As fitness instructors we can often fall into a trap.
Many women join group fitness classes initially for two main reasons
1. to lose weight
2. to tone up
And it is so easy for us as instructors to get bogged down marketing our classes to "burn calories", "tone up", for "weight loss" etc
But the reality is that exercise is SO much more than that. Here are just some of the main reasons that I exercise myself... some of them may well surprise you!
Independence
How many of us know a loved one who is aging and needs help and assistance day to day? How many of us help to care for older relatives?
As we age, exercise helps us to maintain the strength and flexibility to retain our independence for longer. Simple things such as being able to get in and out of the shower/bath. Being able to go out shopping and carry the groceries. Being able to go up and down stairs with relative ease, meaning we can live in our forever homes for longer. The ability to bend and reach to cupboard for preparing our own meals and food. Being able to remain independent allows us to age with confidence, resilience and dignity.
Social interaction
How many of us get stuck to our phones or spend evenings in front of the telly?
Whilst it's important to rest and switch off, phones can be addictive and telly can't replace other humans. Exercise classes can introduce you to new people and forge new friendships, made even stronger by being able to cheer each other on or share the mutual hatred of a particular exercise that you both love to hate! Also by remaining independent and mobile, you can continue to enjoy social events and catch ups with friends long into older age.
Mental health
Mental health issues have become ever more prevalent recently with increased awareness and we all know we should be looking after our mental health just as much as our physical health.
Did you know... exercise is one of the most potent antidepressants available and comes with almost zero side effects!
Exercise stimulates the happy chemicals in our brains that can help to combat stress, depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions as well as building confidence and a more positive body image through the physical changes it creates.
Living longer
Exercise has been shown to decrease our risk of so many different ailments and diseases, in addition to speeding up and improving recovery when we do get ill. From diabetes and gastric issues, to cardiovascular and heart health and so much more. Exercise can help us to live happy and fulfilling lives that are free from sickness and disease as much as possible.
Enjoying life!
Who doesn't love a good hike out in the countryside or a cycle down an old railway line?
Maybe you get a buzz from competitive sports or simply enjoy the calm of pottering the in garden?
These activities are all incredibly beneficial for us in their own right, but structured exercise also plays an important role by assisting in injury prevention and helping to ensure our bodies are resilient for us to enjoy our hobbies for years to come.
Sadly, I regularly see a correlation between those who are more likely to skip classes and those who become ill more regularly and suffer with back pain and injuries.
Some people may find it weird me talking about aging whilst in my 30s, but I know how powerfu
These are just some of the reasons I prioritise my health & fitness to be able to live a healthy, happy and full life for as long as I possibly can.
I, for one, will make an effort to start changing the narrative around fitness classes from the narrow "weight loss and toning up" benefits, to the wider, incredible ways that exercise can have a positive impact upon all of our lives.
Will you join me?
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