Network Magazine Spring 2017 | Page 3

When exercise punches above its weight The term ‘inspiration’ gets bandied about pretty freely – and in fairness, we are fortunate to work in an industry that features more than its share of inspirational moments and individuals. This issue of Network, however, features a piece that, for me, genuinely does earn that descriptor more than most. In his article on the power of exercise – and in particular boxing for fitness – for fighting Parkinson’s disease, Steve Schiemer allows us an insight into his personal experience, as well as that of others whose lives have been enhanced through the remarkable Punchin Parkos program. You may know of Steve, a highly regarded figure in the Aussie and international group fitness industries. Diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s disease at the age of 39, his career as a fitness professional was cut short as the symptoms, and then the side-effects of the medication, took hold. In search of alternatives to the drugs, Steve discovered some pretty compelling research highlighting the effects of complex, repetitive and intense exercise on brain function. As he writes, despite having spent his life espousing the many benefits of movement, nothing prepared Steve for the phenomenal effect that exercise would have on his Parkinson’s symptoms – and those of fellow sufferers. It’s a pretty amazing story that really brings home the life-changing potential of what we do in this brilliant industry. Elsewhere in this issue you’ll find plenty of other thought-provoking articles too, from Andrew Chadwick’s Perspective on making yourself an expert in your training trade, and Krista Scott-Dixon’s analysis of how much protein clients really need, to Mel Morony’s advice on avoiding loneliness for group fitness instructors, and Lynsey Fraser’s practical guide for generating the most relevant leads for your fitness business. So, apologies for dropping the ‘i’-word, again, but whatever your area of this industry, I hope you take inspiration from this issue. Oliver Kitchingman, Editor [email protected] AUSTRALIAN FITNESS NETWORK NETWORK’S CORE PURPOSE ‘To inform, inspire and educate our members to be the best they can be’ Post: PO Box 577, Crows Nest, NSW 1585 Ph: 1300 493 832 (local call rate) Ph:     02 8412 7400 Web:     fitnessnetwork.com.au fb.me/ozfitnetwork twitter.com/ozfitnetwork ozfitnetwork E-mail: [email protected] NETWORK MAGAZINE Editor, Oliver Kitchingman Network magazine is the official quarterly publication of Australian Fitness Network. It is distributed in March, June, September and December. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, Australian Fitness Network accepts no responsibility for the correctness of any facts or opinions. All information including prices (quoted in AUD) is correct at time of publishing, but may be subject to change. Where CECs are stated, they may only be applicable within Australia. We welcome articles from all industry professionals on the understanding that the author ensures the work they submit is their own. No material in Network magazine may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. © 2017 All material copyright to Australian Fitness Network. All rights reserved. ADVERTISING For information on advertising in Network magazine, direct email marketing, or through Network’s social media and other online options, please email [email protected] or call 02 8412 7486. COMPETITION TERMS & CONDITIONS Unless otherwise specified, all competitions/giveaways contained in this issue commence on 12 September 2017 and conclude on 28 October 2017. Each competition is a game of skill and chance plays no part in determining the winner. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Winners will be selected by the editor and will be notified by email no later than 17 November 2017. Click HERE for full Terms and Conditions. 1 PDPs Your Network Membership provides you with access to 8 CECs or 1 PDP annually at no extra cost. Click HERE for details of this and other Network Member benefits. THE NETWORK TEAM We love hearing from our members. Get in touch using the details below. Executive Director: Nigel Champion [email protected], 02 8412 7412 Managing Director: Greg Hurst [email protected] Editor: Oliver Kitchingman [email protected], 02 8412 7486 Graphic Designer: Jack Lee, Novu Creative, [email protected], 0466 426 649 Membership Consultant: Taylor Bridges [email protected], 02 8412 7401 Learning & Development Manager: Alisha Smith [email protected], 02 8412 7411 Learning & Development Coordinator: Bel Fong [email protected], 02 8412 7418 Learning & Development Assistant: Paige Nossiter paige.nossiter@fitness