As we age, the extra kilos can slowly add up around the waistline with factors such as hormones and the way our bodies store fat as we get older means that shaking them off can be a lot harder.  Harder but not impossible, being active and strong is a good start.  

Be prepared, don't go too hard and make it fun are some exercise tips from Aaron Robinson.  Regularly waking around 3am to run a marathon distance before work each day, Aaron say's he is no expert but what works for him might help motivate others. 

Starting from an early age we can see the physiques of sporting superstars and Hollywood superhero's as the 'ideal' version of what a man should look like.  Male body image issues are not widely discussed but they do exist and unchecked can cause low self esteem and anxiety.  

Every other week it seems there is a new sure fire diet or eating plan to help you become healthier.  With so many different ideas and approaches to nutrition it can easily get confusing.  Fasting has been gaining popularity but is it just another fad?

With more than 15 years training and nutrition  experience, Dave Napper has some great advice to offer including 'Worry about yourself, not others'.  Along with drinking plenty of water and getting good sleep, Dave say's age is no excuse.

When was the last time you gave your car a service or took it into the mechanics for a check up?  What about yourself, when was the last time you had a chat with your GP?  Whatever age you are there are things you need to be on the lookout for.

Recent research in the UK has found that men who go fishing regularly experience less mental health challenges than those who don't.  Being outdoors, encouraging physical activity and the relaxing nature of fishing tick all the right boxes. 

The Melanoma Institute of Australia reports that 1 Australian is diagnosed with melanoma every 30 minutes. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, have fair skin, moles or have had a bad sunburn anytime in your life then it's a good idea to get your skin looked at by a professional.

More and more often we see meditation and mindfulness practices used in sports, workplaces and even in the gym.  For many blokes, it may feel uncomfortable to sit and do nothing, but the benefits speak for themselves. 

Exercises that require different parts of the body to work together are known as compound movements, think squats, bench press and deadlifts.  Along with building strength and muscle, they can help overall body functions. 

After winning 11 world titles in 6 different weight classes it's safe to say professional boxer Oscar De La Hoya knows a thing or two about nutrition.  In a new episode of Men's Health 'Gym and Fridge' web series the now 50 year old shares some of his current training and eating plans. 

Cool but not cold and limiting light in your bedroom are a couple of steps that may help you get a better nights rest.  Sleep hygiene is a series of recommended strategies to help if you are having trouble getting the right amount and quality of sleep you need.

Shoulder injuries can make those seemingly simple tasks like picking up the kettle, unscrewing a jar or opening a door extremely painful.  There are many different movements you can do to help improve your shoulder health that can also help in recovery.

Want a simple way to boost your mood, strengthen your bones and reduce your stress levels?  Go outside and get some sunshine.  Whilst sun exposure can cause damage depending on different factors, there are also many positive affects sunlight can bring.

'Changing how we breathe can change how we feel' according to an article exploring recent research into the effectiveness of breathing to reduce stress.  From immediate to long term benefits, it appears the ability to regulate our breathing when under pressure is something well worth having a go at.

"Being in so much pain and getting older and older, I couldn’t carry that much weight" say's former WWE champion Hulk Hogan.  The 'Hulkster' recognised the need to change his whole lifestyle after undergoing over twenty surgeries over a 10-12 year period.

Still riding a Harley Davidson motorbike after turning 90 and competing in running races for decades, 103 year old E. Gerald Meyer believes you're never too old to exercise.  He also attributes his longevity to finding a passion in life and thinking positive.

Making time for exercise at any point in your day is good for both physical and mental health.  Author of the 7am workout Anthony Arvanitakis believes greater benefits can be gained from working out earlier in the day with some tips to help you get going.

Described as being a little uncomfortable at first and not very 'manly', meditation may be the key to helping you better manage stress, become more focused and productive.  Backed by science, why not make meditation part of your daily routine.   

Knee injuries are quiet common in people of all ages ranging from strains to tears which can slow you down significantly.  Being aware of how injury may occur can help with prevention and as with any injury or condition it is best to discuss treatment options with your GP. 

Common myths about meal prep are that it is expensive and can be overly time consuming.  If you make a plan though it is often the case that making time each week to prepare meals in advance can save you money and take less time than cooking each day.  

