Exercise now a joy for Trish, not a burden

Despite an active job, breeding and training horses on the Tonimbuk farm she runs with her husband, Trish Knox was finding it hard to lose those final few stubborn kilos. For a while, she had wanted to fit in more regular exercise, but was lacking motivation and energy after long days on the farm.

It was signing up for the free WorkHealth Coach program that gave Trish the turning point she was looking for.

“It’s changed my life. My Coach has helped me to introduce regular exercise into my routine in a way that I can get enjoyment out of it, rather than it feeling mundane and difficult. I’ve lost 6cm off my waist which I am so pleased about.”

When Trish, 42, had a WorkHealth check at her other workplace, the Cranbourne Community Centre, where she teaches art, she was shocked to find that she was in a medium risk category for type 2 diabetes.

“I had no idea. But the nurse delivering the check helped me realise that I needed to cut down on my meal portion sizes, and introduce some more fruit and vegetables into my diet.”

Trish’s WorkHealth check gave her the kick-start she needed to start making changes herself, but she also appreciated the support of her WorkHealth Coach to help set goals and overcome her fears.

“I always thought I’d be terrible at running, and so I only ever walked. Now I can run up to 5km with no problem at all! My Coach helped me build up to this and now I absolutely love it.”

Trish has also cut down on her consumption of sugar and alcohol. “It’s funny, once I got into the habit of not having these things all the time, I didn’t miss them.”

Trish’s WorkHealth Coach encouraged her to keep a diary of her daily health habits.

“It helped me see what I’d done each day, and made me accountable for what was happening during the week. It makes it more real when you write it all down, and it’s harder to put off going for a run or choosing something healthy for dinner.”

Having a WorkHealth Coach to provide support and encouragement also removed the “guilt factor” for Trish.

“Suddenly it all didn’t seem so desperate. If I don’t get a chance to do my exercise, my Coach will say, ‘Don’t worry, you can pick it up again tomorrow.’ So instead of feeling horrible about myself, I just make sure that I do something the next day.”

For a busy person like Trish, introducing running into her life has worked wonders, because even if she only has half an hour to spare, she can still fit in a good workout.

Trish is planning on returning to Cambodia soon for her yearly trip to help build houses for the homeless. It’s really hard, physical work and Trish says last time she found it difficult in the oppressive heat.

“This year, I’m fitter and more resilient. I think I’m going to cope much better. I can’t wait to get back there and see what more I can do.”

If you were told you were at risk of type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease in your WorkHealth check, find out more about participating in WorkHealth Coach by calling 1800 002 685