Health Matters — Turning the Tide

This article was first published in Hi Tidings in August 2023.

by Helen Symes (Recreation Club Gym Coordinator & Personal Trainer)

Turning the Tide

Ask yourself these questions:

• Have you had to modify your everyday tasks, like carrying laundry up the stairs or changing the sheets?

• Do you need to stop and rest in the middle of a chore that you used to be able to sail through without stopping?

• Have you stopped doing outside work like gardening because it’s become too difficult?

• Have you developed a habit of letting things accumulate at the bottom of the stairs so you only have to make one trip upstairs?

• Has it become harder for you to carry things from the car?

• Have you slowly been increasing your weight, especially around your belly?

If the answers to these questions are mostly yes, then it may be time for you to make some changes and to look at your fitness level. It doesn’t necessarily mean you should join a gym, but your inability to complete these tasks indicates a decline in your strength and aerobic capacity which may put you at a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis.

I first met Linda a year ago. She told me she was finding it harder and harder to maintain her weight, and her exercise was sporadic, only walking now and then. She told herself that she didn’t have time. However, she knew she needed to make some changes and thought about joining the Coochie gym but was intimated by the machines and weights and was embarrassed. She also thought she needed to be young with a perfect figure to be in a gym. What Linda experienced is very common and normal. However, she took the first step, and with support and professional guidance, she is now a regular gym user. “A year ago, I could not have imagined joining the gym and using any of the machines. I am now 100 per cent committed to regular fitness, and I am feeling great”, said Linda.

Is it time for you to “turn the tide” and make changes towards a healthier life? The Coochie gym is part of the Recreation Club. It’s located next to the Op Shop and Men’s Shed and is open daily (except on public holidays) from 6.30 am to 7.30 pm. When you sign up, I will give you a free induction so that you feel comfortable and safe working out. You can also do personal training with me or join one of my supervised fitness classes. If you are interested, call me on 0412340227, or you can pick up info and membership forms from the table outside the roller door of the gym.

Helen Symes