I have been using the facilities at The Junction Sports & Leisure Centre for a number of years. My main motivation for exercising has always been to manage stress and my emotional well being. As a Clinical Psychologist I regularly explore the use of exercise with my clients. Activities that give us a sense of achievement and those we enjoy are great at lifting our mood. Exercise definitely ticks both those boxes for me. In addition to this, taking time outside of work, and the demands of family life to prioritise time for me, is essential to keeping me well regulated.
Covid placed significant pressures on work and family life and I was mindful of the importance of self care in managing increasing demands and keeping resilient. I made sure my exercise didn’t slip, in fact I made a point of doing more throughout lockdown as a way to combat added stressors!
The quality and provision of facilities at The Junction Sports & Leisure Centre in Broadstone, managed by YMCA Bournemouth & Poole, is great, lending itself to us users being able to enjoy exercise and reach goals in a range of different ways. In the last 18 months I’ve taken up weight training in addition to the cardio I already did at the gym and I’ve been enjoying exercising this way. It’s been great to set goals and feel the sense of achievement in reaching them. I’ve become fitter and stronger and more confident. These changes have also motivated me in making more positive choices in other areas such as sleep and nutrition. There have been so many benefits to both my physical and emotional health. The Junction is extremely good value for money, and an exceptionally welcoming place.
Some days I lack the motivation and don’t feel like training, but I still show up. I remind myself that consistency is key and that I always feel better at the end of my workout. Without this affordable and well equipped gym, I’m certain I would notice a negative impact on my physical and emotional well being.