Christchurch Branch Event: Muscle Maintenance - Building the Strength to Carry On and On

How strong are your core muscles? These are the muscles that connect your upper and lower body, and if they become weak or inflexible, performing everyday acts such as putting on socks or bending over to pick something up can easily go wrong. As technical communicators, our core muscles are compromised by the amount of time we spend at our computers. While working, we put a lot of strain on the muscles, tendons, and nerves of our necks, shoulders, forearms, and hands. And unless we’re exercising regularly, we’re leaving our core muscles to get weaker and weaker, which can lead to long-term chronic, and sometimes acute, back problems.

For any of us who aren’t into sport and exercise, this poses a challenge. There’ll be a day when you can’t neglect your core any more. It might be when you put your back out while digging in the garden, or picking up your toddler. You might start noticing that you can’t trust your legs and balance on rough terrain, or that you struggle to stand up from a squatting position. Suddenly your core strength – something you’ve taken for granted for years – simply lets you down.

Does this mean we all need to turn into gym regulars? Well, yes and no. Some of us might feel ready to commit to attending the gym regularly and setting some challenging fitness goals, and that’s awesome. But if you’re not quite ready to take the gym plunge, you still do need to take action. Come along to Streamliners and hear Kate Lugtigheid, of Pumped Personal Training, explain how to build core strengthening exercises into your daily routine so that you can remain pain-free and strong.

Where and when

Streamliners, 4 Acton Street, Christchurch Central map

Tuesday 11 June. 5:30 pm networking. Meeting from 6:00 pm until 7:00 pm.

Cost

The cost includes nibbles and drinks.

People who register via the website:

  • Members $11.50 incl GST.
  • Non-members $17.25 incl GST
  • Student members free of charge.

People who pay at the door:

  • Members 15.00 incl GST
  • Non-members $20.00 incl GST
  • Student members free of charge.

Note: Members = members of TechCommNZ and affiliated organisations: NZATD, ASTC, PRINZ

About the speaker

Kate Lugtigheid, 2015 NZ PT of the year, is a fully-qualified personal trainer who founded Pumped Personal Training in 2009. She focuses on helping you feel good about yourself, encouraging you to have the self-confidence that you deserve. She provides an enthusiastic and positive service, where you work hard, but have fun at the same time. Kate tailors personal training services to your needs by thoroughly understanding your goals. And unlike a gym or a service where you only hear from them at your next session, you’ll most likely hear from Pumped every day, ensuring you are on track, motivated, and ready to achieve your goal!

Training once a week with Kate has transformed my strength and fitness. I’m not passionately sporty, but I enjoy cycling and am active in the garden. But things were regularly going pear-shaped with my back. Since asking Katie to help me focus on a stronger core, I have increased strength and confidence. Boulder-hopping is a fun challenge instead of a precursor to a chiropractor’s appointment. What’s amazed me the most is how much Kate’s been able to help me achieve with a small investment of time. – Emma Harding.

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