When trying to get fit and reduce your risk of premature death it is more important to increase physical activity than to lose weight, according to a review article publishing recently in the journal iScience. The authors, Glenn Gaesser of Arizona State University and Siddhartha S. Angadi of the University of Virginia, USA, say that employing a weight-neutral approach to the treatment of obesity-related health conditions also reduces the health risks associated with yo-yo dieting. “We would like people to know that fat can be fit, and that fit and healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes ..read more

Actor and TV presenter Ernie Dingo was a gun basketballer in his day, playing the game at a State level for the East Perth Eagles and for the Perth Wildcats in the 1970s. “I was a hero,” he laughs, chatting over the phone from location in Willare in the West Kimberley. The 65-year-old Ernie is not quite as sprightly as he was in those days, but that won’t stop him having a good crack when he gets together with former basketball colleague and Aboriginal performer Dr Richard Walley. The pair will be a part of the Australian Masters Games which, due to Covid, will now be held in Perth in April 20 ..read more

WACA CEO Christina Matthews has been taking a bat to sexism in cricket since she was a teenager. An advocate for inclusiveness, Christina is Australia’s most capped female test cricket player and has been running the WACA since 2012. She has been actively helping to transform the previously male-dominated sport since she first joined her cricket club committee as a 14-year-old. As well as encouraging the inclusion of women in the game, Christina says the WACA has paid attention to maintaining cricket’s appeal to older people, spending time over the past couple of years working with the veteran ..read more

More than 1000 Perth volunteers are needed to help organise one of the largest multi-sports events in Australia. The Australian Masters Games, to be held in Perth for the first time in 28 years, will run from 7 to 16 October and will need plenty of help from people prepared to give their time. Workforce coordinator for the Games, Libby McGee, said the search for volunteers began at the end of March and was going well. “We’ve had lots of response from local Perth volunteers and a bit of response from interstate as well, which is really encouraging,” she says. Ms McGee said they were looking for ..read more

There is a sense of optimism and wellbeing inside the Dalkeith based Fluid Therapy clinic as two enterprising young women take groups of older people through their exercise class. Nicole Mudford and Emilie Stockwell started Fluid Therapy last January and already people attending the classes are feeling the benefit.  “We wanted both men and women taking part to feel comfortable and safe without judgment,” says Nicole. “Our classes, which run Monday to Friday, cater for various needs and include advanced strength, functional strength, balance and clinical Pilates. The 12-week evidence based ..read more

Learn how to improve your strength and flexibility doing restorative yoga while making new friends As we age, we realise the need for proactive engagement when it comes to overall health and look for ways to live better so we can feel more energetic and live independently. Yoga is perfect for seniors who are looking for exercise that is balanced,  suitable for various abilities and provides maximum health benefits. Benefits of yoga for seniors Restorative yoga, where practitioners are supported with the use of props to attain particular ‘passive’ yoga poses, is especially beneficial for ..read more

Health, happiness and hope of a better lifestyle are the mantras that 83-year-old seniors fitness instructor Dominic Yam instils in his group at the Fitness 50 Club at Hamersley Leisure Centre. And, judging by the happy faces of the mainly women taking part in a recent Monday morning class, the exercise is reaping its rewards. Sandra Wilson, of Greenwood, has been involved in Dominic’s classes for the past 12 years.  “They are brilliant, really good,” she said. “I have arthritis and had a hip replacement. I found the exercises excellent. Physically and mentally they improve my health.” Sh ..read more

When sporting people reach personal milestones, they are often asked to name the players that came before them that inspired their participation in the first place. In football terms, the names Ross Glendinning, Maurice Rioli, Graham Moss and Chris Mainwaring are just a few of the names that regularly get mentioned.  Ballajura Football Club’s Michele (Michael) Priolo who at the age of 60 closes in on 400 games in the Perth Football League, says it was Albie Rosich who convinced him to first pull on the boots. Albie never played in the VFL or AFL, nor in the WAFL for that matter. He was a ..read more

Tarquin Bateman, Communications and events coordinator – Masters Swimming WA Sport is a life-long passion for Charles ‘Chaz’ Renner. At 92 years of age, he has a wealth of sporting experience under his belt and many great memories of growing up in Perth. He has competed in many sports including cycling, squash and swimming. He also had a professional career spanning several industries. Charles has been a Melville Masters swimmer for 11 years, but swimming has been a part of his life since he was very young.  His father was a keen amateur competitor, and Charles remembers going down to the ..read more

Perth will explode with mature athletes when the Australian Masters Games returns after 28 years. But for all their fitness, dedication and long-time love of their myriad sports, the 6,000 participants have one overriding pleasure: mixing with others and making friends. It’s a long way from the Tokyo Olympic Games, physically and metaphorically, but mature games competitors will be chasing gold, silver and bronze. Their philosophy is based on inclusiveness; promoting fitness, involvement and fun. During 9-16 October, older Australians will be jumping, running, hitting, bouncing, swimming and r ..read more