Have you heard of Dutchman Wim Hof? Also known as the 'Iceman' Wim holds a record for running a barefoot half marathon on ice and snow.  Without going to the extreme like Wim, you can still gain many physical and mental benefits from cold therapy.

Having your own blanket, taking a warm sauna or even sleeping naked are some of the different ways people around the world claim to have the best quality of sleep.  The siesta or nap also makes the list of top 5 sleep strategies from around the globe.

Consistent, regular exercise routines can be the best way to get, or stay in shape at any age.  Keep it simple and use your own bodyweight to perform movements like squats, push ups and lunges to help you keep active and doing the things you do longer.

Getting up earlier than you need to gives you a head start on the day and creates more time for yourself.  An example of morning routines where you make time to eat well, move your body and plan the day can be more productive than hitting the snooze button.

'Healthy Habits' is the theme for Men's Health Week 2023 from June 12-18 and there are plenty of ways you can get your workplace or community involved.  The Australian Men's Health Forum are hosting lunchtime talks and have a 'Man Facts' toolkit available free to download. 

Caring for someone, work and family commitments all takes a lot of focus and making time for your own health is often shifted to the side.  Taking some of that time and focus to look at your own sleep, diet and exercise habits can put you on a healthier path.

During the heat of summer we know drinking plenty of water is important for our bodies, as the colder months roll in, maintaining that water intake is still just as important. We are around 60% water so it makes sense that hydration is an all year round healthy habit.

The old saying “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper” is good advice considering how our bodies process food but not always easy to follow. One way to help combat effects of eating your main or largest meal at dinner is walking.   

When diagnosed early, many health conditions that men experience like prostrate and testicular cancers can be treated and often with a good outcome.  Why then do men ignore symptoms, put off appointments or let the fear of the unknown overwhelm? 

If you are part of a sporting club or organisation as either a player, coach or volunteer the chances are that someone on your team could be going through a difficult time.  The 'Hey Sport, R U OK?' suite of resources can help guide a conversation in your club. 

Men's Health Week is only two months away, time to start planning an event to bring men together and highlight male health challenges like prostate and testicular cancers.  A ping pong challenge or 5 a side soccer tournament are a couple of ideas from Men's Health Forum in the UK. 

Pick up any mobile phone and it's likely full of apps which offer instant access to a world of social networking.  They can be fun and connect us with others but also time consuming, so then consider this, swap out a social media app for a mindfulness one.

Upon hearing 'nature therapy' a common response is to imagine a walk in the woods or along the beach, both relaxing activities in nature.  Nature therapy also includes farm work, playing or working with animals or anything that involves spending time outdoors in a green space.

Developing and maintaining a strength training routine at any age will help you stay more active and independent in later life.  The training does not need to be complicated or heavy, a pair of dumbbells is all you need to begin.  Strength training is not just physical but has mental health benefits.

Linked to improved heart health, intermittent fasting has become a popular way to manage weight and improve overall health.  Before trying, have a conversation with your GP about the pro's and con's of time focused approaches to eating for you.

The caring role is often a rewarding experience but many carers also experience fatigue and low levels of wellbeing.  Carer advocate Victor Imbimbo encourages carers to view taking time out as a 'reset, a deep breath or an opportunity to reassess and restart'.

One activity that can be often overlooked but is good for mobility and focus is shadowboxing.  Bouncing around on your toes, taking on an imaginary opponent is free and can be done almost anywhere.  Make a plan to get in a few rounds and have fun.

When it comes to meal time are you well prepared or do you spend time searching through the cupboards and freezer for something to eat?  Making time to prep your meals can make it easier to eat healthier and offers more convenience for those days when things don't go to plan.

Men Care Too are proud to support different approaches to men's wellbeing and one of them is 'The Man Walk'.  It is well known that walking has many physical and mental health benefits and TMW offer walks in 80+ locations around Australia where men gather to 'Walk, Talk and Support'. 

Men Care Too are proud to support different approaches to men's wellbeing and one of them is 'The Man Walk'.  It is well known that walking has many physical and mental health benefits and TMW offer walks in 80+ locations around Australia where men gather to 'Walk, Talk and Support'. 

