Interview with Physiotherapist Yamamoto Ryo and Health Exercise Instructor Tanaka Ayuko
We spoke with Yamamoto Ryo, a dedicated physiotherapist at the Preventive Medicine Plaza, and Tanaka Ayuko, a health exercise instructor, about their exercise class initiatives.
The Trigger for Getting Involved in Preventive Medicine
What was the trigger for getting involved in the field of preventive medicine?
Yamamoto
Originally, I was in charge of rehabilitation for patients in the acute phase after surgery and in the intensive care unit at Kurashiki Central Hospital.
While seeing patients, I often noticed that those with disrupted lifestyles or tendencies toward metabolic syndrome frequently experienced severe conditions and had difficulty recovering.
Therefore, I thought about whether I could engage in initiatives to build a healthy body early on and prevent diseases as a physiotherapist.
In 2019, when the health check facility was newly established as the Preventive Medicine Plaza, I was asked to get involved as a medical professional, and since then, I have been working in the field of preventive medicine.
At what age is it good to start focusing on "prevention"?
Yamamoto
This is my personal opinion, but I think it is good to start being aware of prevention from the 30s, as the peak of growth passes at that age, which may seem early.
For example, there is a test for locomotive syndrome (a condition where mobility function declines due to deterioration of bones, joints, and muscles) that asks, "Can you stand up on one leg from a chair 40 cm high without using your hands?"
Surprisingly, many people in their 30s cannot do this.
In recent years, as more people are engaged in desk work, there is a tendency for physical activity and muscle mass to decrease. It is important to establish an exercise habit as early as possible.
Tips for Continuing Exercise
Please tell us some tips for continuing exercise.
Yamamoto
The key is to set low hurdles.
For example, I think few people can suddenly continue "walking for 30 minutes every day," but "doing squats while brushing your teeth every day" seems doable.
The point is to link exercise to the time of daily routines that you already do.
I also recommend exercises that can be done immediately.
For instance, it is said that sitting for long periods increases the risk of lower back pain. For those who sit for long hours due to desk work, simply standing up every 15 to 30 minutes can be effective.
Is there anything you keep in mind during the exercise class?
Yamamoto
I want participants to understand their own bodies. For example, it is hard to see your posture from the side. It is easy to overlook if you have a hunchback or a straight neck (text neck).
In the exercise class, I teach self-check methods for posture and advise them to ask their family to take a picture when they get home. By looking at their own photos, they can objectively understand their posture.
Recently, many people have been standing with their upper and lower body centers of gravity misaligned, with their lower back arched and their stomach protruding. This posture may feel comfortable, but it can lead to lower back pain.
By knowing and being aware of their own bodies, they can realize that they need to correct certain areas. Furthermore, by receiving our advice in the exercise class, they should be able to apply it more personally.
Therefore, I strive to help participants understand their own bodies through the exercise class.
About Health Exercises
Please tell us about the content of the health exercises you are in charge of.
Tanaka
It is a class for full-body exercises incorporating stretching and muscle training, so it consists of simple exercises that anyone can do. We also incorporate brain training, moving the body while using the mind. We do not stick too rigidly to a format and change the content depending on the day.
For example, we change the exercises according to the season.
During hot seasons, sweating is important for temperature regulation as a countermeasure against heatstroke. Therefore, we may incorporate active exercises to establish a habit of sweating.
Also, during the season when fruits are delicious, we might say, "Eating fruits raises blood sugar levels," or at the beginning of the year, "Did you eat a lot of rice cakes?" and engage in exercises that move the large muscles of the lower body to increase calorie consumption.
Is there anything you keep in mind during the health exercises?
Tanaka
Since just exercising without purpose is unlikely to yield results, I provide detailed points.
- It helps prevent lifestyle-related diseases
- It is effective for those with lower back pain
- It contributes to muscle strength improvement
By making these points, I try to ensure that there is something applicable to everyone.
I believe that if participants can think, "This applies to me," it will lead to continuity.
Additionally, I communicate that "the exercises you are doing now can also be done at home" and "this muscle will quickly weaken if not used, so let's work hard together," encouraging them to remember and engage in the exercises we do in class at home.
Do you have any memorable episodes while conducting the health exercise class?
Tanaka
One participant in the exercise class told me, "I used to fall often, but since participating in the exercise class, I haven't fallen as much."
Also, someone who couldn't do squats very well became able to do them consistently, and I felt a sense of fulfillment seeing their muscle strength and exercise habits develop.
It is also heartwarming to see participants interacting with each other. Today, there were many participants in their 80s, and I think it is truly amazing that they can stand on one leg without wobbling at that age.
I am learning from the participants that the accumulation of daily exercise is important.
Message for Those Considering Participation
Please give a message to those who are thinking about participating.
Tanaka
For those who are unsure whether to go or not, please come and visit us at least once. It is not intense exercise, so even beginners can participate with peace of mind.
If you find the exercises difficult, we will provide solid support. Please come and experience it at least once. Moving your body is fun.
Yamamoto
I would like various people to participate, including those who find it hard to continue exercising or feel it is difficult to continue alone. I believe we can provide a helpful exercise class, so please come.
I also encourage men to participate. Recently, male menopause has become a topic of discussion. I believe exercise is effective in alleviating menopausal symptoms.
I would be happy if you could establish an exercise habit through the exercise class and connect it to disease prevention. We sincerely look forward to your participation.
Conclusion
In this interview, I learned in detail about the exercise classes at the Preventive Medicine Plaza and tips for making exercise a habit.
As someone who tends to be inactive and lacks exercise, it was a painful topic to hear, but listening to the teachers made me feel the importance of health and exercise once again. I feel a sense of crisis thinking about what I would be like a year or five years from now if I did not exercise.
Additionally, when I spoke with the participants, their expressions were lively, and they spoke joyfully, which left a strong impression on me.
For those who find it difficult to establish an exercise habit or are concerned about needing to exercise, I encourage you to experience the exercise classes at the Preventive Medicine Plaza to stay healthy for a long time.
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Data for Plaza Exercise Class
| Name | Plaza Exercise Class |
|---|---|
| Schedule | Monday: 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM Friday: 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM |
| Location | 1-11-11 Tsurugata, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (tax included) | 1 set of 5 tickets: 3,000 yen (tax included) Valid for 6 months from the month of purchase |
| Website | Kurashiki Central Hospital Preventive Medicine Plaza Exercise Class |
