HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE

Out-smart and out-race

THE countdown to Hobart’s hotly contested “Race for Research” is on, with The Mind Games 2022 officially launched last month.

The Mind Games is an action-packed annual event that sees corporate teams of five try to outsmart and out-race their competitors in a series of exciting and imaginative challenges designed to test their skills, creativity and teamwork.

Aimed at highlighting the importance of workplace wellbeing, the event has raised more than $150,000 for the Menzies Centre over the past two years. The funds have been used to support a range of projects, including the research of Post-Doctoral student Adam Nebbs.

“Having fun at work is a big contributor to mental wellbeing and it’s great to see how many Tasmanian organisations recognise that,” The Mind Games founder Sherri Ring said.

“We’re fortunate to have the support of our Gold Sponsor Aurora Energy, our Silver Sponsor TasGas and our stage sponsors who will create our team challenges.

“Last year we saw teams involved in activities like assembling power towers, building muffin stacks, creating superhero costumes and cooking the ultimate pancake. We can’t wait to see what our sponsors will come up with to challenge our teams this year.”

The Mind Games is open to up to 50 teams, and with spots filling fast Ms Ring encourages workplaces to sign up soon.

“The Mind Games is the most fun you’ll have at work,” she said.

“I can promise you lots of laughs and loads of entertainment, as well as rewards from knowing that you are contributing to mental health research.”

The 2022 Mind Games will be held at The Goods Shed at Macquarie Point on 25 February. Teams can register now at www. themindgames.com.au

From left, Aurora Energy chief executive officer Rebecca Kardos, Sammy Starr and Tas Gas chief executive officer Phaedra Deckart.

GET INTO HIKING WITH THE TASMANIAN ICONIC WALK

By Jo Cordell-Cooper*

FITNESS goals that excite you and give you a clear focus are those you’ll stick to.

I’ve certainly noticed an increase in the number of people wanting to get into hiking and into nature.

Sometimes the goal is to meander on very clear, relatively short tracks to something much harder, and having a progressive training regime will help you get hike ready and really enjoying the experience.

Whatever your goal is it is important to: • Don’t over think it – make a start. • Progressively increase your fitness by challenging yourself with longer or more difficult walks. • Join a group of likeminded people to keep you going, motivated and accountable.

In 2017, I founded the not-for-profit charity Tasmanian Iconic Walks with the aim of getting more people into more challenging hikes with a group of friends or work mates.

The charity provides facts about reducing your personal risk of stroke via living physically active lives.

Low levels of physical activity are a significant risk factor to having a stroke in later life, as is high blood pressure.

My point is if you join our event this year, you’ll be signing up to all three of these factors.

The event will be a walk from Tasman Arch to Fortescue Bay – seven hours and 17 kilometres of glorious scenery – on 6 November.

Registrations for the 2021 Tasmanian Iconic Walk number four are now open.

People are encouraged to bring a team of four or more to raise money for the Stroke Foundation.

We do not recommend or allow anyone to simply show up on the day and take part.

We offer fitness hiking resources that will progressively get you fit for the event.

Once you register you will receive a fitness plant to follow to prepare for the long day hiking in the wilderness.

For more information or to register, visit www. tasmanianiconicwalks.org or the Tasmanian Iconic Walks Facebook or Instagram page.

*Jo Cordell-Cooper owns Jo CC Holistic PT which specialises in women’s fitness and health (including weight loss) across the ages. Jo founded Tasmanian Iconic Walks in 2017 following her father’s death from stroke. More than $120,000 has been raised and donated to Stroke Foundation from the last three events. For more information, contact Jo on 0409 862206 or email jo@jocc.com.au.

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