Category: Uncategorized

Benefits of On-Line Fitness

by Fitness Excel, posted in Uncategorized

Sometimes it is not possible to get to our regular class for exercise due to circumstances, however, on-line fitness provides a solution. As long as you have WiFi connection you can log on to your normal class and workout wherever you are. Also, workout for less, it is cheaper for you to book an on-line lesson compared to a studio session. In addition, having a variety of scheduled slots of exercise offer a more convenient approach to training. If you prefer to have an individual session this offers many advantages to time slots, costings and you not having to drive to gyms to meet your instructor, you will still get motivation and instruction, so give it a go.

Psychological Well being and Exercise

by Fitness Excel, posted in Uncategorized

There are numerous studies and research on the many physical benefits of exercise to include aerobic exercise, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility and balance, however, there is increasing evidence to list the psychological and cognitive benefits and its relation to physical exercise, some of these include; heightened mood state, less anxiety, stress and depression, improved self esteem and body image. Studies conducted in Finland on participants between the ages of 24-64 explored the association between physical exercise and psychological traits and demonstrated that participants who exercise at least 2-3 times a week experienced less anger, distrust, depression and report a stronger sense of social integration compared to those who lead sedentary lifestyles.

Camino, Well-being & Relaxation

by Fitness Excel, posted in Uncategorized
Journey of self discovery

Why is the Camino de Santiago so popular? An incredible 347,578 pilgrim walkers undertook the Camino last year from over at least 50 different pilgrimage routes for various reasons. Is this the year you embark on a Camino for your personal health and well-being? You could be a gap student, undergoing change in your life, maybe your retired and want to spend more time looking after your health.

The busy-ness of our lives with the constant technology, demands and overload consumes our time and depletes our energy. The Camino allows space to reflect, slow down, re-energise, re-connect with others and gain a perspective on how we lead our lives. As we become more conscious through awareness and mindfulness walking each day, we become more in tune with our body, mind and spirit and can aim to facilitate change for a more well-balanced life.

Erasmus Seminar – Dublin – Guidance & Building Resilience

by Fitness Excel, posted in Uncategorized

This excellent seminar I attended enabled me to explore and gain more knowledge in the fields of ‘Guidance and Resilience’. Key speakers delivered lectures in the role of guidance in building resilience and promoting coping skills from an array of topics. Delegates from across Europe came together to discuss and share good practice as well as enhance their own professional development. What is Resilience? Resilience is the ability to bounce back, know how to cope with setbacks, how to manage yourself and your resources. What skills do we need to pick ourselves up? One of the skills for developing resilience is perseverance, this is defined as the continued effort to do or achieve something despite failures or difficulties.

Resilient people are able to control a situation and tackle problems, however this depends on your motivation and how much you are willing to do to overcome these obstacles. Some simple steps to start with are: to get control of your emotions, your reaction to the situation and find out what is causing the problem, learn to keep growing, stay strong and reward yourself for your achievements.

Caldas De Reis – Padron

by Fitness Excel, posted in Uncategorized

This stretch of the Camino leaves Caldas De Reis via the N-550 and continues into dense forests surrounding the Valga River, it is pleasant and shady blocking out the intense sun rays. The way is clearly sign posted with the blue and yellow signs showing how many km are left to walk to Santiago. As the route leads into villages, over bridges. After arriving in the town of Pontecesures, follow the bridge over the River Ulla, you can walk down the delightful promenade along the River Sat. In the centre of Padron is the church of Santiago, where you can see the Pedron, this is the stone where claims are made that the boat bought the remains of the Apostle St James, was moored. The group of walkers navigate through the town to our hostel for the night, where we enjoy excellent food to include tasty, traditional green peppers, accompanied by a very large youth club singing Camino songs.

Pontevedra-Caldas De Reis

by Fitness Excel, posted in Uncategorized

On departing Pontevedra, I cross many rivers to include River Lerez over the O Burgo bridge. The way leads between the railway line and the River Grande, after much walking the route continues into the woods. It is extremely hot, but there are places to stop and rest. On approaching an idyllic village of Tibo, I join a large group of walkers, we make conversation as we stroll along and pass the Santa Maria church, arriving at Caldas, a spa town. From this point we follow the street Santa Marta, cross a bridge and arrive at a hot water spring town, there are more bridges to include the delightful medieval bridge over the River, bringing this part of the journey to a close.

Vigo-Redondela – Portuguese Camino

by Fitness Excel, posted in adventure education, camino, fitness walking, health, outdoors learning, Uncategorized
The coastal route

Vigo can be reached following the River Lagares which leads into Samil beach, there is much to see on this riverside walk. Vigo is a large town and perfect for an overnight stay. An early rise 7am to start walking to Redondela, it is dark and there are no arrows to follow, it can be difficult to get out of town. Eventually a group of us notice a faint yellow arrow, this leads the way into interesting streets and the old historic parts of Vigo and fishing areas of O Berbes, There is plenty to see in Vigo to include a Museum, the Church of Santiago and peaceful botanical gardens. There are many cafes offering great food and stamps for your passport on route. Many more walkers appear now and eventually after 5 hours, I reach the town of Redondela.

Exercise & Natural Environments

by Fitness Excel, posted in Uncategorized

There is much research on the physiological and psychological aspects of physical activity and our well-being. However, have you considered how your environment influences your health?

Green Exercise

The majority of people live in urban cities, with an increase in technology and pollution, most exercise training takes places in a leisure centre or gym. There are multiple choices of exercising in the ‘great outdoors’ such as local green parks, beaches, gardens, beaches, coastal regions and forests. Studies have shown that exercising in a natural environment and engaging with nature have greater results on ‘mental well-being’ compared to training indoors. With longer and warmer days, integrate some outdoor exercise into your lifestyle and add some variety to your workout

Portugal-Santiago Camino

by Fitness Excel, posted in Uncategorized

I am preparing for a summer Camino, Portugual to Santiago. This Camino is recommended as the next Pilgrim route to take for those who have some experience of the Camino Frances and it is growing every year in popularity. Apparently the route was popular in the middle ages resulting in many walkers from across Europe undertaking the challenge. This South to north Camino will involve some coastal walking, making it ideal for walking enthusiasts looking for a sense of adventure, whilst visiting interesting towns and villages, trying local cuisine and wine. Some Portuguese words would be useful I am told to integrate with the community.

Wellbeing at Work

by Fitness Excel, posted in Uncategorized

Organisations and their managers can play an important role in their employees health and lifestyle choices. This is important as it will impact the company and its performance. Physical and mental wellbeing includes health promotion where managers can encourage employees in many ways, such as healthy eating, good posture, prevention of back pain as well as encouraging relaxation techniques.

Establishing strategies for wellbeing by developing a programme of initiatives is a good starting place, looking at what the organisation already does and then considering the changes which need to be implemented.