New energy for everyday life through sports counselling

Coming across sports counselling by chance

At health centers, health care professionals; doctors, nurses, and physical therapists, are often the ones who bring up the topic of sports counselling. Eila Salo, too, was referred to counselling quite by chance during a doctor’s visit.

– I went to the medical centre to see the doctor, and while I was there, I told that I couldn’t seem to get myself to exercise, and how important exercise has always been to me, both for my physical fitness and my mental health. The doctor knew that a sports counsellor had joined the medical centre and booked an appointment for me with her. It was a lucky coincidence, Salo recalls.

The sports counselling session was a positive surprise for Eila Salo. Sari Helminen, a sports instructor with the City of Tampere, offered a conversation and concrete ways to become more active in daily life, and through the counselling, she rediscovered the spark and enthusiasm for exercise that had been missing since retiring.

– Sari was a lifeline! We talked for about an hour, and I wondered if anything would come of it. Yet that single conversation motivated me to keep exercising, Eila reflects.

Through the counselling, she also found a financially feasible way to start exercising: a free trial period in a gym group lowered the barrier to getting started. 
 

The low-threshold service is intended for everyone

Sports counselling is free of charge and does not require a separate referral, as you can book an appointment yourself. The most important thing is to take that first step.

– Often, the easiest way is to join a low-threshold guided group. Group exercise or even a walking buddy helps you stay committed to being active and reduces loneliness. Social interaction supports mental well-being, says Sari Helminen.

– There’s a wide variety of exercise groups available, led by both certified sports instructors and volunteer peer instructors. In addition, sports clubs and other organizations offer plenty of different options.

Sports counsellors have several ways to support their clients’ well-being.

– For example, the exercise voucher available through sports counselling lowers the barrier to participating in a guided exercise group. Kaikukortti clients also have the opportunity, through counselling, to receive an exercise voucher for a city-led exercise group, explains Helminen.
 

Energy and a positive attitude from the gym

Eila Salo cautiously began exercising in a gym group at the Tampere Stadium. It was tough at first, but with small steps and guidance, she quickly started feeling better. The support of the exercise group and the instructor’s expertise proved to be important sources of motivation.

– The first time, it was a little hard to get myself to the class, and I wondered if this would amount to anything, but after I’d gone two or three times, things really took off. I’ve regained my energy through exercise, she says.

These days, exercise is a regular part of Salo’s daily life: walks, gym sessions, and senior exercise classes support both her physical fitness and mental well-being.

Salo recalls how important it was to talk openly about her situation.

– Fortunately, I had the courage to speak up about my situation. That’s what set everything in motion.

In her experience, the importance of exercise is all-encompassing.

– No pill can replace exercise. It improves stamina and mood and brings a sense of happiness. I’m so glad I didn’t just stay glued to the couch, sums up Eila Salo.