| My
special interest lies in fitness (not track & field),
particularly in the areas of group fitness such as aerobics.
There are many specialised areas within “fitness”.
In fact, there are many types of fitness classes (each
comes with their own certifications) catering to different
people. Cardiovascular (stamina) workouts involve classes
like step aerobics, hi/low impact aerobics, aqua aerobics,
kick boxing, body attack, body combat and spinning (indoor
cycling). Toning / sculpting / strengthening workouts
include classes using resistance bands & dumb bells,
barbells (body pump), body weight (tummy/butt/thighs)
and cross training. There are also classes that teach
dancing for fitness such as jazz and hip-hop. Recently,
the mind-body classes such as pilates, yoga and body
balance are gaining popularity amongst the younger population.
I
started attending fitness classes 14 years ago to stay
in shape and improve my stamina. I came to appreciate
the ‘feel-good’ factor after every exercise.
As a physiotherapist and healthcare worker, I valued
the importance of exercise in managing lifestyle diseases,
i.e. obesity and heart problems. In addition, regular
exercise also improves joint movement and prevents future
aches and pains. I thought it would be ideal to merge
my knowledge and practice to bridge the gap for people
moving on from their basic recovery back to their normal
active lifestyles. To achieve this, I decided to pursue
certifications in the group fitness arena (see certifications
below).
As
a fitness instructor, one can actually reach out to
many people to provide information on preventive care.
Fitness participants treat you as their role model and
are willing to listen to your advice. With my knowledge
in Physiotherapy, I also lecture in the Aerobics Instructor
course.
Naturally,
patients in the hospital also often relate to you better
if you are familiar with the Gym and Aerobics. My interest
in Fitness also helps me to better answer patient’s
queries on alternative therapy such as pilates and yoga
in strengthening body muscles.
Fitness
Instructor Qualifications:
· Body Step certification (2004)
· Body Balance certification (2004)
· Clinical Pilates (Level 1-3) certification
· Certificate in Yogafit Teacher Training Programme
– Level 1 (2003)
· Pilates Intermediate Matwork - by Pilates Institute
UK (2002)
· ACSM Certificate (level II) in Health Fitness
Instruction (2002)
· SSC certified group fitness instructor (2003)
· ACE (American Council on Exercise) Certificate
for Group Fitness (2002)
· Certificate in Personal Training by FISAF Singapore
(1998)
· Certificate in Kangarobics (1997)
· Certificate in Aerobics Instruction by Amore
Fitness (1996)
by
Ms Sheryl Goh
Physiotherapist
National University Hospital
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