A businessman and retailer are the brains behind a New Zealand initiative 'Bikes for Blokes' which is using peddle power to fundraise and get men talking about their mental health and prostate cancer, "the serious stuff".  The men set out in just a few weeks.  

Caring for someone can sometimes be a physically demanding role and at other times involve very little movement.  Making time to look after your body so that you can manage whatever your role involves does not have to be all or nothing.  In just 15 mins you can gain benefits from exercising.   

Routine and structure can help create a sense of control over what and how you achieve your goals but sometimes (always) life can challenge the best of intentions.  Instead of a routine, consider a simple, short, daily checklist of the most important things you want to get done.

When it comes to working out we know that strength based activities are more popular with men but just as important is flexibility and balance.  A relatively new style of yoga class is combining the two by using small 4.5kg sandbags in most traditional movements to challenge the body.

Did you know that more Australians drown in inland waterways than any other location?  Young men aged 15-29 and older adults over 65 years are most at risk.  Avoid alcohol, wear a lifejacket and don't go out alone are some tips to help keep you safe.

Emotions can sometimes hold us back or weigh us down but if you take time to write about your experiences and their impact on your life, it creates a 'reflective and more objective perspective on what we’re going through emotionally'.

As we inch closer towards summer the days are longer and warmer which is ideal for increasing our physical activity.  If you have had a break from exercise, or just need reminding, one of the most important things you can do is to warm up properly.  It will help reduce risk of injury.

"I am a better leader, husband and father without alcohol in my life." writes Andy Moore, CEO of Hello Sunday Morning.  Andy shares his experience having stopped drinking alcohol completely more than 9 months ago.

As you get older the more time you spend sitting can increase your chances of injury when you exercise but a dynamic stretch made famous by spiderman can help.  Sitting for long periods isn't good for the body so it's important to know when and how to move so that your body is ready.

Aside from being tired, poor sleep can impact on our appetite, emotions and immune system.  Sticking to a routine, avoiding alcohol, caffeine and electronic devices and leading an active lifestyle can give us a better shot at a good nights rest.

Fancy trying some sweet potato nachos or beetroot brownies?  We all know that eating well is good for us but time and motivation can take us off track at times.  National Nutrition Week is on now and we are being encouraged to 'TryFor5' by giving some new vegetables or recipes a go.

Have you been thinking about setting up your own vegie patch but not sure where to start?  Covering some basics like onions and zucchini, this article from Lifehacker Australia will help guide you through 14 relatively easy crops for a beginner's garden.

Jump on your bike during October and join the Great Cycle Challenge to raise funds for the Children's Medical Research Institute.  More than 600 Australian children are diagnosed with cancer every year with funds helping to find a cure for childhood cancer(s).

Regular and appropriate exercise is an important element of staying healthy at any age.  Once you hit 40 it's seen as an age where your body starts to change and not staying active can have negative effects.  Keeping a schedule or routine and cardio are two tips for over 40's.

Just 66 days is the average time it takes to form or break a habit according to research.  The science behind how we develop healthy or unhealthy behaviours provides evidence of what actions to take when you have a goal that you want to achieve.  Start small and be consistent in your actions is a good starting point.

Watching TV, eating meals, driving or working at a desk, some of us spend more than half of our waking hours seated.  Research shows sitting can be bad for your posture and can increase your chances of developing a disease or depression.  Stand up and make a move to a healthier, happier future.

Being able to control your breathing is a positive way to manage stress and anxiety.  Some situations can cause us to breath quicker, more shallow and increase our heart rate.  Being able to recognise, stop and take control of your breathing involves working on some simple techniques.

Are you looking for a new challenge or an exercise that involves your whole body?  Battle ropes have become a popular addition to many gyms and are something that you can use almost anywhere. By working regularly on your physical fitness, strength and mobility you will notice that your mental health and general wellbeing improves.  

Windshield wipers, happy baby and figure 8 are names to remember next time you find yourself stuck in a chair for too long.  Sitting for long periods, though sometimes necessary, is not good for our bodies so making time to stand up and stretch is one way to stay active. 

Most of us have experienced or at least heard of migraine and tension headaches, yet there are many other different types of headaches including cluster, hemicrania, ice pick and thunderclap.  Knowing what type of headache you have can help you decide on the best way to treat it.

