There is no doubt that January is the month for rapid rises in gym memberships. All those hopefuls that sign on for a special low monthly fee – attracted by the sheer number of adverts on tv and in the media no dubt. It can be very easy to get swept up in a bubble of enthusiasm but then, if not followed up with any organised plan for outcome goals, that initial buzz fades and the smart new trainers and jogging outfit get set aside . This is a shame as taking up the ‘fitter me’ challenge will always have benefits – if common sense prevails and the advice is followed, a body can only improve if healthier options are adopted.
I was referred to my local gym by my surgery to help me with my mobility and balance. This required a full one to one interview with a personal trainer who needed a full resume of my medical conditions and lifestyle. Having checked my weight and height, blood pressure and resting heart beat after a short burst of trial exercise, I was offerd a planned routine in the gym plus specialist classes designed for folk needing bone strengthening to help moility and balance – exactly what I needed! The classes start gently and by the end of the third term, have built up to much more effort needed and are a great success for me and my fellow new set of pals.