For years Vaso Obradovic suffered with debilitating back pain that left him immobile for long periods of time. “I couldn’t sit, I couldn’t drive. I tried physiotherapy but even that wouldn’t work,” said Vaso, an EMG Technologist in the neuromuscular disease unit of the Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Centre. One day after returning from a three-week sick leave, Vaso’s colleague, John Tai, suggested creating a fitness program to help strengthen his core muscles.

“It’s funny you wouldn’t immediately think of exercise as a solution to back pain, especially when I could hardly move, but that’s exactly what John did, “said Vaso.

So Vaso, John and a small group from the Neuromuscular Lab began a fitness program where they would meet for 30 minutes during their lunch breaks on most days of their work week. John would create different sets of exercises to keep things interesting and continue momentum. That was three years ago and the team, while some have left and others have joined, is still going strong.

“I try to make it fun,” said John. “We do sprints, push ups, pull ups and stairs. A variety of repetitions and each week it’s something new.”

Lunch time fitness fun

John started a blog, http://www.vghmovement.wordpress.org, for his team mates, and anyone else interested, to follow a training schedule and learn cardio tips. The team encourages participation (the more the merrier) and is open to new members. “We want to get people excited and connected,” said John. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to get the muscles moving, get some fresh air, and break up your day of sitting on an office chair. And it’s only 30 minutes, so half of your break can go towards exercising and the other half towards other errands or eating lunch.”

For Vaso, having a regular fitness schedule has done wonders for his health. “I feel stronger, I have less of a belly and my back pain is gone! John is a miracle worker.” At one time, Vaso slowed down his exercise schedule for six months and the pain came back to haunt him. “It returned, and that taught me how important it is to keep exercising. Thank goodness John has this program because some people, like me, need the push to get moving.”

The Canadian Physical Activity Guide recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical exercise every week. By participating in a 30-minute fitness program four days a week you are fulfilling the recommended guidelines. “Anything after that is really just a bonus!” says John.

To be part of John’s workout group, send him an email John.Tai@vch.ca or visit his blog.