The strain and repetitive nature of lifting and assisting when caring can sometimes bring about a chronic shoulder condition so it's important to build strength and mobility of both the internal and surface areas of the shoulder joint.  Always speak with your GP if you have any existing pain or discomfort. 

You might not have heard of them but Jicama and Arugula are two types of vegetables which, similar to broccoli, cauliflower and zucchini, can help prevent chronic illness like heart disease and cancer.  High in fibre but low in fat and calories, a good goal is to fill half your plate with vegies.

In Australia, bowel cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and second leading cause of cancer-related death.  Luckily a free test kit is sent to Australians between the age of 50 and 74, every 2 years to detect cancer, a test which saved the life of 50 year old family man Erik.

When it comes to heart health it's common knowledge our diet, exercise, lifestyle and some genetic factors all play a part.  Around 17,000 Aussie lives are lost each year to coronary heart disease with men making up the majority.  Arm yourself with knowledge of what a heart attack looks and feels like to be better prepared in an emergency. 

Finding motivation, time and resources are some of the barriers we face when it comes to creating physical activity habits that stick.  If you haven't exercised in a while it can be a real challenge to get going but having a chat with your GP and making a plan you can get on track.

Get moving for a good cause this July by signing up to do some K's for R U OK? Choose your challenge, clock your k's and create conversations with all funds raised used for tools and resources to empower more people to connect and support those who may be struggling with life.

"I like a beer just as much as the next bloke and a chat at the pub is great but there's something special about The Man Walk" - Kiama physiotherapist and founder of The Man Walk Mark Burns speaking recently on 2GB Sunday night.  Now with over 70 locations Australia wide, The Man Walk is a great way for blokes to get connected. 

A calming cup of tea at the end of a busy day can be something to look forward to. With so many choices you get to experiment with different types like ginger, lavender, peppermint and lemon balm, all types of tea that can help your body and mind relax.

For American man Ryan Kegges, cycling isn't just about going fast or covering great distances, it's a mindfulness activity that helps him combat his anxiety and depression.  Bike riding is a fun and free (after purchasing a bike) way to improve joint, posture and cardiovascular health while clearing the mind.  

"Every step you clock, every conversation have,  every connection you make and every dollar you raise matters"  The 2022 K's for R U OK? page is now open for individuals and teams to register with a focus on 'Connection, Consistency, Conversations' visit the website for details. 

12 minutes of exercise can be enough to help improve your attention span to focus time on tasks that need doing.  Whilst a run around the block might not be appealing at first, there are many health benefits to be gained such as heart health a boost to your metabolism and better sleep.  

Juggling a busy life, poor quality of sleep or not drinking enough water can all contribute to you feeling fatigued or lethargic.  Whilst there are some medical conditions linked to tiredness, there are many 'controllable' factors such as diet, exercise and less screen time that can help combat feeling tired and run down.

Have you tried quad foam rolling or a lumbar windshield to help stretch your lower back?  These moves could help combat lower back pain, a common ailment for carers.  Always check with your GP or health professional prior to trying new exercises.  

Life is busy.  At the end of the day, sometimes a not so healthy meal is the quickest and easiest option for dinner but with a little time invested earlier you can have healthy, delicious home cooked meals sitting in your freezer ready to heat up.  Pasta bakes, stews, soup and pies are a few ideas to make dinnertime easier.

New research has confirmed that push ups or squats could help you live longer.  Looking at various studies over a 30 year period, it was found that people who spent an hour each week on activities to support muscle strength had up to a 20% lower risk of death from all causes including cancer and heart disease.

We know walking is free and has many physical and mental health benefits but it also provides the opportunity to listen to an audiobook, podcast or play the new album from your favourite band or artist.  You can spend time exploring where you live and walking is perfect for clearing the mind after a busy day. 

Whilst the sudden passing of cricket icon Shane Warne from a heart attack was shock news for many, cardiovascular disease is sadly the leading cause of death for Australian men with around 30 dying each day.  Lifestyle changes and free heart health checks through Medicare with your GP are critical in prevention. 

