Moving for Health

She has recently started offering online training programs and videos through her new digital platform, Ma Zone Fit. On your marks, get set, go!

Eat better, avoid dieting, control your portions and exercise. People know these things, but we have to find a way to put them into action. Personally, I focus on physical activity because I believe that moving is living. It’s that simple! To stop moving is to let go of your health. Physical activity is directly connected to health. There may be some obstacles, such as a lack of motivation, but moving is essential to being healthier. You just need to adapt your physical activity to your health and needs. For instance, you may choose to walk or try aquafit. The important thing is to discover the joys of movement.

It allows them to socialize, meet people and have a good time. It’s extremely important to go out and avoid isolation. It has a huge effect on mobility, too. It’s essential that you keep using your joints, especially your legs and hips. If it hurts, try to find other solutions, such as aquafit, but don’t stop moving. You’ll see: it can improve everything from diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure to anxiety, depression and more. Physical activity helps better manage those disorders. There are nothing but benefits!

It’s never too late. And that’s not just a cliché—it’s been proven! Studies with 75-year-old men and women have recently shown significant gains with strength training, among other things. You can develop your strength and muscle endurance, even at age 75. This also applies to cardiovascular training. As soon as you ask your heart or a muscle group to do more than they’re used to, they adjust so that it gets easier each time. Even when you’re 75, if you decide to start a walking program, your cardio will improve in weeks. And that’s true for any age. Just give yourself realistic goals. The important thing is to improve your health and feel better in your mind and body.

The basis of motivation is pleasure. Of course, there’s always going to be some effort with physical activity. It will never be easy; there’s always some challenge to it. Sources of motivation vary from one person to another. For example, some people use technology to motivate themselves. They like to have a pedometer and use apps that show them how far they’ve travelled. Motivation is really personal. It doesn’t have to be complicated!

We always apply three principles when prescribing exercise, which all Quebec physicians should do. We look at frequency, intensity and duration. These are the three variables that we work on. For example, you can choose to walk three times a week, fast enough to be a little out of breath, for 15 minutes. Then, when it becomes too easy, you can increase the frequency, intensity or duration.

I’ve always been pretty hyperactive! My older sister used to do jazz ballet. I found it so beautiful! My parents are 83 and 84 years old and still healthy. They’ve always moved a lot. They’re so inspiring, they are my models. We used to spend our summers camping, playing volleyball and softball, kayaking, canoeing, hiking… We were outside all the time! I’ve always liked to move, and they allowed me to do it.

I find my inspiration in what people ask me, what they want to learn. For 30 years now, I’ve been extremely motivated. I love my job! When I realized how people trust me, I made the commitment to stay up to date. At least twice a year, I attend conventions that bring together professionals from all around the world. I even had the privilege of going on stage to present workshops to international specialists. It’s an essential part of the job, since it’s a field that changes so quickly! When you speak to an audience that trusts you and listens to you, you need to know the latest developments. It’s the commitment that I’ve made, and I think it’s really important.

Initially, I was asked to replace a host who was ill for the telethon. I immediately fell in love with the organization! When you meet the children and families, you can’t help but be touched. Of course, there are sad moments, but there’s also so much hope! That’s when you realize that you can’t stop being involved. I’ve been working with them for 13 years, and Alain Dumas has been there for 20. We’ve seen the evolution of pediatric medicine. I have even had the honour to give my name to a fund that aims to help children be active to prevent diseases. Last year, we donated $454,000 to Opération Enfant Soleil thanks to the Défi Cardio 5 heures. It’s made a huge difference!

Thank you for this wonderful interview, Josée. Your passion and enthusiasm are contagious!