Get Active for Life: Issue #7

Move Together -> Improve Together

September 02, 2025

In this issue:

  • The Magic of Moving Together

  • Phil’s Story

  • The Buddy System Breakthrough

  • and more…

Hello there,

The Magic of Moving Together

We've all been there – staring at our trainers by the door, knowing we should go for that walk, but somehow the couch feels more magnetic than the footpath. Here's a secret that might change everything: you don't have to do it alone.

There's something almost magical about moving with others. Maybe it's the gentle accountability of knowing someone's waiting for you at the park. Perhaps it's the way a simple walk transforms into a proper catch-up session with a mate. Or it could be how time seems to fly when you're too busy laughing to notice you've just smashed your step goal.

Why we're wired for togetherness

Researchers have found that exercising with others doesn't just make us more likely to show up – it actually makes us work harder and enjoy it more. When we move with friends, family, or even friendly strangers in a fitness class, our brains release extra feel-good chemicals. It's like getting a bonus dose of happiness on top of your regular exercise endorphins.

The accountability factor is real, too. We might let ourselves down (sorry, future self!), but letting down a friend who's already laced up their walking shoes? That hits differently. And here's the beautiful part – it works both ways. You become their motivation just as much as they become yours.

Connection beyond the physical

Moving together creates bonds that go deeper than shared sweat. When you're walking side by side, there's something about the rhythm that opens up conversation. Problems that seemed overwhelming suddenly feel manageable when discussed over a gentle stroll. Relationships strengthen when you're working towards something together, even if that something is just making it to the end of the block without stopping.

Many of us have discovered that our best conversations happen during movement – whether it's solving the world's problems during a morning walk or sharing dreams during a bike ride. There's less pressure, more openness, and somehow the words flow as easily as your steps.

Start where you are, with who you have

The beauty of getting active together is that it doesn't require matching fitness levels or fancy equipment. A grandparent and grandchild can enjoy a gentle walk around the neighbourhood. Partners can try a beginner's yoga video in their lounge room. Colleagues can take walking meetings instead of sitting in stuffy conference rooms.

Even joining a local walking group or community sports club can feel daunting, but remember – everyone started somewhere, and most groups are delighted to welcome newcomers. You might be surprised how quickly strangers become exercise buddies, and exercise buddies become genuine friends.

So this week, why not reach out? Text that friend who's been saying they want to get more active. Suggest a family bike ride. Join that community group you've been thinking about. Because while solo exercise has its place, there's something special about the journey when you're not walking it alone.

After all, the best workout buddy might just be a phone call away. 😊

🕺 Interesting People

Meet Phil

Phil - Smart, Sustainable Training for Longevity

Phil’s 61-year journey with exercise proves that it’s never too late to train smart instead of hard. From following his older brothers into sport at age 5, through a 12-year AFL career, to a life-threatening heart attack that changed everything - Phil’s story is about learning the hard way that sustainable fitness beats intensity every time.

In this honest conversation, Phil shares:

• How following his brothers into sport shaped his entire life

• Why sport became his path when school wasn’t working

• The overtraining habits that nearly cost him his life

• The moment fitness saved him during a heart attack at 49

• Why he now trains at 90% intensity instead of going all out

• How he’s preparing his body to stay independent into his 80s

• The simple advice that could prevent others from making his mistakes

Key Quote: “I feel like I’m probably the luckiest man alive to have a second chance. I want to see my kids grow up, have grandkids, enjoy them, and I want to just live life and have as much fun as I can.”

This isn’t about elite performance or extreme training. It’s about learning from 61 years of experience that sustainable fitness, smart recovery, and training for longevity matter more than pushing your limits.

You can watch our interview with Phil here.

📝 Health & Wellness News

What we’ve been reading this week

🤝 Group Workouts Slash Stress by 26% For Men

New research shows that men in group fitness classes experienced a 26% drop in stress levels, plus significant boosts in mental, emotional, and physical quality of life – benefits that solo workouts didn't deliver. The study found that the accountability and camaraderie of group exercise creates a powerful combination for both physical and mental wellbeing.