With pressure ever present in so many aspects of life it is common to experience stress and anxiety.  Taking a moment to stop and recognise how you are managing that pressure can help lighten the load and make things a little easier to work through.  Very Well Mind have put together a list of 10 strategies that you can try.

The greatest trainer in the world (according to actor Mark Wahlberg) recommends just 5 exercises as a core workout to help prevent back injuries, strengthen your core and even help with your golf swing.  Staying active is a key element of physical and mental health, check out these top 5 moves and bring them into your day. 

Summer may be over but it's still important to be mindful of the damage the sun can do to our skin throughout the year.  Ultra Violet (UV) radiation is the major cause of skin cancer which claims the lives of more than 2000 Australians each year. MyUV is a free service that shows the current and expected UV forecast to help you plan SunSmart activities.

Do you have a list of odd jobs around the house that need doing?  Getting started on some of these jobs can be the hardest part but having the right tools on hand can make the job easier to get done and more enjoyable. Before you start check out this list of top tools for your odd job list.

Setting aside 1 or 2 hours each week to plan and prepare your meals can be a great way to maintain healthy eating when life gets busy.  There are many options when it comes to meal prep from slices and muffins for snacks to microwave ready light meals from the fridge or freezer.  Whatever you choose the time you spend preparing will make meal time a little easier. 

If you watch or play any type of sport chances are you've heard syndesmosis or high ankle sprain mentioned often over the past few years.  Although this type of injury is more likely to occur playing sport, it can happen to anyone. Consider adding some ankle strengthening and balance exercises to help protect and reduce the risk of injury 

Getting stronger and building bigger muscles when younger happens much faster than later in life but the benefits of working out as you age help reduce the risk of illness, disability or developing chronic conditions.  Exercise should be a little challenging but done regularly and with purpose has positive impact.

Exercise for people with disabilities, older adults, men and to manage mental health are some of the free e-books available from Exercise and Sports Science Australia.  Regular physical activity is known to lower the risk of many chronic conditions and these e-books help you better understand where to begin. 

If opening a door, shaking hands or stirring a pot of pasta causes you pain or discomfort it could be the tendons in your arm, a condition commonly referred to as 'Tennis Elbow'.  Despite the name, it doesn't only cause trouble for people who play tennis, it is related to repetitive use of the muscles around the elbow. 

Prioritising and taking control of your health and wellbeing is the best way to manage any existing injuries or illness whilst building a stronger, healthier version of you.  Our mates at Healthy Male shared some health goals at the start of 2021 which will never go out of date.

Studies looking at healthy aging suggest that motivation is a key component to wellbeing as we get older because it 'boosts mental health, fosters creativity, encourages healthy lifestyle choices, and spreads compassion.'  Find what motivates you and do more of that, physical activity for the body, reading for the mind!

86% of coastal and beach drownings in 2019/20 were male, do you know how to keep yourself and mates safe around water this summer?  Royal Life Saving Australia top tip is to 'only swim at a patrolled beach, and between the red and yellow flags'.  Visit their website for info on safety signage and tips to help you enjoy a safe time in the water.

"Know the drill before you grill" to help prevent potentially dangerous backyard barbeque fires this summer.  The campaign from Energy Safe Victoria encourages BBQ users to check for any breaks or leaks in the fittings and connections every time before firing up the grill to cook. Remember safety first and a clean grill for your next BBQ.

Erectile dysfunction, lumps and bumps, hair loss and vasectomies might be difficult or embarrassing topics to talk about but they are concerns men of all ages can have.  For Movember, MCT encourages you to visit the A-Z of men's health topics on Healthy Male and book a visit with your GP for a general check up.  

MCT founder Greg Smith has set a personal goal during Movember to walk 71km.  It may not be a big distance but the significance of the number 71 is.  ABS figures show that this is the number of Tasmanian men who died by suicide in 2020.  Movember is working globally to reduce male suicide and improve men's mental health.

How much water to carry, appreciating the wildlife and why you don't need to spend up big on gear are some helpful tips for anyone new to hiking.  The physical and mental benefits of walking and being outdoors are well known so with summer almost here why not plan some hikes and explore the trails near you.

Movember 'Nuts and Bolts' website report that '70% of men say they never have or don’t regularly check their nuts.'  Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in males aged 15 to 39, fortunately with treatment the survival rate is 95%. 'So go on, have a feel' and speak with your GP about any concerns.

