Carol's Catch-Up: August 2023

Welcoming in a new season with new challenges

As we come into the last official month of winter, take a few moments to look back and see what you have done well, and where you might improve when the weather turns cold again next year. Did you struggle with motivation? Or found that driving with someone to your class helped keep you accountable? Or that early morning classes just aren't appealing in the cold? Write down what you might like to change, or what you need to remind yourself to stick with next time, so you can keep up your exercise during winter.

I find it more difficult to teach classes in the colder months as I’m generally wearing more layers to keep warm - parting with them to start class can become a test of one’s fortitude! Once I get the clothes off and start moving though, it’s only a short time before I warm up and am feeling better. I know this is the case for you too - once you start concentrating on your arms and legs and what direction you’re supposed to be moving, you don’t have time to think about the cold! I always encourage participants to get the clothes off early as you then have to work hard to get warm and that is as good a motivation as any.
Since I last connected with you there has been a big change in my life. After 21 years serving the Manningham region, I resigned my position as Older Adults Program Coordinator at Aquarena Aquatic & Leisure Centre. I have enjoyed reflecting on all that I have seen and accomplished during that time - I have had so much fun, had so many wonderful experiences, and met so many lovely caring participants over the last two decades.

It’s been a privilege to speak into their lives and encourage so many to build and maintain a healthy mobile body and active life, well into their 80s and 90s when many in society would have said they’re too old.

It has been an honour to serve in the role but now I am excited about a new chapter where I can turn more of my attention, time, and passion into Third Age Fitness. There are still so many people that need to be reached around Australia, and even further afield, and educated on how they can get the best from their bodies as they age. I’m ready for the new challenge!
I will be heading up north again this year to my second home and favourite destination, Noosa. My husband and I just keep on going back as we find it such a satisfying destination, for days when we just want to relax and take in a movie, or when we’re feeling more adventurous and want to explore the national park.

Our plans changed recently as we had initially booked a trip during this time to the Flinders Ranges, but were unable to go - we now have it scheduled for August 2024 and I am still looking forward to exploring this area. Holidays are so important to take so that we get the mental break from the norm, and also in this case, some lovely weather to warm up the bones.

Whether it’s a trip along the coast, or interstate, or overseas, perhaps it’s time to look at your next holiday destination. There are so many tour groups that put together great trips for singles and couples, so remember this is also an option if you aren’t wanting to do all the planning and booking yourself.

We are hopefully through the coldest weeks now in Melbourne, so well done for maintaining your exercise programs, whether you are at the gym or exercising at home. If you’ve been getting a little bored with your routine, why not try a new workout? Head to our YouTube channel for a huge range of short workouts, or take out a membership to access a huge library of workouts. It’s good to keep challenging our bodies, and our brains, with new exercises, so make sure you’re not repeating the same favourite workouts too often. We want to make the most of our time exercising.


Talk to you next time……..
Carol

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