AIM HIGH AND ENJOY THE SUMMER

As we move through summer this year, there will be, as ever, many people in search of a fast physical ‘transformation’ in time for the holiday season.

Whilst there is nothing wrong with having high physical aspirations, the vast majority will NOT achieve a ‘transformation’. The main reason is because the vast majority of transformation seekers don’t have the right mindset for success. The reality is that people don’t really believe that transformations are possible and are also only really interested in trying quick fixes. Many people will live for most of their lives feeling out of control with their body and lifestyle. People have become resigned to the belief that they are enslaved by their impulses, cravings and destructive behaviours, and most media and television supports this view. This is evidenced by over 70% of the developed world being overweight or obese, and millions of people being addicted to alcohol, tobacco, drugs and gambling.

We then find ourselves blaming everything but ourselves for these problems…

“It’s not me, it’s the food industry, there’s too much sugar and fat in food”

“smoking, drinking and gambling are too accessible and normalised, it’s not my fault I do them” - “I want to exercise but I don’t have time”

Do these excuses sound familiar? Trust me, I’ve heard them ALL over the years through helping thousands of people to overcome health problems. Having someone or something else to blame other than ourselves means we don’t need to take responsibility for our problems, we can simply be innocent victims of the capitalistic forces driving the consumption of all that ails us…

As a capitalist myself, I don’t buy this excuse. It is no conspiracy theory to say that overweight people, and people who gamble, drink and smoke make mountains of cash for some of the most powerful global industries, such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, food, tobacco, alcohol, gambling and of course governments (through taxes and levies!). It IS a conspiracy theory however to suggest that these industries are evil, and conspire to drive us to greater levels of ill health in the name of collective profit, and one which unhelpfully labels us as hapless victims.

It is perhaps most likely that natural economic forces of supply and demand, coupled with shareholder thirst for ever increasing returns render these industries overly focussed on generating cash, with no space for care and consideration. An apathy about the collateral damage caused by their quest for profits emerges, rather than an evil conspiracy. All that being said, we cannot forget that capitalism has given us many of the things we hold dear such as better healthcare, longer lives, greater standards of living, global travel, a far more peaceful planet than ever before and much, much more.

We can’t have it both ways. We can’t blame capitalism for all the evils of the world, whilst reaping its rewards in every other way. At some point we need to accept the situation in the global economy, and CHOOSE to engage our highly advanced brains to take responsibility for our own paths. It’s likely the market forces nudging us towards ill-health and addiction will always be more powerful than those trying to get us healthy, the more virtuous industries just can’t compete.

The health transformation industry isn’t helping either as it’s too short term, playing into the quick fix preference of the human brain which is why it is so rarely successful.

The desire for a transformation in itself is flawed, because if we find ourselves only wanting to get healthy for a holiday or an event, then the presupposition is that our actual life isn’t a good enough reason, and it should be. This leads to the conclusion that the only rapid transformation anyone should be interested in is a transformation of mindset, as if that is achieved, the rest will follow.

Being fit and healthy must be a lifestyle change, a mindset shift and a long term decision to live longer, have more energy, and to take control of our lives.

We aren’t victims by default, only by choice, and better choices must start now.

Aim high and enjoy the summer,

Baby Ballet

Tuesday afternoon at Handforth & Prestbury School of Dance, Dean Row Community Hall, Dean Row. Call Michelle on 0161 483 6678.

Baby Bounce suitable for 12 months and under - Tuesdays 9.4510.15. Wilmslow Library. Pleas book in advance by calling 01625 374 060

Baby Massage & More, Meet & Massage and Mother & Baby Yoga - Lushtums

Classes in Poynton, Hazel Grove & Parrswood at local venues or in your own home. Baby Massage & More is a lovely way to enhance your bond with your baby, aid relaxation and sleep, relieve colic and constipation and meet new friends. Postnatal Yoga with your baby to regain your strength and shape one day at a time, whilst having yoga fun with your baby. Babies welcomed with all their moods and states. Pregnancy Yoga and birth preparation also available. Contact Suzanne.wild@lushtums. co.uk or www.lushtums.co.uk.

Baby Reflexology

Thursday morning at Moor Lane, Wilmslow. Call Gabby on 07817 597288.

Baby Sensory

Tuesday morning & afternoon at St John’s Church Hall, Knutsford Road, Wilmslow. Call Beccy on 07503 547083.

