ACTIVE LIVING
Get ready for the goodness of lawn bowls
FIT HAPPENS With Tom Law
If you’re looking for an outdoor activity that combines movement, mental skill, strength building and teamwork, TRISTAN HALL recommends lawn bowls.
AS A personal trainer I get asked a lot if I can train people to lose weight, get stronger, run faster … and the list goes on. For some reason, the pressures of life have made them overweight, lacking strength, sick and generally not looking or feeling good. I like to call this “being out of balance”. Life is, after all, a balancing act. As one of our politicians said some time ago, “life wasn’t meant to be easy” and that is true. The pressures of modern life are arguably much tougher now than for a long time. That has been the topic of debate in households in this country and around the world for some time. Back to the balance of life from a physical and emotional sense. I am not equipped to write on mental health or wellbeing except to say that being physically fit, active and exercising regularly is without doubt a lot more beneficial to physical and mental health than not doing it.
W
hen it comes to healthy activities, lawn bowls is a winner. It can improve balance, not just in the game but in general. With each bowling action, you transfer your weight from the back leg to the front leg. These slow controlled muscle movements build strength and balance. Because you stand throughout the game, endurance improves too. Rolling your bowl towards the jack develops physical precision and mental alertness. Lawn bowls is a team activity. You are encouraged as you learn, and you get to meet new people. Before you head down to your nearest lawn bowls club, try these simple exercises at home. Exercise 1 – Static Lunges Stand side on to a wall or a railing for support. Place a stable object on the floor that is around 30cm high. A small box or a stack of books will do. Step forward with one leg using a wide stance to keep you stable. Next, lower your body by bending your front knee and your back knee. Keep your back upright. Try to touch the books or box with your bent back knee. Hold this position for 10 seconds then slowly come upright. Repeat the lunge five times then switch to the other leg. As you gain more strength and flexibility, you will be able to get lower to the ground. Exercise 2 – Biceps Curl Start with a 1kg weight in your right hand. Keep
your elbow neatly against your body and do 10 bicep curls. Move slowly and mindfully. Hold in your core muscles as you raise the weight. Switch to using your left arm. Do two sets of curls. Progress to a heavier weight when 1kg is no longer challenging. Exercise 3 – Single Arm Farmer’s Carry This exercise, also known as the Suitcase Carry, helps with balance and stability. Your core, hips, back and arms are all engaged in this exercise. If you don’t have a weight at home, you can use a watering can. (Note that 1 litre of water weighs 1kg) Choose a weight you can carry single-handed with a small amount of effort. Put it on the floor and stand beside it. Bend your knees and put your heels firmly on the ground. Pick up the weight. Look forward and walk ahead for 20 paces. Turn and walk back to the start. Put the weight down. Switch to the other arm. Do two laps. Tristan Hall is an exercise physiologist with Full Circle Wellness. Call 0431 192 284 or visit fullcirclewellness.com.au
MOFFAT BEACH JEWELLER
wins two top awards
While they might be 1,400km apart, Moffat Beach-based Jewellery designer Rita Williams has a love affair with Winton in Central Queensland. Rita’s designs, which are all manufactured in her studio using ecologically sustainable reclaimed & recycled materials, recently won two first prizes in the 2022 Queen Of Gems Boulder Opal Awards. “Euphoria” an intricate and stunning 18ct gold cuff bracelet featuring Cairns Birdwing butterflies in boulder opal with Argyle diamond studded orchids, was awarded First Prize in the Professional Jewellery 1B Category. “Enigma” a bold modern design crafted in sterling silver and 14ct yellow gold, Queensland boulder opal and West Australian diamonds proved most popular, securing first place in the People’s Choice category.
From a personal point of view, I have worked with many clients who once they get their work-life balance right they feel and operate much better, but it takes some effort. Incidentally, some academics believe life is summed up in a circular fashion called “wheel of life”. A pyramid is also used by some to highlight community, work, family, self. Whatever you use, it is important to find balance. When we are balanced, life is so much better. We are happier, healthier, feel in control and stress is much easier to deal with. My expertise is limited when trying to help people find balance in life, but it’s no secret that being active on a regular basis, eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of fresh water,and getting plenty of sleep and rest goes a long way to helping get it right. Tom Law is author of Tom’s Law Fit Happens. Visit tomslaw. com.au
Rehabilitation for your best life With a 10-year track record, the rehabilitation team at Nambour Selangor Private Hospital help people live their best life as independently as possible following surgery, illness, injury or managing a health condition.
Whether to regain strength and endurance, help with walking or pain management, or rehabilitation for neurological issues and more. Ask your GP for a rehabilitation referral to Nambour Selangor Private Hospital inpatient or day programs.
You can view these award-winning jewellery pieces at Sunstate Jewellers.
TRUST THE LOCALS ~ CELEBRATING 50 YEARS
SUNSTATE JEWELLERS
Watch our video, see our specialists at nambourselangor.com.au
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18 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / August 2022
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27/07/2022 1:15:34 PM
