A Low-stress Way To Get Fit
Illawarra Mercury
Thursday September 1, 2005
IF YOU want to look your best for summer and have more energy for outdoor activities, now is the time to start on an exercise program.
Unfortunately there's no quick, easy or magical way to make excess weight melt away or to improve one's fitness levels.But exercising doesn't have to be a painful or boring experience.Body Dynamics Illawarra, which has been operating in the northern suburbs for several years, recently moved to new premises at Bulli, expanded its range of services and opened a small gym.Owned by Alan and Jenny Wilkie, the gym caters for no more than 10 clients at a time in a friendly, non-competitive atmosphere without loud thumping music or high-pressure staff."Until recently we didn't have mirrors either (which our members loved), although we're about to install a small one in the free weights area which makes it easier for us to show clients the correct way to use the weights," Mrs Wilkie said.An accredited exercise physiologist, Mrs Wilkie said exercise was not just for trendy young people with taut and toned bodies, although it was probably how they got that way."Our members range from around 20 up to 88 years of age with the average around 50, and I think part of our attraction for people in that age bracket is that we focus on the health benefits of regular exercise rather than body image and the never-ending search for the 'perfect' shape," she said."We are constantly being told in the media we must exercise more and that more and more people are becoming overweight or obese, but we're not told what to do or how to do it."Membership of our gym includes an initial consultation where we discuss the person's goals and come up with a specific individual program taking into account those goals, any health problems and the current level of activity."Every four to eight weeks we review the progress in a one-on-one session and upgrade or adjust the program as necessary."The well-equipped gym includes traditional weights and cardio equipment along with Pilates and seniors classes, fit-ball and body-sculpting programs.Among the benefits of regular exercise is a reduction in the risk of diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease as well as general health improvements through aerobic exercise and even helping those people suffering depression."Whether someone's goal is to lose weight, get stronger, be more flexible or just feel better, we can devise programs to suit almost everyone," Mrs Wilkie said.She said while some people were happy to work on their own exercise regimes without going to a gym, many benefited from the support, encouragement, guidance and motivation a properly trained and qualified instructor can provide.Because of the boutique style of the gym and the importance of it not being overcrowded, bookings for its use were essential.
© 2005 Illawarra Mercury