Technology has made certain aspects of life much easier to manage but it has also played a part in many of us spending long periods of time chained to a desk.  Trying to maintain a good posture can be hard and inevitably a slouch can creep in despite our best efforts.  Visit AOM for 6 exercises and stretches that can help.

Skipping and other short, sharp circuit style activities can help improve flexibility and balance which are of great importance as we age.  Agility training may help protect and prevent injuries when exercising or when going about your daily chores.  Being agile as we age has many benefits but only if you take action and do the work. 

Getting fit and healthy does not have to involve lifting heavy weights, beach sprints or a 10km bike ride.  Those things are good, if you can do them, but the key is moving more and making an effort to challenge your body's ability to manage different activities and situations.  Move more and your body will thank you.

Mood changes, unusual lumps and trouble urinating are some of the symptoms that men often ignore which could be signs of a health issue.  It is well known that addressing health concerns early can help reduce the risk of developing serious health troubles.  The embarrassment or fear of visiting the GP is short lived if it saves your life.  The message is "Don't Wait Mate'

We would normally share an article in this spot aimed at encouraging you to eat healthy or suggesting ways to stay active and whilst we could say something about the importance of keeping an eye on your waist measurements this article from AOM has some insights and tips you may not have known about your trusty tape measure.  

Keeping records of your trials and errors or a friendly competition with your mates are a couple ways to make the spring gardening season a little more fun.  Growing your own produce offers both physical and financial benefits plus you know exactly what is on your dinner plate.  Grab a shovel and get diggin!

Starting and sticking to a meditation routine can help you better manage issues such as poor sleep or anxiety and may even help to lower blood pressure.  It may feel a little awkward at first but you can try a phone app or YouTube videos to guide you in the comfort and privacy of your own home. 

If your balance and posture could do with a bit of maintenance, ditch the shoes and go barefoot on your next walk.  With out shoes on a number of our foot muscles, which are usually cushioned by foot wear, are used and there is a chance to physically connect to the earth which can be spiritually rewarding.

If you're looking for a proven way to develop a strong, flexible and balanced body then strike a pose because yoga offers all this and more.  Everyone is a beginner at some point and Men's Health have put together a list of the top 8 beginner yoga poses for you to master in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

'When attempting problems that require creativity, we often reach a dead end without realising it'.  When you find yourself stuck looking for a solution or best way to overcome a problem, it is suggested that switching between different tasks or problems can help freshen your thinking and approach.

If you were one of the 19 million Aussies who tuned into the Tokyo Olympics you may have seen a sport climbing event called 'Bouldering'. The sport is described as 'just you against the wall' as you find a way up the wall using man made feet and hand holds.  Challenge yourself with a fun way to build power and agility. 

The average Aussie consumes around 14 tablespoons of sugar each day, more than double the World Health Organisation's recommended limit of 6.  Soft drinks and processed foods are good places to start if you are wanting to reduce your sugar intake.  Check out the '5 Tips' via the link below for more ways  to cut down on sugar.

If you're looking for a whole body workout that uses all the main muscle groups then get yourself a rope and start skipping.  Jumping rope is a cheap and do almost anywhere form of exercise that has many physical and mental benefits.  This Art of Manliness article has some good tips for getting started.

Inside the kitchen at the Harrison Fire Department in New York, firefighter AJ Fusco has become the designated head chef with his tasty and nutritious meals.  With heart health an issue for many of his colleagues and men in general, he has developed a blog with recipes from firehouses all over the world.

To get fit, stay healthy, to socialise or just for fun, running is a sport that is free and can be done almost anywhere.  We may be in the cold of winter right now but with many running events and fundraisers just a few months away, today might be a good time to get started on some training so you are prepared for the summer fun runs.

Preparing meals for yourself, family or even a stranger can provide satisfaction, even more so when the dishes you serve are your own creations.  Invest some time to develop your own signature dishes by playing around with the ingredients or experiment with different methods and have fun sampling along the way!

Archery, photography and croquet are just a few of more than 50 different options available in the Tasmanian Government's 'Get Active in the North West' booklet.  Something for everyone and every ability the booklet may connect you to a new hobby, help you meet some new friends and enjoy a more active lifestyle.  

