Whether it's backyard cricket, horsing around in the pool with the kids, or a round of golf with mates – participating in any activity without regular ‘match fitness’ can leave you susceptible to injury. As with swimming, golf is an excellent low impact activity for everyone. It gets you out into the fresh air (which helps reduce stress and anxiety whilst boosting your mental alertness) and incorporates incidental gentle walking between greens. If you have a round of social golf coming up, check out how you can reduce your risk of tweaking a niggle and instead focus on a legendary hole in one. (We’ve no tips for the latter!)

Your body’s musculoskeletal system is comprised of bones and muscles which are joined together by connective tissues – like cartilage or ligaments. Your joints are the most vulnerable part of the entire system, with your ankles copping the brunt of your body’s pressure. Ankles are flexible and allow a wide range of movement. Therefore, they can be the number one spot to attract injury, pain or discomfort. Not only that, issues in your ankles can cause pain in other remote (and seemingly disconnected) parts of your body too.

Cycling is a great all-rounder to add to your exercise regime. It improves your strength, balance and endurance. It can help you build muscle, burn calories, and really get your blood pumping – reducing your risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke.The bonus? Cycling is a mental wellbeing booster. Not only does it combine physical activity with the outdoors and beautiful scenery, it’s a social sport that encourages you to team up with some mates and ride together. You could even squeeze in a stop at a café for a second breakfast and a chat during your workout!

Tips for adding running to your exercise routine Hands up if you’ve muttered this phrase: “I’m not much of a runner.” That might be true. Right now.

Exercising in winter presents its own set of unique challenges. It gets dark early. It can be chilly. It can be hard to keep motivated. Why bother?At this time of year, the biggest barrier to regular physical activity can be our own mindset. Our brains can be very clever at convincing us not to do the best thing for ourselves. Do you feel like you need some help to tame your own lack of motivation? Here’s five common excuses and how to beat them.

Staying safe is one of the most important things you can do to ensure you enjoy your snow holiday. Knee, ankle, shoulder and wrist or hand injuries can be common souvenirs from your time on the slopes. Whilst generally these are minor, it’s possible you could hurt yourself more seriously if you are unfit, a beginner or intermediate participant. So, let’s look at how you can minimise this risk and maximise your winter wonderland fun.