Birchwood Park - H&F Newsletter - September 2023

A MESSAGE FROM...

Serina

Hi everyone, School holidays are finally over, so as always, we are now seeing some amazing weather in September. The outside spa area has become the place to be.

This year is quickly passing us by, Freya turns two in October. She is growing up too fast and learning new things every day, including how to get around her nanny and grandad. Listening to some of your stories on grandchildren, this seems to be the norm for grandparents.

Christmas will soon be here, I know it may be too early for some of you to think about Christmas, but for me, it’s already started and this year I have booked to eat out on Christmas Day and treat my mum to something special, and yes, my cooking is not that special.

On a positive note, I have got apples and pears on my new trees this year. They are on the small side, but they are there so I am proud of them. Maybe next year they will be a bit bigger, so fingers crossed.

Over the next few weeks, we have a lot going on at the club including new classes, National Fitness Day, and our coffee and chat sessions. Why should you join in on these? The answer is easy, the best thing about being a member of a club, is being part of the club! Getting involved in competitions and challenges can make you feel part of the club and meeting new friends in classes or on the gym floor is also a bonus.

National Fitness Day

Join us on Wednesday 20th September to celebrate National Fitness Day. The gym team will be running classes, competitions, challenges, and completing fitness testing all day.

This is the perfect day to try out our Swimtag bands and demo the Myzone belts all free of charge.

New Classes

Thank you for all your feedback regarding classes and availability. Lisa and I do take on board all comments and suggestions and where we can make changes to our timetable to help improve it, we will. This can mean additional classes, removing less popular classes, and controlling the no-shows and double bookings.

We have added two more classes to our timetable. Alfie is taking us back to the old school on a Friday from 09.00 – 09.40 with his version of Total Body Conditioning and Lisa is doing an LBT class on a Tuesday from 11.30 –12.15.

We have also added 30-minute Gym Floor classes. These classes are bookable through the Elite Live app and take place in the bluematted area. With the new classes taking place, it will mean this area will be out of use during these times.

I will be at the seating area in reception if you wish to join me for coffee and have a chat. I will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding health & fitness, or to hear any feedback you have, which is always appreciated. Alternatively, if you just want to have a general chit chat with myself and other members then come and grab a coffee with me.

Monday 9th

October @ 19.30 –21.00

Wednesday 11th

October @ 11.30 –13.00

CUSTOMER JOURNEY

Iain Fryatt Gym Experience

I have Friedreichs Ataxia - which is an aggressively deteriorating neurological condition. As a consequence of this condition I have been a wheelchair user for the last 15 years.

My gym sessions are part of my rehab regime, not only physical but also mental - it helps me get rid of my frustration!! I also get great satisfaction in achieving PB’s, especially in the Bench Press!

I have been a member of Birchwood Gym for the last four years and although I can use the equipment, I need help with setting up or transferring on and off the bench.

I therefore arrange my weekly visits around the availability of one of the gym instructors, Luke Zammit, who is a qualified Personal Trainer.

Luke has worked with me now for a few years and is aware of the effects my condition has on my abilities in the gym. This means he can set up a programme of exercises that, though safety comes first, are still challenging enough to make my visits fun.

I love the friendly atmosphere, the support, and encouragement I get from the other gym users and the help I get from Luke’s colleagues when he needs ‘another pair of hands’.

I also enjoy the well-earned lunch in the bar afterwards!!

Congratulations

MESSAGE FROM TAMZIN Tamzin Personal Trainer

As a PT my aim is to help my clients through their own personal goals. Whether that be to lose weight, get healthier, or just feel better about themselves. I have always been into sports and exercise, from a young age. I have done dance, gymnastics, and aerial gym - even and participated in shows. I started teaching aerial gym when I was 13 to children, then adults from the age of 16.

Always being into sport, I decided to make a career out of what I loved and attended college to complete a sport science and sports massage course, which included my Personal Training. I also have a level 4 teaching qualification.

Since leaving college I went to work at Nuffield Health Club and now I am here at Birchwood Park with an aim to build up my personal training clientele. Please do not hesitate to come over to have a chat or seek advice on training or training plans, I am here to help.

Continued on the next page

to Christine who won our Myzone Bingo Challenge.

Deadlifts are the number one go-to exercise according to Google

A study into Google searches for exercise “form or technique” has revealed that the deadlift is the most popular exercise of the year with 24,773 monthly searches. The deadlift works the lower body muscles, glutes, hamstring, core, back and trapezius muscles.

Lateral raises took second place with an average of 20,157 monthly searches. lateral raises are an upper body exercise helping to define, shoulders and upper arms. Besides benefits to appearance, this exercise can also help widen the shoulders and improve mobility, which can help with day-to-day activities.

The Bulgarian split squat took third place which averaged 17,918 searches. This exercise is very similar to a standard squat, but one leg is elevated whilst the other performs a squat. The Bulgarian squat on average got more than 1,095 searches than a regular squat.

Bench press took fourth place 17,437, with lat pulldown (I know what you are going to say about our lat pulldown) taking fifth place. This received 16,896 searches. The Romanian deadlift, squat, hammer curl, bent-over row, and face pull completed the top ten.

It is vital to ensure the technique is performed correctly, not only to ensure the muscles are being appropriately engaged but also poor technique can lead to injury. This is where some time with one of our instructors can help and take you through the exercises correctly. It’s easy to book, just ask an instructor or reception to book a time slot that is convenient for you.

Autumn Term Swimming Lessons

Monday 4th September—Saturday 9th December

Half Term 23rd October—4th November 12-week course £144

Includes badge and certificate.

Please see reception or email Sandra on s.tipping@birchwoodparkgc.co.uk for more information.