Young or old, muscle and strength can have an influence in our overall wellbeing and ability to live the lives we want.  Compound movements such as squats, lunges and overhead presses are a key component for building and maintaining a strong base that can help you better manage the physical aspect of caring for someone.

What do Rocky, Jaws and Star Wars all have in common?  Each has a pretty memorable soundtrack or theme song and a new Art of Manliness article suggests that we create a soundtrack for our own lives.  Playlists are fairly common place but AoM suggest selecting music for different tasks, moods and seasons.  What's your theme song?

When was the last time you did something purely for fun?  Perhaps flew a kite or played with some Lego?  Playing is considered an important part of a child's development but there are also many benefits for adults such as reducing stress, boosting creativity and brain function along with improving relationships with others.  Go now and play!   

Strength and power are two physical components that help us do all the 'things' we need to do every day such as house and yard work, shopping and helping others.  Maintaining strength can prove difficult as we age but a kettlebell workout, which can be done almost anywhere, could be the key to staying strong.   

Set yourself a challenge to complete a task and only when you do this can you check what is happening in your online world.  With so much of our lives tied into online activities and screens everywhere we look, a digital detox is something most of us could benefit from.  Switch off the phone and take some time out this week.

Being out in nature away from all the distractions of daily life is a great way to relax and the good news is that you don't need to go deep into the wilderness to gain some benefits. Research suggests that just 5 minutes a day spent walking in a green space can contribute to reducing stress and increase motivation to be more active.  

Cleaning up misconceptions about hand washing is a feature in the May edition of Australia's own men's health e-newsletter 'Spanner in the Works'.  Using hot water, drying your hands and when to wash are discussed so that you can be better prepared to prevent the spread of germs and become less likely to get sick.

“The way I was going, I probably wouldn’t have made 70." say's long time Sydney radio host Ray Hadley.  Embarrassed after stepping on the scales during a GP visit, a lifestyle overhaul has seen Hadley drop 18kgs to become a healthier man.  Walking played a big role, nothing complicated he stresses "I'm just moving".

Our habits and lifestyle are guaranteed to change and when the aches and pains show up we can tend to 'wait and see'.  Often our bodies adjust but it is important to visit a GP and have a chat about any issues before they get bigger.  Check out the Men's Shed and Healthy Male 'Spanner In The Works' men's health promotion program.

"I feel fine and have no signs, but it's there and I must do something about it".  Two time Bathurst 1000 winner and Devonport car racing royalty John Bowe is urging men to get regular health check's following his prostate cancer diagnosis.  Age and family history are two risk factors to be aware of and you should speak with your doctor about. 

Knock, Knock! Who's there? Lettuce. Lettuce who? Lettuce in, its cold out here!
The days may be getting shorter and cooler but you can still find plenty of things to do in the garden that will help keep you active, get your daily dose of fresh air and can help reduce stress levels.

Building structure into your day to deliberately switch between work and personal activities can be a good way to avoid burnout. Whilst it can be difficult to plan and life is often unpredictable, especially when caring for someone else, take some time to think about where you can make some small changes to your day so that there is time dedicated to you and your goals. 

Sufi, Metta and Kundalini are all different types of meditation that offer benefits such as improving attention, reducing negative thoughts, better sleep and managing anxiety.  Learning to meditate can itself be a stressful time, so begin by understanding some of the fundamentals and make a commitment to practice consistently over a period of time

"Focus more on establishing healthy habits than on results' is a great piece of advice featured in the Men's Journal Top 10 fitness goals to achieve this year.  As the days get shorter and the cooler weather creeps in, keeping a consistent routine may be a little more challenging but in the long run will help you keep in shape physicaly and mentally.

The 3 most important things to do before you exercise are check your shoe laces are done up, untangle your headphone wires and warm up properly.  Whilst stretching is good for your body, it's better done at the end of a workout.  Before you start exercising is the best time for doing some dynamic movements to get your muscles warmed up and prevent injury.

