Published on 31 January 2022
Let's get physical
Looking to get healthier and more active in 2022?
There are a range of sport, fitness and active recreation programs and sessions happening across the south to kickstart the year, with most of them free and suitable for all ages and abilities.
The programs are supported by Healthy Active Lifestyles Onkaparinga (HALO)—council’s active lifestyle program—which aims to help the community to ‘Find Your 30’ minutes per day of moderate-to-intense physical activity, as recommended under Australia's Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines.
Peruse the offerings below and start pencilling them in your calendar.
Enjoy free outdoor group fitness classes
OUTFIT Onkaparinga, HALO’s free entry-level group outdoor fitness classes, resumes on Monday 31 January with weekly classes at Christies Beach, Christie Downs, Moana, Flagstaff Hill and Maslin Beach.
OUTFIT pairs outdoor fitness equipment with a personal trainer in a welcoming group environment.
- Monday 4pm – Niipu-niipu Wama, Morton Road, Christie Downs
- Tuesday 6pm – Nashwauk Crescent, Moana
- Wednesday 9.30am – Rotary Park, Christies Beach
- Thursday 6pm – Minkarra Park, Manning Road, Flagstaff Hill
- Friday 9.30am – Frank Hilton Reserve, Gulf Parade, Maslin Beach
Head to the OUTFIT webpage for more information and to book.
Put your running shoes on
If you’re looking to clock some more kilometres in 2022, the Onkaparinga Trail Run on Sunday 20 February could be the perfect motivator.
There are four different courses on offer at the Onkaparinga River National Park HALO-supported event, catering for runners of all abilities (from five kilometres to 20-22), as well as a free 500-metre Little Legends race for the kids.
Onkaparinga residents receive a $5 entry fee and the event is race #4 of the Adelaide Trail Runners Summer Series.
Head to the City of Onkaparinga website for all the details and booking information, and then start training!
If you want to start running sooner, or more regularly, Parkrun—a free weekly five-kilometre timed community group run or walk—takes place every Saturday at Aldinga Beach, Christies Beach, McLaren Vale, Moana and Reynella East. Details at the HALO webpage.
Try a new sport
If ball (or disc) sports are more your thing, why not try a new program to keep fit and have fun with friends?
A new Walk Up Walking Netball program will commence at Noarlunga Recreation Centre from Wednesday 2 February.
Walking netball is a modified version of traditional netball and is appropriate for any age or fitness level. There’s no running or jumping, it’s non-contact and is a shorter game time with rolling subs.
Head to the Netball South Australia website for more information and to register.
A Come and Try Walking Football (soccer) session is happening on Wednesday 9 March at Noarlunga Recreation Centre from 10:30am, followed by a weekly social competition on Wednesday mornings.
You can also enjoy a monthly Disc Golf league competition happening at Morphett Vale’s Wilfred Taylor Reserve, which is suitable for the whole family.
Walk for your heart health
Walking has many benefits to both physical and mental health. In fact, walking for 30 minutes or more each day can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke by 35 per cent, and Type 2 diabetes by 40 per cent.
If you need some more motivation to get walking, join a free Heart Foundation Walking group near you to assist you to reduce stress, be more alert, have a healthier body and build strong relationships.
The free community initiative uses local volunteer walk organisers to lead small groups of people on walks in their local area, with walks scheduled regularly and conducted in a fun, supportive and social atmosphere.
Head to the HALO webpage for more information.
Head to the library
Did you know that there is a wide range of free loan sports and recreational equipment available at Aldinga, Hub, Seaford and Woodcroft Libraries?
Head to one of the libraries to borrow such items as footballs, volleyball sets, tennis racquets, health equipment and more—whether to increase your own physical activity, or to provide new opportunities to interact with your child and provide a foundation for a lifelong love of an active lifestyle.
For more information on what items are available, head to the HALO webpage.