BLOG 2. Ambiance and Practical Considerations

As  Stephens, S (2010) describes ambiance in their fitness building as the clear organization of the building having the heavy duty grunty work out area on the lower two levels and the lower intensity, yoga activities in their own space on the top floor, this enhances the functions of the building, the hallways of ivy surfaces reflect the leafy traditional environs memorably, this is similar to how I view my exercise place. The gym has a special feel about it; the intense group workout sessions are to one side of the building and are on the very top floor. The light shines in giving it a warm vibe, with the windows open and the people spread out, it has such a comfortable, fitness feel about it. Looking out the windows you see building tops. The loud music aids that feeling of freedom. As I walk in to the gym from outside I can hear the yelling and puffing from the fitness class before me and it gets me excited, this really is the essence to exercise, i love the feeling of harmony within myself that it brings.
This quote has helped me to understand that ambience is the essence of the activity, whether for exercise this is the gym that it is performed in or the way it makes me feel, i understand that exercise has many different components in the way it can make a person feel.

The practical considerations are those things that I need to aid my time while exercising, these being equipment of large weights, resistance bands, fitness gear that need to pack before I go, and never forget my drink bottle that is properly the most important item, giving me re-hydration. I will need my gym key and towel to catch the sweat dripping from my brow. Among the practical considerations lies the car to get there, making the time for exercise and most of all what class i will attend. These things are the practical items or thing/s I will need to do my activity, without these exercise is just not enjoyable.

Stephens, S. (2010). Peter buck center for health and fitness. Architectural Record, 198(11), 120-123. Retrieved October 19, 2011, from EBSCO HOST database.

BLOG 1. Semester 2 Participation in occupation 2

This semester is all about an activity or task that we will do as students for the next few weeks. We will draw from 6 blog entries that will portray ergonomics, ambience, affordances and practical considerations of our activity and show how these have helped us gain a better understanding of our chosen activity in relation to us as students, to be Occupational Therapists, our future clients and environment.

My chosen activity is Exercise:

Exercise is involving the body in movement; this can be slow walking, jogging, running, strength and resistance training, endurance training, weight loss and fitness training and more. Exercise is something that has a love hate relationship with people, for some they can’t go a few days without exercising and for others they may not have exercised a day in their life.

I exercise at the gym at least 4 times per week. I attend group classes of about 10 to 100 people and the classes range from weight training to aerobics fitness. I enjoy exercise; it keeps me feeling good and helps to keep my head clear. It is a relaxation tool that I wouldn’t go without. “The studied system of exercise contributed mostly to the improvement of general well-being and relaxation skills” (Medycyna. & Sportowa. 2011). Exercise improves my well-being and helps me to relax after a strenuous day, i see exercise as one of the most influential means of health to my body.

This quote has helped me to understand that its written in the studies and litrature that exercise really is such a healthy tool to use in everyday activities and can be used not only for increasing fitness or strength but for relaxation tools and improving well-being. With this comes many more possiblities for raising a persons enthusiasm for the activity.

In practice context I would exercise not only for fitness and strength, but for stress, relaxation, weight loss, a therapy tool, a motivator, a routine and a socialisation activity/tool used in peers or groups.

Working in a team as an O.T it is vital to stay on top of yourself mentally and physically.

Using exercise myself I will be able to pass my own experiences on to my clients in the hope that together we may explore different avenues more suited to their wants and needs.

Medycyna. & Sportowa. (2011). Health benefits of doing physical exercises yoga reported by the students of the academy of physical education in Katowice. 2(4). 123-131. Retrieved from EBSCO HOST database.