Healthfit news - keeping up
FOCUS
Amotivation is Dangerous!
When motivation to exercise is the problem how do you get past first base?
There are a number of tricks often quoted. However, used more than once they tend to be just that, a trick. People who have a vague idea that they should exercise more regularly because they know it is good for health may put off actually starting a program. The concept of health does not create a sense of urgency or priority like getting the flat car battery recharged or replaced.
For those who procrastinate in commencing daily moderate or vigorous activity because their goal is not clear or their need is not so urgent here are a few tips to step over the first hurdle:
*Inspect yourself closely. How do you look? How do you feel?
*Ask yourself, "What will I be like at this time next year if I do nothing more than now?"
*Ask yourself, "Can I attribute my current condition to a gradual decline in frequency or intensity of physical activity?"
*Find out from reliable sources what can happen from extended periods of inactivity.
*Decide if and for how long you can delay becoming a regular exerciser.
*Set a goal, make a plan and act straight away.
Of course, turning a vague idea into action may require the assistance of a mentor or a health professional. An exercise physiologist (EP) is aware of the common barriers to being more active and will guide you towards safe and effective activity.
Before designing and implementing a new exercise program or routine the EP will assess your state of readiness, draw out your inner motivators, help you set realistic goals for both the long term and day by day or week by week.
The astute mentor or health professional will realise that even those with initial drive to start exercising may slacken off very quickly if immediate positive results are not obtained. Persistence with a daily or every second day routine is a key to begin "feeling" fit and this may take 3-6 weeks. Once you get this feeling of higher wellbeing and improved function the motivation to continue, even challenge further becomes apparent.
Events
Talented Athlete Program
Healthfit's newest sponsored athlete is Jenna Maciejewski. Jenna has been playing top level soccer in the ACT team and is part of the Australian Institute of Sport Program. She developed her skills as a youngster in Ulladulla and has a strong desire to play for the Matildas in the next few years. Her training regime is hush hush at the moment apart from the fact that she is receiving assistance from Gregg Orphin, Healthfit's exercise physiologist for injury rehabilitation. More on Jenna's progress later.
Veterans
After years of suffering chronic conditions, illness and injury an increasing number of war veterans are benefiting from Healthfit's Accredited Exercise Physiology practice. They are able to access the service for either home programs or centre-based supervised and group sessions. It is very satisfying for us to witness the cumulative health improvements these well-deserving people attain and also the cheerful camaraderie that has developed while being active in small groups.
Lifestyle Modification Programs
Healthfit is currently working with the Shoalhaven Division of General Practice to offer people at risk of developing Type II Diabetes (The Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool) to offer education and exercise programs for people in Ulladulla. See your doctor for more information or visit the SDGP website.
Healthfit Exercise Centre Is Like a Gym But Not Quite
We are more than just a clinic and at the same time different to a standard gym yet anyone can use our facility. We have exercise equipment and cardio machines just like a gym. However, in this area we offer a unique service in that centre users are known by name and their abilities. Their exercise program is designed by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, known as the exercise specialists. This makes it safer and more effective in meeting the specific needs of our valued clients. All clients are Healthfit are valued and regarded as individuals with particular needs. So if you do not like the idea of exercising in a large and loud gym where your program becomes stale try switching onto Healthfit in Milton.
People
Dennis Crimmins – Healthfit Exerciser of the Month
Crimmo's reason to be physcially active is to live longer and be as healthy as possible. By participating in a variety of enjoyable activities such as swimming, social tennis, walking and using the Healthfit Centre, Dennis has had a great report from his GP in terms of reducing cholesterol, high blood pressure and abnormal blood glucose levels. We asked him what initial barriers he had to overcome. His response was, "The challenge to learn how to exercise properly and the initial shock to my muscles." He now likes the monthly weigh-in but was concerned at the result of the first assessment of his body fat percentage. Dennis admits to being sceptical at first in the benefit of doing resistance training but now realises that the challenge to muscles, not just stamina is important in becoming healthier. An added bonus to the safe and effective exercise at the centre according to Crimmo is conversing with people who are also here to get fit.
GP's and Allied Health Professionals –Frequent Supporters of Healthfit Exercise Physiology Services
We are fortunate in this rural area of Milton-Ulladulla to have such great support from the doctors, their practice nurses and many Allied Health Professionals such as Occupational Therapists, Dieticians, Physiotherapists, Psychologists, and Rehabilitation Providers. They understand that many of their patients need careful increases in physical activity for health or injury rehabilitation. They also know the value and importance of referring to an Accredited Exercise Physiologist to reduce the risk of unwanted side-effects for people attempting to commence exercise.