Not long after I'd started seeing Sonja Gardiner, Advance Physiotherapy's wellness manager Lynsey Graham got in touch to say Advance would like to offer their services for the three months I'd be working with Sonja to ensure I got the best results possible.
As if I wasn't already grateful enoughto Sonja, now I'd have access to Advance's gym, classes, personal trainer sessions, podiatrist (my flat feet could do with that!), their biomechanical testing and physiotherapists!
Advance Physiotherapy is in the process of rebranding to reflect that they are a comprehensive wellness centre and will soon be known as Advance Wellness Centre.
Lynsey ran through my previous history of aches, pains and injuries and we discussed my goals: Lose weight, tone up, reduce stress, increase strength and stamina. While toning up and losing weight are my top priorities, the list will likely work backwards. Through a tailored programme I'll start to increase strength and stamina which will reduce stress which will further impact on my body' ability to lose weight. And toning up will happen as a matter of course. Hurrah!
Then Lynsey takes me through a functional movement screening where she puts them through a series of exercises that she films and photographs to analyse and figure out areas that are a potential issue for me, and signalling what we need to work on.
She also asks what exercise I've been doing lately. That'd be walking, jogging and twice lately I've climbed the Hakarimata stairs and found them challenging, but rewarding. Lynsey's eyes light up.
"Right!," she says, "I bet you by the three months is up you can do them in 60 minutes, up and back."
Gulp. The first time I managed them in 90 minutes, then 81 minutes. Since then I've done then in 75. Perhaps 60 minutes is achievable after all. Challenge accepted!
See the Fitness Challenge column link below for an idea of what the stair climb is like.
Over the next few weeks you can read about the different types of classes and services Advance offers and my personal take on them. I can't wait to see what the podiatrist has to say about the penguin-like flippers that are my feet!
Advance Physiotheraphy is at 711 Victoria Street. For more information see www.advancephysio.co.nz
