HEALTH IS WEALTH

Coming up on a year, UNO editor Hayley Barnett reflects on her fitness progress – and shares some unexpected lessons learned.

Health journeys are exactly that – journeys. Ongoing journeys, sometimes into the unknown, and always up and down. It’s never smooth sailing, as much as we like to think it will be.

The past year, for me, has been a journey of highs and lows, of trials and tribulations, but mainly celebrations and satisfaction at achieving things I never dreamt I’d achieve.

I ran a half marathon and I’m about to compete in my very first full marathon. I’m now an official “swimmer” and have managed to get over my fear of lap pools, as well as waltzing around in my togs at 6am in front of actual people (it turns out nobody gives a damn). I do yoga on a regular basis. I have tried every single one of the Clubfit Baywave classes, including pilates, body combat and spin.

Injuries may have prevented me from hitting targets on time, but the silver lining is in learning valuable lessons and gaining amazing habits.

I’ve learned that injuries are actually avoidable, even after the age of 40. Who knew? Apparently swimming is the best form of exercise when you have an injury, which is how I started my newfound hobby. I also do yoga before bed most nights, to limber up (before runs the following morning - get your mind out of the gutter) and prevent injuries from happening in the first place.

I’ve learned that the more support you have, the more successful you will be, and that surrounding yourself with people who have similar goals is much more inspiring than going it alone.

Joining a gym has provided me with ongoing support and helps me keep track of my progress and goals. And it’s a safe haven to exercise in when the rain just won’t stop. I’m actually looking forward to darker mornings as we head into winter, because it means I get to attend gym classes instead of exercising outdoors on my own. I’ve listened to one too many true crime podcasts to exercise alone in the dark. Plus there’s something about being around other bleary-eyed people at stupid o’clock that motivates you to put in a little more effort.

All in all it’s safe to say I’m sold on gyms. I have to thank the amazing team at Clubfit who have all helped in their own special way, even if it’s just a smile in the morning when I grunt at them. If you, like the old me, are afraid of joining a gym, Clubfit has just started virtual classes to complement their instructor-led programmes. Here you still attend a class in the actual studio, but follow along to recorded instructors on a big screen. It’s far less intimidating when no one is watching you mess up and a great, no-pressure way to get started with group fitness.

See you there!

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