PT with Greg Smith

The most amazing stroy from the Paralympics

2016-09-16T22:49:00.001-07:00

There were plenty of amazing stories from the Paralympics. However, for me the story of injured Australian soldier Curtis McGrath is the most inspiring.

From losing his legs in an IED explosion, McGrath, a combat engineer, has won gold coin canoeing – beating a six-time world champion in the process.

2016 Rio Paralympics: Australian Curtis McGrath wins gold in para-canoe event | Perth Now:

Vale, Brian Trouville.

2016-04-28T16:34:00.001-07:00

Brian Trouville died last week. “Spadge”, as he was affectionately known, was one of Asutralia’s leading surf ski and kayak coaches.

He coached Olympians and national surf champions, including Grant Kenny, and beginner paddlers. Everyone was welcome and treated equally.

Above all, Brian was a lovely man who walked through life with a smile on his face and kinds words for all.

I will miss him.

Rottenest Channel Swim

2013-02-21T20:19:00.001-08:00

It's that time again. Time to wish all the participants smooth strokes on the journey. Looks like good weather: not too hot, given what we've just had in Perth. The bonus is there'll be extra pool space from next week.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Personal trainers kicked again

2013-02-18T21:55:00.000-08:00

Recently two untrained people were featured in the national Press. They took PT classes they learned from the Internet.

This issue should be of immense concern to all fitness professionals because it calls into question the value of undertaking training and the role the national body, Fitness Australia, should play in protecting members.

Disturbingly, the article received saturation coverage across all Fairfax and News Limited papers.

By featuring two untrained people conducting fitness classes it is saying: "you don't have to be qualified to provide PT", or "see, anyone can do it".

Because they're not getting paid, there's probably little that be done legally to stop them. But if someone is injured doing a class, there's a good chance the local council will be sued.

However, the problem is that once again it demonstrates how easy it is to diminish the role of PTs. This was recently highlighted when it was shown some organisations provide Cert IVs in a few weeks (endorsed by celebrity trainers, no less). This also diminishes the stature of proper training.

Incidents like this have made me question why I bothered to study for 18 months, despite having 30 years' involvement in sport to international level.

Fitness Australia really has to get on to this, because it damages my (all PT's reputation) and reputation is at the core of everything anyone does.

A thankless morning

2013-01-16T18:35:00.003-08:00

As an #exercise professional, I'd hope my advice to people can be accepted graciously.

When I see somone doing an exercise incorrectly, I politely approach them an let them know what they're doing wrong, how it should be done and why. But it irks me when people don't seem to want to take notice: like the guy in the #gym this morning.

I know him quite well, and he knows my sports record; so when he gave me a puzzled look and said something about how he was exercising aerobically (when clearly the exercise he was doing wasn't aerobic) ... well, I just walked away.

I guess there's no helping some people.

Those pesky sharks

2011-12-19T21:50:00.001-08:00

I'm not sure what will happen with the sharks next time I go for a swim/surf at the beach.

For the past two weeks I've finished my swim and/or ski paddle and just as I've left the water the shark alarm has sounded.

I consider my self fortunate not to had

e been bitten, I guess. But the point is I was out there with them swimming in close proximity anyway.

As they say in the classics: ignorance is bliss.

The ideal number of exercise sessions

2011-09-10T01:07:00.000-07:00

How many times a week should people over-40 exercise?

There are many variables when determining this. Things like: current fitness levels, previous exercise patterns, injuries, lifestyle, work, family demands and motivation. All up, there can be many barriers to exercise.

For general health and wellbeing, I'd recommend at least four to five workouts a week, with a combination of half strength and half aerobic, and in at least two different settings.

Weights, walking, swimming and cycling (and variations within those activities) are my recommended activities. For those a little more adventurous, try surf ski or kayak paddling. If you haven't noticed, cycling, swimming and kayak are all non weight-bearing exercises, which means there is less wear and tear on the body and less chance of injury.

At the end of the day, the golden rule for people easing back into exercise is: "train, don't strain". There's nothing worse than having all the best intentions and it's ruined because you've pushed yourself too much.

On your marks, get set ... go

2011-08-17T19:32:00.000-07:00

Where to start on a first blog about fitness and health for the over-40s?

Well, how about with your current physical state? If you're like most Australian adults, you're overweight.

The Vicorian Government's Better Health Channel estimates "only around one in 10 Australians over the age of 50 exercises enough to gain any cardiovascular benefit".

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare stated that in a report, Key indicators of progress for chronic disease and associated determinants: data report that "over 60% of Australian adults are now overweight or obese" (20 June, 2011).

And that's what concerns me, as it should you.

If you're like many people over 40, you've probably been busy raising a family, developing a career, leaving little time for your health.

If that's the case, you need to rediscover those muscles still lurking beneath many seasons of inactivity. Find that heartbeat that used to propel you around the oval.

Physical activity (exercise) can help you immensely. You'll recover from illness and reduce your risk of disease. Muscle mass and bone strength can be improved with regular exercise. Walking, swimming, and cycling are all good forms of exercise - an sociable. Weight training is also extremely useful.

By exercising you can make great gains in achieving a new work/health balance. Your fitness and your mental state will both benefit from a structured and varied program.

See you out there. And remember: "it's your turn".

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