Ergonomics and Exercise - Blog 2/6

Ergonomics and exercise….the correct way to walk on the treadmill, sit on the bike, or pull those weights? No.

I sit down to write this entry and the pain in my legs is a reminder of how hard the gym session was this afternoon. I remember that I must stick to this routine and this pain won't last forever but the results will be beneficial. I am ordered by my trainer - "Lucy, stick with this and you will achieve", I hear him say. It’s these changes and this communication that ensures the exercise I do work for the intended purpose – to change.

“When exercising outdoors, the type of surface that you choose to exercise on can impact both her enjoyment and her chance of injury….parks often provide exercisers with dirt or grass paths on which to walk or run…many physical activities can easily be done at home. Some examples include using a stationary bike or treadmill, doing yoga or aerobics” (Jonas & Phillips, 2009, p.117).

The way I make changes and meet my needs as an individual depends on how hard I work at my occupation – exercise. I need to make the exercise I do fit me, fit my goals and fit my needs. In saying this, the environment must be well suited to what I do. I look down at the treadmill racing under my feet, almost faster than my feet can hold up. This is where I chose to do my activity. I could choose to do it outside on the pavement, or walk around a mall a few times in order to get exercise. I think about why I choose the gym. I choose it for the routine; a place to go to that I know will not be affected by the weather. It is raining today and I am glad I am inside, warm, on the treadmill.

Jonas, S., & Phillips, E. (2009). ACSM’s exercise is medicine: a clinicians guide to exercise prescription. Philadelphia: American College of Sports Medicine.

And so it begins...Blog 1/6

I thought to myself about 2 weeks ago that I really wanted to hit this semester with a bang - - - -and a whole new outlook on my attitude towards motivation, my body and in turn, EXERCISE!

I walk briskly on the treadmill today and I think back to four years ago where I was sporadic in my approach to exercise and remember that throughout high school I didn't attend a gym but I did play netball, although I was never really good.

I focus my thoughts on why I am making this change. I remember I want to focus more during my day, increase fitness and (hopefully) lose a couple of kg here or there. As I push and pull on the cross trainer I feel the stress falling off my shoulders and my energy increasing and I have to remind myself that I will be thankful for all this hard work later.

I strongly believe in the benefits of exercise and can pass these onto future clients. It is inspirational and motivating. I believe it gives me amazing structure to my day and as a result I am able to focus better while studying. Finally, I get to create goals to aim for.

“It’s like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, bicycling instead of driving. Practicing mindfulness in this way means noticing the sensations of walking when we walk, noticing the taste of our food when we eat, and noticing the clouds and the trees as we pass them” (Siegel, 2010, p. 43).

What will hinder me in doing this activity mindfully?
My energy is now fading on the treadmill and I really need to push myself in the right direction. I think about the appointment I have tomorrow afternoon which means I won’t be able to go to the gym when I wanted. Perhaps I will go for a run in the morning, hopefully the weather will hold out.

Siegel, R. (2010). The mindfulness solution: everyday practices for everyday problems. New York: The Guildford Press.