Guest Post by New Image Personal Conditioning

I know training may not come as a natural love for everybody, however I know most of you would agree that the benefits of exercise flow on to other areas of your life, beyond the walls of New Image. Exercise can affect your life in such a positive way and the psychological benefits cannot be underestimated. Over the years I’ve seen many amazing clients go from lethargic, unmotivated and depressed to people who are motivated, full of life and with an attitude that could conquer any life hurdle. It is inspiring and the main reason I am in this industry.

Dr. Joanna McMillan (resident Dietician and Nutrition consultant for the Today show), states the benefits of exercise perfectly –

“Exercise changes the way your body works – for the better. It increases blood flow and delivery of nutrients around the body. It increases the effectiveness with which your body distributes oxygen and how well the heart can pump blood. It improves the functioning of your brain. It improves your mood (intense exercise is one of the best lifestyle changes you can make to reduce depression). It stimulates muscle growth and strength and muscles in turn get better at taking up glucose from the blood. Insulin sensitivity improves, reducing the risk of diabetes. You get better at burning fat for fuel. In short exercise makes your body work better. And the research clearly shows that if you want to lose weight and keep it off, you’d better make regular exercise a part of your life.”

Exercise and healthy eating are not at short term, ten week event. In order to change our daily habits and create new, more productive and healthy habits, eating healthy and regular exercise needs to become a staple for our lives. Initially the changes can be challenging, but many clients will attest to the life changing freedom that comes from feeling happy in your own skin, confident in your body’s ability to cope with daily activities and the little hint of pride that comes with knowing you have worked hard for every bit of your success. So keep at it! Don’t give up when it’s hard! Remember you are more than capable to achieve your results, you just need to be consistent!

New Image is a results driven private fitness studio located in Norwest Business Park.  Call or email to enquire about individualised exercise programs and professional advice in a fun, encouraging environment, where the only muscle and sweat will be yours.

Unit 216, 33, Lexington Drive, Norwest Business Park, Bella Vista NSW 2153
Phone: 8883 4031 Fax: 8883 4032
 www.newimagept.com.au  www.facebook.com/newimagept

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The post The Benefits of Exercise appeared first on Alison Mitchell Naturopath.

10 Benefits of Pregnancy Massage:

1. It relaxes the mother and decreases stress and anxiety, which reduces stress and anxiety in the baby
2. Improves sleep and reduces fatigue
3. Provides emotional support and a nurturing touch
4. Improves mother body awareness and increases her ability to tune in to her body during pregnancy, birth and labour
5. Improves lymphatic circulation and reduces oedema in hands, legs and feet and relieves headaches and sinus congestion.
6. Improves blood flow to all areas leading to improved nutrition, efficient waste removal and reduced pressure of bulging veins
7. Alleviates stress of weight bearing joints
8. Reduces strain on muscles of the abdomen, neck, shoulders and lower back and assists in maintaining proper posture and reduces muscle spasms and cramps
9. Easier breastfeeding and better milk production due to reduction in tension and muscle tightness
10. Enhances post-natal recovery of muscle tissues, relieves fatigue and facilitates post-partum structural re-alignment of spine and pelvis.

And of course, it feels good.

Positioning

The most well known position for pregancy massage is side-lying.  Women can turn over during the massage to allow a more complete coverage, but if she doesn’t want to roll over it is best to lie on the left side for the duration of the massage.  In the early stages of pregnancy it is possible to lie on your stomach with pillows supporting your breasts and hips amd cradling the stomach.  Most women find this very comfortable and are usually quite excited to get to lie on their stomachs again.  Another variation is the semi-reclining position with the right hip slightly elevated, or a seated massage.

Is it safe?

Yes, when performed by a qualified therapist, pregnancy massage is safe.

Some points to consider:

• There are some acupressure points such as ‘gallbladder 21’ and ‘spleen 6’ that pregnancy massage therapists know to avoid certain techniques on, however these areas can be worked on safely with other techniques.
• The abdomen can be massaged safely however some therapists avoid the belly in the first trimester.  The belly is a very sacred spot in pregnant women, and some first time mums choose not to have their belly massaged, which is also completely ok.
• Wait at least 1 week after invasive testing procedures such as amniocentesis before getting a massage.

Massage is also very helpful during labour.  Some women might not want to be touched when they’re giving birth, but if you do then get your partner, doula or birth partner to massage your arms, neck and back during labour which can help to reduce pain and provide some comfort.

I recommend monthly massages during pregnancy, and this can be continued after birth in the post-partum period.  The upper back is often under strain when breastfeeding, and most Mum’s usually have a lot of knots in their neck and upper back as they spend most on the time craning their necks down to look at their new bub!

If you are interested in pregnancy massage, or perhaps you know someone that would appreciate a gift voucher for pregnancy massage feel free to give us a call.

The post Pregnancy Massage appeared first on Alison Mitchell Naturopath.