With the worst of winter behind us, Sport Bay of Plenty is encouraging people to get off the couch and get active with its Play in the Bay ‘Move It' month in August.

Sport BOP recreation advisor Nicki Scott is encouraging everyone to try their hand at some of the 24 activities on offer in the Western Bay, saying there is something suited for all levels of fitness and interests.

'I think we've got some quite cool new things happening which people can try, along with lots of other activities they can have a go at.”

Nicki says two of the 'exciting” new activities on offer are South African-inspired exercise dance Bokwa, which combines traditional African dance with boxing moves, and ChiBall – a mind-body exercise that combines movement with traditional Chinese medicine.

She is also expecting a lot of interest in a self-defence fundamentals class.

The ‘Move it' month calendar includes a wide range of predominantly indoor activities including exercise classes, dancing, indoor court games and yoga.

Sport BOP has also just published an activities directory that lists details about all recreation clubs and organisations in the community to make it easier for people to get active.

The directories and the Move It month calendar can be picked up from the Sport Bay of Plenty office (Devonport Rd). For a list of places you can find a directory go to www.sportbop.co.nz

To see the full Move It month calendar of activities go to www.sportbop.co.nz/playinthebay