Most of us have used a roller to paint a fence or wall at some point, but there's another type of roller that is good for our body and there's no messy clean up when you're finished using it.  Foam Rollers can be a great tool for preventing or treating injuries, circulation, improving joint range of motion or simply as a gentle muscle stretch and massage.  Take it easy to begin with and enjoy a new way to stay active.

Sweet potato quiche, Burritos and triple berry bread are some of your breakfast menu options when it comes to meal prep.  Planning ahead can be a great way to maintain a healthy diet or eating plan when life get's chaotic.  Spending time on meal prep for either breakfast, lunch or dinner is a great investment in your own health and is easy to do with such a wide range of easy to prepare options.

Keeping families together for longer is a key message from Heart Research Australia.  Family history, gender and age are risk factors for heart disease that you can't control but living an active lifestyle, healthy eating, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake are all things you can do something about.  Schedule GP visit and talk to your family and mates about heart health.

Shadow boxing, body weight exercises or battle ropes done at high intensity over short periods of time can be a great way to boost your body's metabolism whilst getting your daily workout done quickly.  High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a popular way to exercise and the bonus for beginners is that you have full control over the intensity.  Check with your GP first and give HIIT a try.

If you ride your bike twice in one day is that recycling?  It may not be, but it could be a great way to get some fresh air, exercise and explore your home town.  After the initial cost of purchasing a bike and some gear, cycling is a low to no cost activity that keeps you healthy both physically and mentally.  Get yourself a set of wheels, find a local track and enjoy a wheelie good time.  

What are two things we all have and use everyday which can sometimes feel like the weight of the world is resting on them?  Shoulders are part of the body relied upon on for many movements when providing care to someone.  Lifting, stretching and other repetitive movements can eventually cause injury or pain so consider doing some preventative exercises.

"Ten years from now feels like forever. And yet, when we look back from the other side of a decade gone by, the time seems to have flown."  January is often the time when plans for change made at New Years begin to stumble or disappear.  Art of Manliness suggest a simple focus on 1 habit for long term change.   

A little pressure can be a good motivator to get a job or task done well and on time.  This time of year though, with holidays, family get togethers and chaotic shopping trips, it is easy to make things harder on yourself than necessary.  Balance and perspective are important in recognising not everything needs to be perfect to be enjoyed.  

With so many snacks and treats on offer at this time of year it's important to add balance with healthy snacks that won't add to the waistline like more traditional ones do.  Using a handful of ingredients, in 10 minutes you can have some Na Na Santa's to snack on, perfect for a hot summer's day.  Check out the recipes on the Australian Banana's website and 'Make Your Body Sing' this festive season!

What's brown and sticky? A stick!  Dad jokes may have a bad reputation but more often than not will result in a smile or laugh.  Maybe you have told a few yourself or heard them from others, knowing a few daggy jokes and sharing them at the right place and time, can be a good way to break the ice or help lift someone's mood.

Creating a space away from stressful situations can help you gain a new perspective and better prepare you to handle the challenge in a healthy way.  Try going for a walk and add some meditation techniques such as awareness or focus on any physical sensations and how you breathe.  There's no right or wrong way, find a space or way that works for you. 

Whatever age you are, a strong back and shoulders plays an important role in being able to do almost every movement we make throughout each day.  One simple exercise to help strengthen your upper body, which will also help improve your posture, is the Farmers Walk.  One step at a time you will also feel positive benefits to other parts of your body.

Core body muscles are the link connecting your lower and upper body that we use almost every time we move. Tying our shoelaces to sweeping the floor or even standing still, our core is what helps make that happen.  How strong is that link for you?  Looking after your core doesn't have to be hard or take up too much time, some simple bodyweight exercises are all you need to keep that link strong.  

A reminder as we turn our clocks forward to daylight savings time that we should test our smoke alarm batteries and go over some basic fire safety plans.  Last summer was one that many Australians will never forget and really highlighted the importance, no matter where you live, of being prepared.  The Tasmanian Fire Service has a range of fire safety publications to help.

In last weeks email we looked at some spring cleaning ideas for around the home, this week it's time to get outdoors and get your hands dirty with some backyard DIY projects from Gardening Australia.  A new garden seat, composter, chook feeder or a 'bee hotel', there is something to suit all interests and skill sets.  Get active and enjoy some sunshine as you get creative in the yard.