By Sarah Comensoli, Exercise Physiologist
No matter where I have worked over the years, I have found that the winter months are when the majority of clients find it hardest to stick to their exercise regime.
Motivation is low.
With shorter days and chilly mornings and evenings upon us, it can often feel much easier to just give the gym a skip and stay at home with a good cup of tea. I myself battle with this also!
Group based training is a great way to keep motivated during these months. Classes are not only a great individual workout but offer each individual the chance to work hard in a supervised and positive environment.
A number of clients have mentioned how motivating it is to be training in a group, a situation where they can be encouraged and often inspired by others around them. Clients often share a few laughs as they attempt a new exercise for the first time. I am still surprised how often friendships have formed whilst sweating it out!
I strive to keep my classes as varied as possible, in terms of the nature and duration of the activities performed such as bike races, boxing challenges and throwing tasks. Often we will have mini-challenges when class participants get a chance to compete against each other.
No one is sitting or standing still!
But above all else, I strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and encouraged. And although my clients tend to leave with sweaty faces and rosy cheeks, they (most of the time!) are also wearing a smile.
Sarah Comensoli is an exercise physiologist at BJC Health.
BJC Health provides a connected care multidisciplinary team philosophy to deliver positive lifestyle outcomes through a holistic approach to those with degenerative & inflammatory arthritis, tendon injury and lifestyle diseases. Our clinics are located in Parramatta, Chatswood and Brookvale. Contact us.
This blog focuses on arthritis-related diseases, healthcare in general, and our Connected Care philosophy.
