balance, and always go with someone experienced in surfing or swimming for guidance and safety, in patrolled conditions. Walking & Cycling on th e Oc eanway As the saying goes, every step counts towards better health. Count those footsteps along the Gold Coast’s magnificent oceanway and enjoy a relaxed outdoor journey that fringes the city’s iconic white-sand beaches. The 36-kilometre oceanway path is broken into nine distinct zones and includes a number of stunning ocean viewpoints, parks and barbeque areas. On foot or by bicycle, the oceanway is a great way to begin a new fitness regime or do some intense training, individually or in groups. Setting distance goals and measuring progress is easy with the frequent landmark posts. In connection with the Heart Foundation and the 10,000 Steps Australia Campaign, the Gold Coast City Council facilitates social walking groups and encourages daily exercise through community gatherings and online support services. Walking and cycling are also great ways to get to work for free! Map your walk or ride with www.mapmyride.com and track your progress. pindaramagazine.com.au Pindara Magazine 71
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Three
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