Shaned Gaffney is our local Exercise Physiologist and a woman I admire. She has helped so many people rehabilitate injuries, increase quality of life and improve health and well being. We talk about everybody needing a coach regardless of knowledge and experience, it just brings out our best, so I was excited to have Shaned join our F.I.R.E. training this round and asked a few questions after just 6 weeks.
Being and Exercise Physiologist you obviously know a lot about the body, rehabilitation and movement. What made you decide to enrol in HH’s FIRE program?
About 6 months ago I was diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis in the CMC joint in my thumb. My surgeon recommended full joint replacement and cessation of all resistance training to give it a chance to recover. This advice didn’t sit well with me so I decided to get my arm as strong and as biomechanically efficient as possible to reduce my risk of aggravation of my condition, to reduce pain levels, to improve posture and to increase function. To achieve all of these things I knew I needed to be doing a structured program focussed on what I can do and not on what I can’t do. FIRE offers a safe environment to ensure progressive overload, good technique and to low injury risk. Surgery may still be required in the long term but it is important to me that I get my body as strong and as biomechanically efficient as possible before I consider this option.
I also needed some accountability and I wanted to exercise as part of a supportive team with good quality supervision. Team work + coaching = results hey!!! I was finding that I was lacking consistency with my resistance training and needed to commit to a program that would help me improve my technique, improve my posture and reduce my risk of injury. To be honest I find training on my own a little boring and knew that I would respond well to training in a group environment where it is all about getting out of your comfort zone, choosing the right attitude, progressively overloading your body and supporting your team members to do the same. As an Exercise Physiologist and Health Coach I am acutely aware of the importance of getting help when you are making changes…..when working with clients to help them make positive lifestyle changes I aim to create a positive, supportive and inspiring environment to help them consistently take small steps to reach their health goals and improve their quality of life.
What changes have you noticed so far?
Reduced hand pain !!! By increasing my upper body strength and improving my shoulder joint posture I am certain that I have taken the load off my thumb joint and given it a chance to start healing. Due to long term shoulder injuries there are certain exercises that I have been avoiding for years – with a bit of support and encouragement my confidence performing these exercises is gradually improving. I am reminded of the importance of feeling ‘safe’ when you exercise and that as a trainer this enables clients to get out of their comfort zone and ‘be the best they can be’.
What has been the most challenging aspect of the training?
Not talking all the time …..still a work in progress!
I love a good challenge and love trying to improve myself surrounded by a group of like-minded people. I suppose the most challenging aspect has been ‘letting go’ of the fear of re-injury – definitely progressing.
What is your goal for the end of this 12 week program?
My goal is to improve my posture and strength and enable me to continue to do the ‘fun’ things in life….surfing, kayaking, running, jumping, dancing, swimming. Not that doing FIRE isn’t heaps of fun!
I would also love to avoid the ‘knife’ and to keep my thumb pain at a manageable level.
What advice would you give to others who are contemplating FIRE?
Investing in your own health is one of the most beneficial things you can do. Staying strong and functional enables you to increase your energy levels, improve your physical and mental health, avoid injury and chronic disease and enable you to keep living an energetic and happy life. ‘Look after your body…..it’s the only place you have to live’ (said by someone sometime). Get out of your comfort zone, create a strong mind and body, have fun with a group of like-minded people and take one step closer to being the best you can be.
