Activity of the Week: Horse Riding

Irish people have long been known for their love of horses. But that tends to mean betting on them rather than sitting   on them. We are lucky to have some of the worlds finest riding schools, trails and animals here so we thought it was time to get back in the saddle and try out Horse Riding. Lessons cost in the region of €30 per session but you don't need any special skills or equipment and there is a school not far from you wherever you are. Get on Google to find your local school and book a lesson.

Get Out More: Sand Art in Bundoran. Sunday 11th July

Here at Fitfone we know that sometimes you just need to get out in the fresh air and blow away the cobwebs. Well nothing blows the cobwebs away uite like time spent on an Irish beach (even in the height of summer). Swimming, horse riding, volleyball or just walking or jogging with the breeze in your hair and the calming sound of gently breaking waves by your feet makes you feel refreshed and relaxed. With that in mind we are recommending a little beach based fun this weekend in Bundoran. The award-winning and talented artists from Duthain Dealbh return to the clean sands of Bundoran to work on a large scale 2 dimensional artwork in the sand between the tides all day on Sunday the 11th. Why not get the bigger picture from Rougey Cliff Walk and/or the Tullan Strand Car Park from about 3 pm on the day. Remember that the art will be washed away by the evening tide at around 6:20 pm. So get to Tullan Strand Beach, Bundoran on Sunday afternoon and enjoy art and exercise combined!

Health News: Where you live can affect your weight

Do you take the lift to your apartment or the steps to your duplex door? Does the fast food outlet on the ground floor prove too tempting or do you love to get out walking and running on the local beach? What about the kids; do they play in the green spaces and garden or curl up by the TV? Recognising that habits like these are affecting your health can help you to overcome them. Make a deal with yourself to take the stairs when you don't have much to carry. Or put a small set of goalposts in the garden to make it more appealing as a play space. Weight loss is tied into your lifestyle and you can be in control of it. 

Sports News: World Cup Semi Finals 2010

Love it or Hate it: the World Cup has taken over our televisions and many of our lives in the past month. 

But soon it will come to an end as the semi-finals are played out tonight and tomorrow. The first is between Uruguay and the Netherlands and will be live on RTE and the BBC from 7.30 tonight with the second between Germany and Spain at the same time the following night. For those who adore football it's sadly close to the end as the winners will meet on Sunday in the final and for the ret of us it can't come quick enough. But if you have yet to embrace South Africa 2010 then now is the time. Why not throw yourself into just one week fo wild speculation, fanaticism and vuvuzelas. With the number of workplace pools there is likely someone you know who's still in with a shot at a glorious win (even if there's little other Irish interest). You never know- you might even enjoy it!

Exercise Tip of the Week: On Yer Bike

With the good weather continuing we at Fitfone are doing our best to get outdoors and enjoy the sun and fresh air while it lasts. Last week we recommended trying out the new Dublin Bikes scheme that allows you to explore Dublin city on two wheels both cheaply and conveniently. As many of us head off on our summer holidays and relax at home we have the perfect opportunity to try out cycling for fun. Most resorts and hotels can point you in the direction of local bike rental and it's a great way to explore your destination. Leisure bike riding at 5.5 mph will burn 251 calories an hour in a 8 stone 12 ounce woman and more in someone carrying a little extra weight. So now you can combine holiday fun or even a relaxing date with calorie burn!

Activity of the Week: Surfing

Surfing is a massively popular sport and the perfect way to make the best of those stormy Irish summers. Our dodgy weather means that surfers come from all over the world to ride the big Atlantic waves on the West coast. Surfing is a great workout for a toned body as well as incredible fun. It fills you with energy and excitement and it's easy to try out. There are surf schools all over the country but some of the best spots are Lahinch and Bundoran. Lessons are inexpensive but invaluable as this can be quite a dangerous sport if you don't know what you are doing. Why not gather a few mates for a weekend on the waves? You might not be quite up to the Beach Boys standard but you'll feel it!

GIY: Grow It Yourself

On the 3rd Sunday of every month the staff of Airfield House in Dundrum welcome you to their garden allotment for GIY workshops. Learn to Grow It Yourself with free seeds, cuttings and advice. Gardening is a great way to get out in the fresh air and growing your own vegetables or fruits is both healthy and fun. At Fitfone we know that getting fit is all about lifestyle changes like these as well as exercising. For more information on this event and others at Airfield House visit www.airfield.ie