Network Magazine spring 2014 | Page 32

COMMUNITY GETTING SOCIAL What got Network’s online community talking over the past few months? Should PTs ever train alongside their clients? We received a phenomenal number of contrasting responses when we posed the question ‘Do you train alongside your clients during their sessions?’ Alison: No never never never. It’s a big NO. Your role as a PT is to give your undivided attention to your clients and how can you possibly do that if you’re concentrating on working out yourself? A BIG NO. Julie: If you are good at what you do, you can find the balance to still make it about them (your client) and use your movement to further motivate them! The truth about obesity Link to an article on obesity included facts such as ‘snacking was virtually unknown before the Second World War, but is now a big cause of obesity and a major growth sector for the food and drink industry.’ Skye: The sad thing is that it’s only going to get worse in the years to come! Kerri: It’s not nice to see children eating themselves to death. fb.me/ozfitnetwork Remembering victims of the MH17 plane tragedy Link to a blog in which Justin Tamsett reflected on the tragic passing of Jack O’Brien, receptionist at his local Fitness First club. The chain also lost team member Edel Mahady in the disaster. Wendi: Such sad news. My thoughts are with their family and friends Chaz: Our sincere condolences. Don’t go the paleo way Link to an article in which the Dietitians Association of Australia criticise the popular paleo diet, saying ‘Any diet excluding whole food groups should raise suspicions.’ Stephen: With all the differing information on what and what not to eat it makes me an even bigger fan of everything in moderation and balance... Graeme: Dietitians Association – would these be the same guys who brought us the diet that underpins the obesity epidemic? …I’m calling BS on their press release twitter.com/ozfitnetwork pinterest.com/ozfitnetwork #ozfitnetwork Share your fitness pics! instagram #ozfitnetwork or email your snaps to [email protected] NETWORK TAKES FITNESS TO THE COUNTRY! In June, Bel Fong, Network’s senior education coordinator, and Stephen Parker, Network’s eGX assessor, flew to Tamworth in Country NSW to spend a week with a group of NSW Health workers who were about to begin their fitness journey to become qualified group fitness instructors. As part of their role working in health promotion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, they will be taking on the challenge of running group exercise classes within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, in particular with older adults. Alwyn Duke, who works in the Hunter New England division of NSW Health in Moree, told Bel and Stephen that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a life expectancy that is 17 years lower than the rest of the population. How encouraging to know that this group of NSW Health workers are passionately committed to 32 | NETWORK SPRING 2014 helping people in their community live happier and healthier lives, and to helping reduce this life expectancy gap. Successfully delivering some components of the Cert III specialising in group exercise face-to-face, Network’s Education team reported feeling very humbled by the respect and enthusiasm that was returned to them throughout the week. Bel commented: ‘I’m looking forward to seeing them all teaching group fitness classes and really making a difference to the lives of those in their communities.’