Families and friends are often a key motivation for setting ourselves targets recovery and rehab – and let’s not forget pets.
The companionship of a best friend, special relative or favourite furry companion are all good reasons for setting an exercise goal.
For Bev, the goals were twofold: to see her daughter, Libby, and be able to go for walks with her new family puppy, Brea, when they come to visit.
Brea loves a play with animal-lover Bev, making this cuddly canine a key part of the recovery plan.
Achievable goals
Meaningful, achievable goals are essential to The Physio Co’s strategy, and our team of physiotherapists work with clients to find something that is special to each client, to give them a solid target to aim for.
Bev and her husband used to breed golden retrievers; she also had a horse growing up and lived on a chicken farm. (In fact, Bev has some fascinating stories; another interesting fact is that she used to fly Cessna aeroplanes when she was younger.)
When Libby arrived one day to visit Bev, she brought Brea the border terrier. Bev was so excited to see them both, so Libby suggested the idea of walking whenever they visited.
It was just the motivation Bev needed!
Walking independently
To get Bev to exercise takes a lot of encouragement (she had a stroke some years ago and manages to walk around using a four-point stick), so Brea was a feature of the exercise strategy. As well as her walks with Libby and Brea, Bev would do a weekly walk with her physio and some seated exercises to keep her legs strong so she can remain walking independently.
We’re delighted to relay this story of another fabulous senior client smashing their goals – and one look at the picture of Bev with Brea shows you how delighted they are to be walking with each other.
Well done Bev for your determination, well done Libby for suggesting the idea – and don’t forget Brea!