Wow. What a week! Our corporate training events in Macau by far exceeded our expectations. We didn’t realise that working in Asia with different cultures could be so rewarding. Although we are familiar with cross-cultures who are based in the UK and Europe, the experience of actually working so far from home was well worth the jetlag!
The great thing about our chosen career path is that the skills of a personal trainer are transferable. Over the years we have experienced working with many different European nations, and whilst the health challenges of today’s modern society differ from country to country, the underlying answers are the same.
Last week we ventured further afield and found ourselves working with individuals from Asia and Australasia. We set out to promote health and wellbeing to cultures that we have only ever read about and researched. We all know that real life can sometimes throw all sorts of challenges at you when you are least expecting them, so we were braced for whatever came our way.
After spending years as an Account Manager in the world of business travel, I was lucky enough to travel extensively when I was younger. Since having a complete career change six years ago, my love of travel and interest in other cultures has continued, but this time from a health point of view.
How do different diets effect health conditions and certain diseases? What happens to the body when exercise is not part of a normal weekly routine? As personal trainers, we like to think of the body as a series of systems that work in synergy together. Regardless of culture and diet, the requirements are still the same:
If blood sugar is not well-managed, it will lead to weight gain and exposure to certain lifestyle diseases.
If exercise is not part of a weekly routine, it could have negative impacts on the body such as an inability to deal with stress and increase blood pressure.
Rest, recovery and sleep are vital for repair.
We returned from Asia feeling very fulfilled and motivated. The diversity of life as a personal trainer can be unpredictable and exciting. Whilst on home soil our clients benefit from our knowledge and understanding of whatever health and fitness challenge they need answering.
