Sometimes we take the meandering route, drift along day to day dealing with the occasional obstacles perhaps tripping up; meeting new challenges and deciding whether to hit it or skip around it! Many years ago my mother was drifting (quite literally) off the East Coast on a wind surf. We had to decide whether to call the coast guard or let her make her own way back to land. We decided to call the coast guard, who brought her safely home. When in, on dry land, and I must add looking ‘shades of blue’, she said “why did you do that, I was making my own way back”!
I sometimes like to drift, especially on holiday. Long days, without a plan, when you have the luxury of time. It is important to allow yourself time to relax, ‘drift’ or focus on nothing, shutting out external noise, distractions and pollution. However there are other times when we need to make plans, set goals, read, learn and make the decision not to drift or procrastinate.
Life should be about lifelong learning, self-development, improving our mind, body (health) and spirit. No-one is going to do this for you, it is a conscious self-decision to make change, to improve your lifestyle or health.
I have been teaching health related fitness classes for many years, people have come and people have gone. Most enjoying a class or session in that moment. Feedback and testimonials indicate they enjoy and recommend the classes. However I ask myself how much have I given, have I empowered them to make ongoing changes, to continue to improve or are they now drifting along or slipping backward?
It is with these thoughts I started writing structured courses for my regular class attendees. I have been introducing a firm structure with learning aims and progressions. At the end of the course, I want attendees to have learnt, understood, practiced and achieved more than they would have at a regular fitness class. I want them to have the knowledge and confidence to practice at home and come to class for inspiration, reinforcement and continued progression. These courses have been running since the New Year, and although in its infancy, initial feedback has been incredible with re-booking’s and a waiting list as a recognizable endorsement!
With a view to my business plan, I recently needed to self-evaluate, acknowledge reality and change directions.
When embarking on Inspired Health and Fitness back in July 2014, I had a vision, dream and passion to make the corporate world a fitter, happier and less stressful place by providing fitness wellbeing breaks. See blog: ‘Inspired Health and Fitness’ is now ready to be launched
The reality 6 months later is, very few employers are engaging or even considering a wellbeing strategy for their employees! Some offer gym memberships or a discounted gym membership however the backing stops there! There is little structure, encouragement or services made available to help employees become more active despite the cost of being unhealthy increasing; see BBC report by Nick Triggle 27th January 2015.
It is also acknowledged by Public Health England and their Workplace Wellbeing Charter; that employers need to provide physical activity in the workplace!
Corporate wellbeing is still very much my vision and I hope one day to make a diffidence.
I am currently working within my local community; Hornchurch, Elm Park and Rainham Essex providing an extensive programme of Pilates and yoga inspired classes and courses; giving options for individuals to drop in, or sign up for structured and progressive courses. It would be fantastic to replicate this model in the corporate world.
I am loving life and living in this moment I also know there is so much more I can do.
All I ask now is for you to take a look at where you are (work and life), take stock, self-evaluate and be decisive to make change where change is needed. I ask you not to drift; make ‘it’ happen for you.
If you are reading this and have been inspired, have made changes or have experienced a better quality of life through exercise please add comments to this blog. I would love to hear your story and feedback.
Inspired Health and Fitness – The complete approach to health, fitness and wellbeing. See website for services available and testimonials.
Pauline Ward
Business Owner and Fitness Professional
Follow me on facebook: Inspired Health and Fitness
Follow me on twitter: @IHFcouk
Website: www.inspiredhealthandfitness.co.uk
Linkedin: Pauline Ward
Telephone: 07821 969405
I sometimes like to drift, especially on holiday. Long days, without a plan, when you have the luxury of time. It is important to allow yourself time to relax, ‘drift’ or focus on nothing, shutting out external noise, distractions and pollution. However there are other times when we need to make plans, set goals, read, learn and make the decision not to drift or procrastinate.
Life should be about lifelong learning, self-development, improving our mind, body (health) and spirit. No-one is going to do this for you, it is a conscious self-decision to make change, to improve your lifestyle or health.
I have been teaching health related fitness classes for many years, people have come and people have gone. Most enjoying a class or session in that moment. Feedback and testimonials indicate they enjoy and recommend the classes. However I ask myself how much have I given, have I empowered them to make ongoing changes, to continue to improve or are they now drifting along or slipping backward?
It is with these thoughts I started writing structured courses for my regular class attendees. I have been introducing a firm structure with learning aims and progressions. At the end of the course, I want attendees to have learnt, understood, practiced and achieved more than they would have at a regular fitness class. I want them to have the knowledge and confidence to practice at home and come to class for inspiration, reinforcement and continued progression. These courses have been running since the New Year, and although in its infancy, initial feedback has been incredible with re-booking’s and a waiting list as a recognizable endorsement!
With a view to my business plan, I recently needed to self-evaluate, acknowledge reality and change directions.
When embarking on Inspired Health and Fitness back in July 2014, I had a vision, dream and passion to make the corporate world a fitter, happier and less stressful place by providing fitness wellbeing breaks. See blog: ‘Inspired Health and Fitness’ is now ready to be launched
The reality 6 months later is, very few employers are engaging or even considering a wellbeing strategy for their employees! Some offer gym memberships or a discounted gym membership however the backing stops there! There is little structure, encouragement or services made available to help employees become more active despite the cost of being unhealthy increasing; see BBC report by Nick Triggle 27th January 2015.
It is also acknowledged by Public Health England and their Workplace Wellbeing Charter; that employers need to provide physical activity in the workplace!
Corporate wellbeing is still very much my vision and I hope one day to make a diffidence.
I am currently working within my local community; Hornchurch, Elm Park and Rainham Essex providing an extensive programme of Pilates and yoga inspired classes and courses; giving options for individuals to drop in, or sign up for structured and progressive courses. It would be fantastic to replicate this model in the corporate world.
I am loving life and living in this moment I also know there is so much more I can do.
All I ask now is for you to take a look at where you are (work and life), take stock, self-evaluate and be decisive to make change where change is needed. I ask you not to drift; make ‘it’ happen for you.
If you are reading this and have been inspired, have made changes or have experienced a better quality of life through exercise please add comments to this blog. I would love to hear your story and feedback.
Inspired Health and Fitness – The complete approach to health, fitness and wellbeing. See website for services available and testimonials.
Pauline Ward
Business Owner and Fitness Professional
Follow me on facebook: Inspired Health and Fitness
Follow me on twitter: @IHFcouk
Website: www.inspiredhealthandfitness.co.uk
Linkedin: Pauline Ward
Telephone: 07821 969405
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