# SYKETTÄ Physical Activity Counselling helping along the way - Savonia AMK

> Two customers who have visited physical activity counselling share their personal experiences and the impact of the program on their daily lives.

## About SYKETTÄ Physical Activity Counselling
SYKETTÄ exercise counselling is a free service designed to help students and partners integrate physical activity into their daily lives. The program consists of a maximum of five meetings, with the option to utilize 1–2 of these sessions with physiotherapy students at the Wellness Center. The process begins with a comprehensive assessment of the client's situation, followed by goal setting and the creation of a personalized plan.

## Princess’s Journey: Finding Balance as a Mother
Princess, a 32-year-old nurse and mother of three, sought counselling during her internship in 2025. Feeling exhausted and struggling to maintain her previous activity levels, she found inspiration in the mobility of the elderly patients she encountered.

*   **The "Game Changer":** Her counsellor helped her move away from the "all-or-nothing" mindset. Instead of intense daily workouts, they focused on listening to her body and setting a manageable goal of training three times a week.
*   **Progress:** Princess started with daily walks and short 5–10 minute dance workouts. By the end of the summer, she was able to complete 10-minute high-intensity sessions.
*   **Results:** Beyond physical fitness, she noticed her clothes fit better and her energy levels improved. She now incorporates her children into her workouts and advocates for starting small, such as walking one bus stop interval.

## Liisa’s Journey: Building Routines and Recovery
Liisa, a 4th-year social sciences student, was referred to the program by an FSHS nurse. Having previously struggled with "yo-yo" exercise habits, she sought to make physical activity a permanent part of her life.

*   **Gym and Mobility:** Through the program, Liisa learned how to use gym equipment and received guidance from physiotherapy students on addressing neck and shoulder stiffness.
*   **Recovery Focus:** The sessions also focused on recovery strategies, including the use of the Pomodoro technique and break exercise videos to manage the stress of academic life.
*   **Long-term Impact:** Liisa successfully transitioned to independent exercise, including joining a swimming technique course. She notes that her neck and head pain have decreased significantly, and she now embraces the mantra that "a little is better than nothing."

## How to Get Started
SYKETTÄ Physical Activity Counselling provides a low-threshold entry point into university well-being and sports services. By combining personalized guidance with access to physiotherapy and group exercise, the program helps students build sustainable routines.

**Contact Information:**
*   **Alma Reinikainen**, Physical Activity Counsellor: liikuntaneuvoja@opiskelijakuntasavotta.fi
*   **Salla Lommi**, Service Coordinator, Savonia Wellness Center: salla.lommi@savonia.fi

***

*This work is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. This article was prepared with the help of AI.*