The head also “loses weight” when it supports rather than judges. Free workshops with trainers, physiotherapists and psycho-dietitians

As part of the educational campaign titled “Life is easier when you exercise”, almost 250 fitness clubs in Poland have joined forces to support Poles in their pursuit of an “easier” life. “Easier” means something different to everyone. The task of the experts will not be to convince you that “easier” means “lighter” and is limited to specific numbers, measurements or parameters, but to provide reliable knowledge and practical tips on tailor-made physical activity, a sensible diet and the role that emotions play during weight loss.

– We have been supporting Warsaw residents in their physical activity for 20 years. We cooperate with qualified and experienced personal trainers, physiotherapists and psycho-dietitians – says Tomasz Groń, Managing Director of Fitness Club Networks at Benefit Systems. – At the same time, we are noticing an increasingly serious problem of overweight and obesity in Poland, which may result in numerous complications. We want to share our knowledge and encourage people to take care of their health in an accessible way, with understanding of the various needs and possibilities.

Personal trainer, physiotherapist, psychodietician. Who do you want to talk to?

On Saturday, 7 June, Zdrofit Varso at 71 Chmielna STreet will host free workshops with experts throughout the day.

The day will begin (between 10:00 and 12:30) with a meeting entitled “Conscious weight loss through the eyes of a trainer and physiotherapist,” which will be led by a physiotherapist and medical trainer with many years of experience. Visitors will be able to talk to her about the “golden three” for people who want to maintain a healthy body weight or strive for it: physical activity, diet and emotions. The expert will talk about the principles of safe training without injuries, regardless of the level of advancement, rational nutrition without stress and sacrifices, and the power of a positive attitude according to the principle “The head also “loses weight” when it supports rather than judges.”

From 12:45 to 15:45 there will be a workshop entitled “Physical activity and safe weight loss”, during which a personal trainer, fitness instructor and physiotherapist will be at the guests’ disposal. They will provide tips on how to start exercising safely and, above all, with care for your body. They will also demonstrate the correct exercise technique and present evidence that strength training is not just about strength, but the key to new energy levels and building self-confidence. Each participant will also receive a training plan for the first month.

From 16:00 to 17:30 a psycho-dietitian will lead a workshop on “The psychology of weight loss and motivation”. She will begin by explaining how to build a strong foundation before beginning weight loss journey and how to implement habits that support a sensible diet. She will also share practical tips on how to adjust meals to the needs of our body, how to avoid overeating and snacking, and how to cope when motivation wanes.

Sign up for the workshops at ruchtocolubisz.pl.

Physical activity for body and soul

Obesity, as defined by the World Health Organisation, is a chronic and complex disease characterised by excessive fat accumulation, which can have a negative impact on health. Obesity can lead to type 2 diabetes and heart disease, negatively affect the skeletal and reproductive systems, and increase the risk of some cancers.

Based on data from the Central Statistical Office and the National Health Fund, the Supreme Audit Office estimates that 9 million adults in Poland suffer from obesity. In the years 2020–2022, 800,000 patients were treated for this reason in primary health care clinics and specialist clinics.

One of the simplest and most effective ways to counteract obesity is physical activity. However, one doesn’t have to immediately turn one’s life upside down or start with exhausting training. Sometimes all you need to do is start with a walk. As shown by the “Association of step counts over time with the risk of chronic disease” research published in Nature Medicine, increasing the number of steps per day from 6,000 to 11,000 can reduce the risk of transitioning from overweight to obesity by as much as 64%. Regular physical activity improves metabolism, regulates blood sugar levels, lowers blood pressure and strengthens the heart.

Scientists agree that physical activity is one of the key elements necessary to maintain not only a healthy body weight, but also good mental condition. According to an analysis published in 2023 by the British Journal of Sports Medicine, regular exercise can alleviate symptoms of mild to moderate depression, anxiety and stress. People who engaged in various physical activities (walking, strength training, Body & Mind exercises) experienced a greater reduction in depression symptoms compared to those leading a sedentary lifestyle. Strength training has proven to be most beneficial in the case of depression, and Body & Mind exercises in the case of anxiety disorders.

^{Almost 250 fitness clubs in Poland: Zdrofit, Fabryka Formy, Fit Fabric, Fitness Academy, My Fitness Place, Saturn Fitness and Total Fitness joined forces in the educational campaign “Life is easier when you exercise”. The aim of the campaign is to support overweight and obese people, as well as all those who find it difficult to “part” with sitting. As part of the campaign, events designed to support, motivate and share practical knowledge – without judgement, complicated concepts and pressure on appearance – are organised in the largest Polish cities.}

^{Zdrofit are fitness clubs owned by Benefit Systems. The clubs promote healthy exercise in line with the philosophy that physical activity is available to anyone who wants to take care of their health, regardless of age, body shape or previous achievements. Currently, Polish residents can exercise in 116 Zdrofit clubs. As many as 62 of them operate in Warsaw. The remaining ones are in Tricity, Szczecin, Kielce, Koszalin, Toruń, Lublin and Elbląg.}