Sources: Yahoo Lifestyle

🧠 Exercise Training Provides Long-Term Mental Health Benefits for Students

A systematic review published in Frontiers in Psychiatry found that exercise training interventions create lasting mental health improvements for physical education students. The research particularly highlighted how team sports and group-based interventions help combat social isolation by strengthening peer bonds – a critical factor in preventing depression and anxiety.

💃 Dancing Rivals Running for Fat Loss (And It’s Way More Fun)

Women's Health UK reports on new research showing that dance workouts can be just as effective as running and weight training for fat loss. Scientists believe the key is enjoyment – when you find exercise fun, you're more likely to stick with it and see positive changes, making dance a perfect social fitness option.

🧘‍♀️ Daily Routines Improve Mental Health Through Structure

NPR reports on research showing that developing a daily routine – including regular exercise – can positively impact mental health by creating structure that helps reduce stress and anxiety. The study emphasises how consistent habits, especially when shared with others, create a foundation for better overall wellbeing.

Sources: NPR

💪 Physical Activity Reduces Depression in University Students

A Nature study examining university students found that physical exercise is significantly associated with reduced depression levels. The research explored the underlying mechanisms and highlighted how social aspects of exercise – such as group activities and team sports – play a crucial role in mental health benefits.

🏋️‍♀️ Exercise Motivation Improves Through Social Support

Frontiers in Psychology published research showing that exercise habits reinforce intrinsic motivation by fostering social support, which in turn sustains long-term engagement. The study found that people who exercise with others develop stronger, more sustainable motivation patterns than those who go it alone.

👍 Actionable Tip of the Week

Everything’s Easier With A Friend!

The Buddy System Breakthrough

Starting a fitness routine can feel overwhelming, but here's a simple truth: everything's easier with a friend. The buddy system isn't just for school excursions – it's one of the most effective ways to build lasting exercise habits.

Research shows we're 95% more likely to stick with our fitness goals when we have a workout partner. Why? Because it transforms exercise from a chore into a social event. You're not just committing to yourself (easy to break), you're committing to someone else (much harder to wiggle out of). Plus, having someone to chat with makes the time fly by, whether you're walking around the block or trying a new fitness class.

Try this today: Text one person right now and suggest a 20-minute walk together this week. Pick someone who's also mentioned wanting to be more active – you'll be doing them a favour too. Start with something so easy it feels almost silly to say no to, like a coffee walk or a stroll around the local shops.

❝

Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.

Helen Keller

😊 Fun, Quirky, Interesting

The other side of Health and Life

🐾 People Are Exercising Like Animals (And Getting Six-Packs)

A new fitness trend called "quadrobics" has people walking, running, and jumping on all fours like animals. While it might look unusual, personal trainers confirm it's actually a full-body workout that heavily engages your core, shoulders, and stabilising muscles. One practitioner lost significant weight and developed visible abs after a year of "animal movement."

🧠 Your Brain Burns 20% of Your Daily Calories Just Thinking

While you're sitting there reading this, your brain is working harder than you might think. This three-pound organ consumes about 20% of your total daily energy, even when you're just daydreaming. So technically, that mental workout you get from solving puzzles or learning new things is actually burning calories – though probably not enough to skip your actual workout!

🏃‍♂️ Embarrassing Gym Moments Are Actually Universal

A viral Instagram compilation shows that awkward gym moments happen to everyone – from accidentally using equipment backwards to getting tangled in resistance bands. Fitness experts say these moments are completely normal and part of the learning process. The best part? Most people are too focused on their own workouts to judge yours.

🐶 Puppy Becomes Hero by Saving Baby Bird

A heartwarming story from YouTube shows a puppy who discovered a helpless baby bird and immediately called his owner for help. The family took in the tiny bird, feeding it every half hour and consulting bird experts. With the puppy's watchful care and the family's love, the little bird grew strong and became the tiniest but happiest member of their household – proving that kindness comes in all sizes.

Thanks for reading!

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Disclaimer: The content of this newsletter does not constitute medical advice. You should always take the advice of a qualified health professional as required.