Dr Google, balance and, if exercise is a chore, do something you love!

How is your balance?

One thing often previously neglected when people come to us for personal training is the importance of balance and mobility.

The majority of our clientele are 40-70 years of age and, in my opinion, it is vital that we incorporate balance as part of anyone’s programming.

It is interesting to note that one of the most serious injuries is a broken hip.

Once broken, it is hard to recover from and, once doing so, many people are not able to live on their own.

In the US each year more than 300,000 older people – those 65 and older – are hospitalised for hip fractures and more than 95 per cent of hip fractures are caused by falling and usually by falling sideways.

For these very reasons it is imperative that all adults from any age focus some part of their training on balance, proprioception, strength, flexibility and mobility to minimise the chances of such a debilitating injury.

If exercise is a chore, do something you love!

It is all good and well to join a gym or regular fitness classes with the sole purpose to get fit, lose weight or look good in a bikini but the reality is that if you don’t enjoy the exercise mode that you do, you will likely be wasting your time, money and effort.

The fact is, that if you stick to something that you enjoy or, better still, love, for six to 12 months or more, you will end up significantly closer to your goals and enjoy better health than if you force yourself to do something that’s a chore.

So what form of exercise do you enjoy?

If it’s walking the dog, do it! Walk longer, faster, include some step-ups or take some extra hills.

If you love cycling or riding a bike, get an exercise bike and/or get out and about and enjoy some longer rides. Mix up the pace, do some hills.

Much the same as the expression when relating to career: “If you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life.”

The same principle applies to exercise in many respects.

Don’t make exercise a chore, make it fun and do what you enjoy!

Dr Google Hands up if you have used Dr Google? I have.

In fact, I am sure that we all have.

But when it comes to health, nutrition, exercise and medical conditions, please be aware that there are many “so-called” experts out there.

I for one, work in an industry littered with hacks, quacks and backyard operators.

Many look amazing in bathers or with next to no clothing on Instagram but, guess what?

Sadly many have little if any formal education or qualifications and happen to be genetically blessed more times than not.

Some people simply sell their products and stories are for their financial gain and not for the betterment of your health and well-being.

So please be careful and do your research when looking for advice and/or looking to make any purchase for any product.

And don’t necessarily listen to Dr Google!

For more information, exercise guidance or if you have any questions feel free to contact me online.

Justin Moran - Just In Time PT