Bon Bons

Wednesday morning at Wilmslow Parish Hall, Cliff Road, Wilmslow. Call Bonnie on 07739 359948.

Caterpillar Music

Monday morning at Wilmslow Leisure Centre, Rectory Fields, Wilmslow. Call Jan on 01925 860459.

The Creation Station

Wednesday morning at Dean Row Village Hall, Brown Lane, Wilmslow. Call Sarah on 0844 854 5065.

Friday Tots

Friday 10 – 11.30am at Alderley Edge Methodist Church. Call Susan on 01625 585166.

Little Footprints

Wednesday & Friday 9.15 – 11am at Dean Row Community Centre, Dean Row. Call Brenda on 01625 251097.

Little Strikers Pre-School Football

Monday morning at Parish Hall, The Corrs, Cliff Road, Wilmslow. Wednesday morning at The Scout Hut, Talbot Road, Alderley Edge. Call 07792 791382

Lego Club

Thursdays 3.30-4.30. Wilmslow Library. Pleas book in advance by calling 01625 374 060

Little Superstars Sports Club

Friday morning & afternoon at Wilmslow Leisure Centre, Rectory Fields, Wilmslow. Call Louise on 07904 311552.

Mums, Dads & Tots

Wednesday 1.30 – 3pm at St. Benedict’s Church, Hall Road, Handforth. Call Jacquie on 01625 250471.

Music Bugs

Friday morning at Wilmslow Parish Hall, Cliff Road, Wilmslow. Call Stacey on 0844 822 1175.

Praise & Play

Tuesday at 1.30 – 3pm at St Chad’s Church, Wilmslow Road, Handforth. Call Chris on 01625 530228

Puddle Ducks Baby & Pre-School

Swimming

Friday afternoon at The Hallmark Hotel, Stanley Road, Handforth. Call 01477 410080.

Pregnancy yoga

Sundays 9:30 - 11:00 at the Dean Row Village Hall, Wilmslow. Call Anna on 07801 058379 or email anna@yoga4pregnancy.co.uk

Postnatal yoga

Thursdays 10:00 - 11:30 at the Dean Row Village Hall, Wilmslow. Call Anna on 07801 058379 or email anna@yoga4pregnancy.co.uk. Little ones welcome.

Raindrops Tots

Tuesday 10am – 12pm (term time only) at Wilmslow Parish Hall, Cliff Road, Wilmslow.

Rhyme Time

Thursdays 11.00-11.30. Wilmslow Library. Pleas book in advance by calling 01625 374 060

Sally Williams Baby Ballet

Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday afternoons at Wilmslow Leisure Centre, Rectory Fields, Wilmslow. Call Sally on 01625 585070.

Songs & Rhymes

Mondays during term time at 10 am at Wilmslow Methodist Church. Please contact the church office on 01625 528892 for more info or to book a place.

Story Time for Under 5’s

Mondays 9.45-10.15. Wilmslow Library. Pleas book in advance by calling 01625 374 060

Talking Tots

Wednesday morning at Wilmslow Parish Hall, Cliff Road, Wilmslow. Call Beccy on 07947 735373.

Tennis Tykes

Monday & Friday afternoon (term time only) at St John’s Church Centre, Lindow. Call Caroline on 07843 342662.

Tiddlywinks Mini Church (activities, play & stories)

Story, song and craft activity session on Wednesdays during term time 10.30 am - 12 pm at Wilmslow Methodist Church. Please contact the church office on 01625 528892 for more info.

Tiny Hands

Friday 10 – 12pm at St Mary’s Methodist Church, Wilmslow Road, Handforth. Call Margaret on 01625 526591.

Tiny Toes

Wednesday morning at Wilmslow Leisure Centre, Rectory Fields, Wilmslow. Call Sally on 01625 585070.

Tumble Tots

Tuesday and Wednesday at Wilmslow Leisure Centre, Rectory Fields, Wilmslow. Contact Megan on 07814 020095.

Water Babies Swimming

Monday afternoon / Tuesday morning at The Hallmark Hotel, Stanley Road, Handforth. Call Chris on 01270 611111. Also Monday & Wednesday afternoon at The Holiday Inn, Altrincham Road, Wilmslow. Call 01270 781239.

If you are interested in attending any of these activities please phone first to check the details.