A Guide To Exercising + Keeping Fit In The Illawarra
Where + How To Get Fit, Stay Fit Or Up The Ante On Your Fitness Journey
We all know that moving our body is one of the most important ways to stay fit, healthy and improve longevity.
Yep, sitting is the new smoking and plenty of research points to the fact that a sedentary lifestyle contributes to a whole lot of health issues.
So, the message is move it or lose it!
And there’s plenty of ways and places to move it in the Illawarra…..
Yoga + Pilates
One of our favourite things to do is get flexible at a local yoga class and there are plenty of wonderful, local yogis – here’s a list.
If you’ve always wanted to try a yoga retreat but have never known where to start, there are some regularly being hosted around our region with this one coming up later in the year.
Pilates is awesome for strengthening the core and toning up and there are plenty of fab pilates studios and trainers here too.
If you’re looking to combine pilates and yoga + other stretching and strengthening exercises, check out Limber Co. in Thirroul, they offer classes for all ages and abilities both indoors and out.
Team Sport
Love getting the combo of socialising while exercising AND getting the competitive juices/sweat going?
There are plenty of local sporting organisations that run everything from tennis to stand-up paddle boarding [all kinds!] and did you know we even have an Ultimate Frisbee Club in the Illawarra?!
Check out the list here.
Cycling
There are so many amazing places to jump on two wheels and explore here, and the cycling community is pretty amazing too.
The 2022 UCI got us all pretty cycling mad and we’re keen to keep that momentum going. If you’re just as keen as we are, why not start with the 10B Bike Trail in Dharawal National Park? Here’s all you need to know before you go.
If you’re keen to get even more adventurous, check out GreenValleys Mountain Bike Park in Tongarra. This is a must-visit destination for mountain bikers and has barbeques and a picnic area on site so you can make a day of it.
Get wet
We’re pretty much right on the water here in the Illawarra so it only makes sense that we spend so much time getting ‘n moving in the bubbles. We love a bit of aqua therapy, whether that be following the black line while getting some laps in at a local pool, bopping around in the water doing aqua aerobics or getting back to nature and taking a dip at a local beach or swimming spot.
Or why not make now the time you have a go at learning to surf with one of the Illawarra’s incredible surf schools held at beaches all up and down the coast?
Water is life! And diving in is a fun way to stay healthy and keep cool.
Walking + Running
It doesn’t matter if you like a leisurely stroll or love hitting the pavement for a long run, it all adds to you getting your steps up for the day and keeping yourself fit, right?
If you like getting your steps up while socialising, some organised catch-ups around town include:
- The Man Walk in Wollongong
- The Illawarra Ramblers
- Illawarra Walkers
Or do you love going bush?
Check out our guides on some of the places to explore on foot around the Illawarra.
Golf
Whoever said “golf is a good walk spoiled” had obviously never been to the Illawarra to tee off.
We have a fantastic selection of golf courses here, suitable for all skill levels and fitness levels.
We’ve also got indoor putt-putt at Holey Moley in Wollongong and Crazy Putt in Windang if you’re thinking of bringing the kiddos along for the fun.
Tennis
Hitting a yellow ball around a court is an awesome way to get fit and stay fit – we think Rafael Nadal’s thighs are testament to that!
Here’s a list of local tennis courts and clubs if you want to channel your inner Serena or Roger.
We love the family-friendly atmosphere at Jones Co. Tennis, and they have locations in both Kiama/ Gerringong and Oak Flats.
Dance, Dance, Dance
If you’re like us and love shaking your groove thang, you can do that AND stay fit with dance classes AND some fun dance-themed fitness fun.
We love Miss Zoe’s School of Dance in Wollongong, Kiama and Coledale for their HUGE range of adult classes starting for both beginners and advanced dancers. Miss Zoe and her team really know how to make even the most left-footed of us feel comfortable when groovin’ out.
Rock On
Get aerial at one of the Illawarra’s rock climbing centres. Hangdog Climbing Gym has over 140 different climbs on 40 different ropes and is a surefire way to get those glutes and biceps burning.
Dynomite Indoor Climbing Gym in North Wollongong is another popular climbing spot for both beginner and experienced climbers. They offer bouldering which is climbing but without the ropes and gear and with low climbs and soft gymnastic matting – cool.
Gym Class Heroes
Who loves hitting up the gym for some lifting, HIIT, boot camp, PT or all of the above?
There is something for everyone here – whatever your choice of torture is!
Something Different
Lookin’ for something totally out of the box, check out our guide to super cool and quirky sports to try your hands [and feet] at around the Illawarra.
We had a lot of fun putting this article together and can guarantee you a lot of fun if you give one of these sports a try.
The all-important recovery
We’re also lucky to have so many awesome places for us to recover from getting active, or – worst luck – we end up with an injury.
We love the sauna and floating at City Cave Wollongong and Dapto for some time out as well as giving the body some recovery action.
Cryo Health and Fitness in Shellharbour’s fab cryo technology is awesome for inflammation, injuries and post-workout recovery.
We’ve also got plenty of physios, osteos, chiros and more to help us if we need a bit of extra TLC to bounce back [especially as we get a tad older!].
So, there you go! Whatever your choice is – whether it’s running around with friends on a soccer field, rolling the legs over on a bike, or lifting your weight in the gym…. there are plenty of options to get you fit, fitter, fittest in the Illawarra!
No excuses now……
