Let others inspire you to improved health.

INSPIRING: A scene from one of the films to be shown at the Womens Adventure Film Tour at Tower Cinemas on September 6. Picture: Supplied

Finding a reason to get moving can be the biggest hurdle for many.

And everyone is motivated by different things.

I always say, find something that works for you. Try new things, sign yourself up for an event or be inspired by the people around you.

With spring upon us, now is the time to find what motivates you and get yourself ready for a spring clean as far as your health is concerned.

There are a few things coming up that could provide motivation.

The first is the Womens Adventure Film Tour, which is travelling around Australia as a celebration of Womens Health Week.

The Womens Adventure Film Tour is a collaboration of Jean Hailes for Womens Health, Aspire Outdoor and She Went Wild.

It will be in Newcastle on September 6, with a screening at Tower Cinemas from 7pm-9pm.

The Tour features a selection of short films of inspirational womens adventure and cultural stories.

According to Janet Michelmore, executive director ofJean Hailes for Womens Health, The films are not only inspirational, but demonstrate how the way you feel physically has a profound effect on your state of mind and emotional well-being.

This balance between our physical and mental health is an important element of overall good health and a focus for this years Womens Health Week, she said.

Watching other people be active or hearing their stories always gets me motivated and may be just the thing that gets you inspired too.

Speaking of Womens Health Week, Wild Women on Top, who are a hiking group famous for their annual Coastrek events around Australia,are hosting a free 5km hike around Sydney Harbour on September 8.

The walk will highlight the health benefits of hiking, including the social element as well the positive impact on physical and mental health. Women can regsiteratwww.wildwomenontop.com.

I am motivating our whole family to move through September by signing them up to Steptember, whereyou take 10,000 steps per day for 28 days straight to raise funds for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance.

Funds raised through the campaign go towards providingvital equipment, therapy and services to children and adults living with cerebral palsy, as well as for groundbreaking research into the prevention and hopefully one day a cure for CP.

The cause has particular resonance for us as we know a beautiful young boy by the name ofJoe Bankswith cerebral palsy.

Seven-year-old Joe developed CP during birth and cannot walk unassisted.

Joes mum, Rachael Laing, told me kids like Joe would love to be able to walk even a couple of steps.

So, that is why we are doing it. Because we can, and in the process of being active ourselves and improving our own health, we can help others, which I think is a strong message to give our own kids.

Hopefully a few of you out there will sign up to. For more information, go towww.steptember.org.au.

GOOD CAUSE: Taking part in Steptember will help kids with Cerebral Palsy like Newcastle's Joe Banks, pictured with his sisters Audrey, left, and Millie, right.

This is it, we have just four days left of winter. So get ready to launch into your spring campaign on Friday.

Here is a session to get you started. Itis a combination of strength and fitness and takes on a pyramid format. That means, for each exercisedrop by one or two repetitions as you move through the set. For example, start with 10 squats, run, eight or nine squats, run, all the way down to two or one squats. Run, walk or skip for 20-30 seconds between each.

Exercises: Squats, dead lifts, push-ups (or shoulder punches), rows, lunges, bicep-shoulder press, triceps extension. Finish with core work.

Walk With Us for World Suicide Prevention, September 8, Dixon Park:Lifeline Hunter Central Coast is holding a walk to Merewether Baths and back in support of suicide prevention in the community. There will be a breakfast and yoga in the park to follow. Register atwww.lifelinehunter.org.au.

Walk 4 Hope, September 16, Croudace Bay:A 4km walk raising funds and awareness forHuntingtons Disease.www.huntingtonsnsw.org.au.

Fernleigh 15, October 22, Fernleigh Track:This 15-kilometre course can be done as an individual or in a five-person relay.www.runnsw.com.au.

Renee Valentine is a writer, qualified personal trainer and mother. r.valentine@fairfaxmedia.com.au.

Read more from the original source:
Find your motivation to get active this spring. - Newcastle Herald