Dayna
I have played netball for more than 10 years and over the last few years have developed an interest in running. My interest in running stemmed from wanting to maintain my fitness to a high level in between the netball seasons. I also walk regularly as I have a dog, and I enjoy walking by myself or with other people. Occasionally I will do bush walks or go for bike rides to switch up my physical activity. I also enjoy creating my own workouts that are easy to do at home, these help to maintain strength in all areas of my body.
This combination of activities allows me to maintain a decent level of fitness throughout the whole year. I also find physical activity beneficial to relieving stress, and I find my running increases during periods when I am more prone to stress for example during exams. I like to listen to music, and I find it helps me stay motivated, running gives me more time where I can listen to music while also getting fit at the same time.
I have asthma which can make it hard to breathe during vigorous physical activity. I have found that the fitter I am, the less my asthma affects me, so this also motivates me to be fit. Injuries are an obstacle that I have had to overcome, as a netballer I’ve had my share of ankle, knee and back injuries over the years. I manage my asthma well and make sure to take Ventolin before activity and during if needed. I have found physiotherapy very helpful in dealing with injuries, so they don't get worse and to help speed up recovery time (strapping tape is also very helpful as a preventative measure).
I have found that physically active helps me manage my stress levels. Being active is a good is to stay healthy and it helps my asthma become less severe when I am physically fit. Physical activity helps me feel confident in my body, I feel more energized and it encourages better sleep quality. I feel more agile and flexible when I am participating in physical activity and I am able to complete more tasks in a day. Overall regular physical activity makes me more positive and happier.
Someone that I admire and have learnt from is Sarah Stevenson (Sarah's Day). Sarah is a fitness and beauty vlogger who inspires me to exercise regularly in a way that best suits me. I have learnt from Sarah that it is important to exercise in ways that you find work best for you whether that it running, swimming, playing sports, going on bush walks or going to the gym, there is something to suit everyone so get involved. She has shown me that you don't have to stick to one activity and that it is important to switch things up every now and again, so you don't lose interest in maintaining an active lifestyle.
Persistence pays off. The first few weeks of getting active can be a struggle as your body is not used to physical activity yet. It is important to push past this first stage of feeling tired and unfit as your body will quickly get used to exercising and it will get a lot easier. It is a matter of being persistent and not giving up in the initial stages that may seem tough at the time, it will get easier and you will feel so much better when you are fit and healthy. It is also important to find something or someone to motivate you and to constantly remind yourself why you want to be active.
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Carly
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Aynslee
Aynslee
Read Story"The rush you get from being active, and achieving your physical goals, is unmeasurable"
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Catarina
Catarina
Read Story"I love the feeling when you're all sweaty, tired and out of breath because you know you've tried your best and pushed yourself as far as you could"
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Courtney
Courtney
Read Story"I like getting fit, competing and winning medals. I like to have big strong muscles"
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Sarah
Sarah
Read Story"So often as a mum you are doing things for other people, so being physically active makes me feel good in that I’m doing something positive for myself"
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Jo
Jo
Read Story"I enjoy the social aspect of being physically active, when it’s not too serious and it’s just about learning new skills or getting out of the house and having fun"
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Trinity
Trinity
Read Story“I don't like sitting around and being bored. I love participating in team sport and putting goals in place to achieve.”
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Sirtori
Sirtori
Read Story“Never give up, keep pushing even when times are hard, and love yourself. Find your passion and grow because your only competition is yourself”
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Colleen
Colleen
Read Story“Being active is important to me. I want to live a healthy life and movement is a big part of that”
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Annmaree
Annmaree
Read Story"For me, sport and physical activity has offered me opportunities to make friends for life and memories I will never forget"
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Jess
Jess
Read Story"I’m now convinced that I am not in competition with anyone and it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks anyway. I know I’m never going to win races but as long as I am trying my best to be a better me than I was yesterday then I am winning at life"
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Dawn
Dawn
Read Story"Not being the one sitting on the sidelines watching and being able to role model how to stay healthy and fit to my children so that they grow up believing being active is a part of everyday life and sharing all these wonderful adventures with them, it makes my heart sing"
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Linda
Linda
Read Story“Quite often when you can’t be bothered or you’re feeling sluggish and tired you can surprise yourself on how well you’ll do. Just get out the door, breathe in some fresh air and take some time for YOU, because you deserve to be HAPPY and HEALTHY!”
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Tracey
Tracey
Read Story“Start out with small steps and milestones like walking around the block without stopping, going to that first group fitness class or jumping in the water for the first time in 10 years or so”
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Rae
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Pele
Pele
Read Story“You have got to have a positive attitude and just get out there. Keep moving, stay focused, because life is way too short to waste your time not doing what you love to do. Just do it”
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Marie
Marie
Read Story“By valuing ME more, I started to recognise myself and all of my qualities. Now I’m proud of who I am”
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Jess
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Dianne
Dianne
Read Story“Being active amazes me at what my body can achieve, after all I have put it through. It amazes me how it can heal”
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Katrina
Katrina
Read Story"Find something that you enjoy doing and make the time to do it. You’re not being selfish; you’re looking after yourself. The best time to start is today"
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Anne
Anne
Read Story“Running and working out are my antidote to the everyday stresses of life. When I’m not active I find it harder to switch off and view things in perspective. Sweating through activity means I don’t sweat the small things in life”
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Erin
Erin
Read Story“Being active makes me feel like I’m using my body for good. It makes me feel powerful, positive, sweaty, glorious, achy in a good way, and hopeful for the future”
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Tracy
Tracy
Read Story“Running is an outlet for me and I feel as though I am in control when it’s just me and my running shoes”
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Anne
Anne
Read Story“I was proud that I was determined enough to start from scratch and have had lots of fun playing in local competitions”
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Carla
Carla
Read Story"I didn’t want to be the parent that only ever watched my kids run around and kick a ball – I wanted to be a part of what they were doing"
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Hiraina
Hiraina
Read Story“Happy is a very well-known word but yet can be described in many ways. To me happy means doing the things you love while not being forced to do them. Sport and keeping physically active are my happy place”
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Dayna
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Amiria
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Hannah
Hannah
Read Story“Active, healthy lifestyles aren’t defined by how often you run or go to the gym. Exercise can look like what you want it to be and what fits into your life”
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Dion
Dion
Read Story"Just by putting your shoes on and getting out there, you’re being active and doing great things for your wellbeing."
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Hazel
Hazel
Read Story"There’s so much reward to be had by overcoming fear and achieving things you never thought you could – so go for it – and link up with other likeminded women along the way."
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Kirsty
Kirsty
Read Story"Exercise makes me feel incredible! It makes me feel strong capable and grounded."
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Petra
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Wendy
Wendy
Read Story"I am so damn proud of what my body and brain can do for me. It brings me so much joy."
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Wati
Wati
Read Story"Feeling confident in my own skin, being stronger and fitter than when I was younger."