When it comes to exercise, knowing whether you are doing the 'right' thing can be a real tricky business. Have you ever been on the receiving end of different people telling you different things to do? Could be your neighbor over the fence, a family member, or an video on Facebook? If you haven't found what feels right yet, that's ok... I hope this post helps you move a little closer.
Questions related to doing the 'right' thing, are probably up there with the most common types of question I get asked when working with my clients as an Exercise Physiologist.
"Am I doing it right?"
Here are some things to consider to get the juices flowing:
- Are you doing the right thing for your age?
- What about for your condition?
- What if you have multiple conditions and health concerns?
- Should you be doing hydrotherapy, weights, or something else?
- If you're experiencing pain, is movement still the right thing to do?
Over the years, I've come up with a few weird and whacky ways to answer these types of questions with kindness and good vibes 😎. Strangely, my best assets when it comes to helping clients exercise right, are two pairs of sunglasses! Wonder what what that might look like?
Sunny's View #1
😎 Lookin' to the future...
The first thing we need to establish is an answer to this question...
"What are some of the things you want to be able to do with your body in the short, mid and long term?"
Each of us will likely answer that question slightly differently... which is good! All of us will have a different vision for our future self. This is a question that will have practical answers.
- Want to pickup your kids or grandkids?
- Want to be able to get up off the floor?
- Do you have plans to continue traveling overseas?
Sunny's View #2
😎 What's Impacting You Now?
This is a different type of question where your medical history, how you are feeling and life logistics all matter. The answers to this question are deeply personal but in my humble opinion must be considered before you can find the right way forward.
- What are some of the things that are impact your health today?
- How's your physical, mental, and overall well being right now?
- With your current schedule and commitments how much time do you have to give yourself?
Good thing we're getting on track with doing this right... because...
It's Exercise Right Week!
The last full week of May sees us celebrating Exercise Right Week. If you haven't heard of it, Exercise Right Week is a national week designed to highlight the benefits of exercise for health and well-being, and to help Australians to understand where to get the 'right' advice for their individual needs.
In my experience different things work for different people and it's important to know your options.
Here's what's working for some other people who have Rheumatic conditions.
So now what?
- I'm feeling good about what I'm already doing. 👉 Keep up the good work! 👊💥
- I'd like a second set of eyes 😎 on what I'm doing.
- I'd like to be doing more but I just am not sure what I can do now.
Also wanted to mention that if you live near one of our clinics in Parramatta or Chatswood, we have live classes that are attended by people with Rheumatic Conditions. And if you don't, we have some virtual offerings like online guided sessions as well as live workshops related to helping staying well. Get free access here.