I had a bad cold last week and had to miss my exercise classes and walks (I’ve given up jogging as it’s murder on my knees and too much like hard work). I’m a member of the gym at Glasgow University’s Garscube Complex and greatly enjoy the classes. It’s probably a combination of good instructors (Kerry, Dave, Michelle and Pilates Kerry), classes that suit me (muscle tone, core balls and Pilates), and the gym itself – the exercise studio is large and airy, with huge windows looking out onto parkland (a bit muddy at present. Oh, well). Anyway, I’m looking forward to starting back today.
Fitness experts tell us that the benefits of exercise are mental and psychological as well as physical. I certainly feel more alert and effective when I exercise regularly: more finely-tuned. The smug air of self-righteous virtue I inflict on the family is the only downside. (Or maybe it’s an added bonus…).
Attending classes also helps me manage my time more effectively – it gives a framework to my working days. Knowing I have a whole unbroken day ahead tempts me into faffing – too much time on Twitter, too many intriguing links followed and so on. But knowing that at 11.50 I’ve got to jump up from the desk and head for the gym gives me a mid-day “deadline” that focuses my mind (a bit) more on the tasks at hand.
So exercise not just as a fitness improver, inch-whittler, mood enhancer and brain booster, but also as a time management tool. What’s not to love?
By Marian Dougan
Published by Marian Dougan
Marian is a translator and editor (specialising in web content) currently based in Glasgow, Scotland. Marian previously lived in Italy for over 20 years, working as a language teacher, translator and policy analyst with the British Embassy in Rome. A qualified member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) and its Italian-language and ITI Scotnet networks, she is currently Scotnet's Convenor and Deputy Webmaster.
From 2003 to 2006 Marian taught translation skills at the Italian Department of Glasgow University and now gives Master Classes as part of the new Masters in Translation Studies course. She also conducts web-writing and usability workshops to help people improve their websites and communicate more effectively with their readers, users and customers. In September 2014 Marian obtained User Experience Certification, with specialisation in Web Design, from the Nielsen Norman Group.
She loves language, especially English, and is convinced that learning languages opens up people’s minds and horizons (and increases their brainpower!). To share her enthusiasm, she advises schools and educational authorities on language skills and enterprise. She gives talks to pupils on how to combine language studies with other subjects and so enhance their potential and increase their career options.
Marian is an active member of organisations such as: Scottish Council Development and Industry (SCDI); Association of Scottish Businesswomen; Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Scotland.
She also loves architecture, design, fashion (British Vogue!), cities and chocolate. She’s a great fan of Twitter and you can also find her on Linkedin.
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We here at Sport & Recreation are happy to hear exercise is being used as such an effective time management tool! Our service promotes exercise not only as a way to stay fit and tone but also an appropriate wellbeing and life balance tool that keeps you motivated and improving on many things in life. We’re very glad the classes do provide that for you!
Thanks, Greg. I’m delighted with the classes – I really look forward to them (which is saying a lot!).