The Let’s Get Physical fitness workshop was held on Jan. 30 in the Student Life lounge (room S1111). Personal trainer, Katie Purdy, lead this fun and informative workshop. Together with participants we discussed the benefits of physical activity, how to incorporate more of it into your everyday life, and some basic training information for beginners. If you were unable to attend the event, here are the broad points covered in the workshop.
First, Purdy stressed that there was no one right way to engage in physical activity, stating that depending on the goals, a training program can look drastically different. Next, she touched on the importance of a pre-planned workout routine, both to optimize time and results, but to also take away some of the uncertainty that can arise when first going to the gym. She recommended working each major muscle group: legs, back, chest, shoulders, biceps, triceps, and core. She also recommended using compound movements or movements that work out more than one muscle group. Think of it like a push and pull between the different groups.
Purdy also touched on the importance of having a balanced workout, both for health and fun. She stressed the importance of a proper warm-up and cool-down before and after working out to minimize injury. The last thing touched on in the workshop was non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT), which is an easy way to increase metabolic rate substantially. These activities can range from walking distances to even fidgeting and, while not a replacement for proper workouts, can increase physical activity. This will be the one essential in my fitness journey going forward.
