Out & About Winter 2019

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Can’t Stick to an Exercise Routine? Read how two locals solved this problem We all know that we have to take some level of responsibility for keeping ourselves healthy in all sorts of ways; good eating habits, limiting alcohol consumption, suf�icient sleep, and more. And when it comes to exercise we all have heard the encouragement to do more. Recently medical research has added a new guideline – ensure you are doing suf�icient weight bearing activity so you stimulate your muscles and bones to stay strong. For many people this leads to one conclusion – go to a gym – where all the equipment is available to do those kind of activities. But many people can’t abide a gym, for all sorts of reasons: x they don’t like the �inancial commitment x they can’t stand the environment of sweaty bodies and noise x they don’t know how to get the bene�it x regular sessions or classes don’t work x and more One way to overcome these and similar problems is to work out alone, either at home or in some public space, but it is so easy to let that commitment slip. Another solution is to �ind a personal trainer, but that is often perceived as expensive. Below are stories from two local Newbury people who knew they needed to improve their exercise commitment, and how they found a solution that worked for them LUCY AKHURST - I NEVER KNOW WHEN I’LL BE AVAILABLE I needed to �ind some way of incorporating effective exercise into my life because of three things. The �irst is that I need a bone strengthening program; it’s just a wise thing for a woman in her forties to do. Secondly, I hate gyms; and when I say I hate them, I mean I really hate them, so that wasn’t an option. Thirdly, my schedule is mad; I’m �ilming for Net�lix ® at the moment and am shuttling back and forth to Lithuania, never really knowing when I’m leaving. Regular exercise is great, but if your life isn’t regular, a “One Size Fits All” gym just isn’t for you. So I’m glad I found Abstract ® Bodyworks. Abstract works around me as much as it can. I sometimes �ind out my schedule for the next day at 6pm and can text and ask for a session the following morning. If they can �it me in, they do. So far, we’ve always been able to �ind some time that works. People still feel as though they have to spend hours, pounding away, several times a week to see results, so they get disheartened and drop out because it becomes a burden, and burden becomes guilt and you end up hiding and feeling dreadful: I know, I’ve been there. But this is just 15 minutes; anyone can �ind 15 minutes! Don’t get me wrong, the training is no walk in the park. You push yourself, but you are monitored every second by your trainer to make sure it is safe and effective. But if you are as interested in results as I am, you’ll �ind yourself wanting to do more each session, because you can see and feel it working on your body. And again, 15 minutes. I can cope with 15 minutes of hard exercise. I’m not interested in weight loss, but I am interested in strength and utility. I’m also interested in looking good; that’s part of my trade, after all. So with such a small investment in time I can spend the rest of my life getting on with things: I’m good with that. FRANCIS CUBITT - I’VE NEVER STUCK WITH ANYTHING ELSE We all know we need exercise, especially as middle age lumbers on. Some friends love it but not I - too boring. I tried the 10,000 steps approach: dull but I could catch up on some reading by downloading audio books and off we go. I got through Barchester Towers and half way though Wuthering Heights but then work got busier, time shorter and a foot problem more painful. Then I tried swimming. Living in Singapore at the time I could �it in 2km three times a week and got quite �it, so back in Newbury I began cycling to the pool to do the same. Time and weather were against me here so that didn’t last long. Then I though about a rowing machine - nice idea but good ones are not cheap and besides the house is too small. Then one day I passed a doorway claiming �itness in 20 minute sessions once a week, you can even do it on the way to work, no change of clothes, no shower needed afterwards, and more. Impossible - but it works! And I understand now why it works, and 6 months on I even look forward to the sessions. Really nice trainers too. KEEPING FIT AND HEALTHY ISN’T REALLY AN OPTION We all want to live full and ful�illing lives and we all know that keeping up a certain level of �itness allows us to do that. What we don’t agree on is the way to keep �it, and in fact there is no one way. What we can agree on is that once you pick your exercise you want to be sure it can deliver the health bene�its you want, which is where personal training really comes in. Studies have shown that people are 170% more likely to stay with an exercise routine if we are supervised - and the best way of achieving quality supervision is with a personal trainer, who can provide not only supervision but expert feedback on how you are progressing. If you have struggled to start and maintain an effective exercise program, even if you are a member of a gym, you should consider getting some personal coaching to help you achieve your goals. See adver�sement on page 18 for details of how to book two free personal strength training sessions. Quote O&AQ42019

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O&A WINTER 2019