Old-school cool: 5 fun retro activities that are great for fitness
Old-school exercise activities such as lawn bowls and frisbee still hold their own when it comes to getting fit. Here are a few old classics worth checking out.
High-intensity interval training, reverse running, virtual fitness sessions … There are many (many!) on-trend forms of exercise you can get involved in right now.
But experts are warning us not to write off those much-loved and super fun old-school exercise activities that not only bring back happy memories, but also have a multitude of health benefits.
Perth exercise physiologist and Range of Motion director Dan Williams says the whole concept of fitness is evolving as we seek a better quality of life after the pandemic.
“Unfortunately, the fitness industry has been pretty much geared to how people look and how they can change their body shape with exercise,” Dan says.
“Of course, anything that gets people exercising is great – but by focusing on 12-week challenges and crash diets, we can neglect a whole range of activities that can have a powerful effect on health.”
Clinical psychologist Donna Stambulich says research shows even the simple act of walking can help reduce symptoms associated with mental illness like depression, anxiety and stress.
“My patients report feeling more content, more awake, and calmer after being physically active, compared to after periods of inactivity,” Donna says.
“There have been many studies looking at physical activity at different intensity levels and its impact on people’s mood.
“Overall, research has found that low-intensity aerobic exercise, for 30 to 35 minutes three to five days a week, is best at increasing positive moods.”
Activities that are good for our physical and our mental health? We say yes!
Here are five old-school exercise activities to try.
1. Water aerobics
Water aerobics is said to have been invented in the 1950s by US fitness guru Jack LaLanne.
Physiotherapist and sports science expert Melanie McAuliffe says a water workout will do you a world of good, whether you’re an exercise novice or a superfit athlete.
“Not only is it a good cardio workout, there’s also a fair bit of strength work involved,” Melanie says.
“The resistance offered by water is a great way to start introducing range of motion to a joint.”
2. Lawn bowls
A low-impact form of exercise that can improve fitness, balance and confidence, lawn bowls encourages hand-eye coordination and is excellent for its repeated low lunges, Melanie says.
“You’ve got to lunge fairly low to roll those balls, and you’re doing it without using your hands – skills that are easy to lose if you’re not doing them regularly,” she says.
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3. Ballroom dancing
Cardio fitness and improved coordination, core strength and posture, plus a super set of dancing legs … What’s not to like about ballroom dancing?
“It works your core muscles, and the wonderful thing about it is that it involves a lot of rotation, so you get that range of motion in your spine,” Melanie says.
“There’s also a fair amount of shoulder strength, with all that keeping your arms in place!”
4. Walking
While it’s not strictly “old-school”, we have to include walking.
The most popular form of exercise in Australia, it’s enjoyable, convenient and free.
Plus, it’s good for you, with a host of health benefits.
“The best place to walk is in nature,” Dan says.
“Exercising outdoors increases the levels of serotonin and endorphins, improving your mood and helping you link exercise with happiness in your mind.”
5. Frisbee
Remember the fun you used to have at the beach throwing a frisbee with your parents, with the dog joining in to chase the coloured disc?
Time to give it another go.
“There’s a lot of leg power involved and it’s a full body stretch as you catch and throw, and you can do it anywhere, whether it’s your backyard, the park or beach,” Melanie says.
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Written by Liz McGrath.
