Good afternoon,

I hope you are all okay? We have finished the second week of classes with myself and it is going really well. I hope you are enjoying them.  I know I have already said this but it is good to be back.

We are now waiting on the news whether we will be moved to a Tier 3 rather than a 2 and I will let you know as soon as it is announced. I have just read Lancashire has moved upto a Tier 3 but gyms are allowed to stay open which is good news so fingers crossed if we move upto that Tier we can remain open. I have had an email from my insurance company saying if we are in a Tier 3, I can continue to run my fitness classes so long as we follow the relevant social contact rules (which we are). There should be no social mixing between individual participants (except if they are from the same household or support bubble). This is fantastic news but they have said that our local council will make the final decision.

I think this is a very important time where we should be exercising and I am not just saying that because it is my job. I have found since going into lockdown and teaching online it has kept me motivated and helps with my mental health. I do struggle with my mental health and in the news we are hearing that a lot of people are feeling anxious and suffering with depression and I am not embarrassed to say I have been suffering with anxiety and depression over the last couple of months but I am happy to talk about it. I also know when I exercise I feel so much better and teaching/exercising even if it is a walk has got me through some moments when I have felt down.

Exercise is good for stress, anxiety, fatigue and is known to improve mental wellbeing overall. It is a brilliant way to forget the day’s stresses, whether you spend most of your time at home or at work it can can improve self-esteem and boost your mood. Feeling good about yourself is great for your productivity in all aspects of your life. It gives you confidence, energy and helps with motivation. That feeling that you can do just anything often starts with a kick and a step in the morning!  There are many reasons why physical activity is good for your body – having a healthy heart and improving your joints and bones are just two as well as your mental health and wellbeing.  

We need to change the way we view physical activity in the UK in order not to see it as something we ‘have to do’, ‘should do’ or ‘ought to do’ for our health, but as something that we do because we personally value its positive benefits to our wellbeing. Participating in face to face classes is a fab way to exercise with other people as well as making new friends and what I love is catching up for for a coffee, lunch, nights out and even our fitness weekend away.  

 

Just a reminder if you have not completed a PARQ please can you bring a pen to class and complete a form. I will leave sheets on the table to the left as you enter the main room where I teach.

Have a lovely weekend.

Take care Paula xx