52 Weeks of Wellness: Orient Thyself
Thursday, Apr 7, 2011
Orient Thyself
If I were to ask you to define a term we use a lot at the Y – healthseekers – what would that mean to you? Someone looking to get healthy, sure, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. If you stop to think about all of the ways that we seek to incorporate health into our lives, well, then it gets complicated.
As a healthseeker – someone who wants to be healthy in all aspects of life but may struggle with a consistent routine – I understand. Just look at this blog. It turns out that my home/life/work schedule doesn’t sync as well as it should with the wellness class schedules. Bear with me as I take a renewed stab at it.
There are so many brilliant ways, if I do say so myself, that the Y can help you and someone like me find that sweet spot of convenience and support to get your wellness goals in order. I’ve talked a lot about group exercise classes on this blog, because group efforts can be just the support we need to get moving. However for some, it may be more intimidating than motivating.
So let us consider for a moment that you are new to the area, no friends to guide you as you venture through the Y doors for the first time. As I put myself in those shoes, I imagine that I head straight for the easiest thing I can think of to do for exercise. I would find a treadmill, hit a button, move my feet, and know that I am safe, I have not embarrassed myself, and I am exercising. That’s great effort, but how can we give you more confidence to come in every day?
I highly recommend a Wellness Center Orientation for all members – new to the Y or just newly oriented to the equipment. It’s free! It’s helpful. It’s easy to sign up. See the front desk and they’ll help you find a convenient time. With this information under your belt, you are one healthseeker off to a great start in reaching your exercise goals.
Call the Wellness Department at each branch or stop at the desk to schedule your free Wellness Orientation.
John’s insightful wellness tips can be found here.
Hildy
Hildy Ginsberg is Portland’s Executive Director. She feels that the YMCA is the greatest place on earth. Seriously. Don’t you?