Jen Riley, WBOP Recreation Advisor, Sport Bay of Plenty

Play in the Bay is kicking into gear for the last half of the year. August is Move It month in, followed by promotion of the Western Bay of Plenty Activity Directory in September, Outdoors Month in October and Water Month in November.

It can be hard to stay motivated throughout winter but keeping your body moving can go a long way towards beating the ‘winter blues', resisting winter ills and keeping on top of your health. Play in the Bay may be just what you need to help you find something to keep you active through the colder months.

Move It month is packed with activities suitable for all ages, abilities and interests. The idea is you can have a go at a range of different activities so you can find something you really enjoy. Most of the activities for Move It month are also indoors which means you can still get out there and active no matter what the weather is doing.

For August, activities range from Zumba to Ceroc dancing. If you are looking for something a bit different then how about giving belly dancing a go. For those 50+ there's a number of fitness classes that provide fun, low impact exercise such as the Fitness League, Body + Soul Fun Fitness and the Tauranga Heart Support Group. If you are looking for a challenge then head along to The Martial Arts Academy where you can try Capoeira (a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics and music), MMA (mixed martial arts), boxing and Kung Fu. If you'd like something a bit easier then give Tai Chi a go which is low impact and helps with balance, coordination and flexibility or how about trying yoga? During August you can also head down to Aquatic & Fitness Centre at the Windermere campus where you can try any class on their timetable for free.

The brand new 2015/16 Play in the Bay Activity Directory is also out. The directory includes all the different recreational activity options available in the Western Bay of Plenty such as community activity classes, social sports, water activities, cycling/walking/tramping groups, martial arts, racquet activities and much more. There is something for everyone and this is a great resource to find out about the wide range of activities that are available in your community.

So no excuses this winter, check out the Move It month calendar and the brand new Play in the Bay Activity Directory and try something new to motivate you through the colder months. Copies of the calendar or directory can be picked up from Sport BOP, your local library or community centre or you can download a copy from www.sportbop.co.nz/playinthebay. For more information about Play in the Bay contact Jen Riley, Sport Bay of Plenty on 07 578 0016 or email jenr@sportbop.co.nz.