If you're going to the effort of incorporating exercise into
your daily routine, then you want to be sure that you are doing it
right. It is well documented that there is no
'one-size-fits-all' approach, so how do you know what's best for
you and your personal circumstances?
That's where initiatives like the Exercise Right Week starting
May 23rd can help. Incorporating a range of tips and
tools, the initiative is designed to help you make the most of your
movement to help you find the right professional, the right
place and the right time! Sounds easy right?
Right professional
If you are getting back into your exercise, or if you have a
special condition, an exercise professional is a must. Finding the
right professional means finding the right person to help you and
your unique needs. This person might be an Accredited Exercise
Physiologist or it might be an experienced trainer. Whoever they
are, consider their formal registration, education and experience.
Ask yourself if they are the best person to understand your
needs?
Tip: An Accredited Exercise Physiologist
(AEP) is an expert that can help you exercise right. AEPs can help
with a range of different conditions such as diabetes, heart
disease, injuries, persisting pain, depression and weight
management. They will utilise their skills in exercise prescription
combined with their training in behaviour change to help you manage
your health independently.
Right place
It's important to know where you need to improve your health.
Your level of experience with exercise will impact on where you can
exercise safely and most effectively. Those that have been
exercising for a while might feel comfortable exercising outside
independently, but if this isn't you, consider a clinic or a gym
where there will be professional guidance and help available should
you need it.
Right time
Everyone has different ideas on when you should exercise, so
it's important to find a time that works best for you and your
personal circumstances. Do you have a health condition or are you
on certain medication? If so, the time of day can impact on when
it's safe or most effective to exercise. Talk to your GP for
further information.
If you don't have a health condition or you aren't on any
medication, the right time to exercise is the best time for you!
Are you a night owl? If yes, this is when you should find the time
to exercise. Or perhaps you are a morning person? Then set that
alarm clock a little earlier and have your sneakers ready by the
door.
Tip: Are you looking for some extra
motivation?
Find a friend who also likes to exercise at the same time of the
day as you and schedule a weekly catch up and exercise session.
It's more fun (and safer) in pairs! We have a range of other tips
on our EXPOsing diabetes website here.
Got an exercise related question?
You can ask our health team via our Helpline - 1300 136 588 or
email healthyu@diabetesqld.org.au
Visit the Exercise Right Week website for more
information.