Physical activity counseling is a goal-oriented and personalized service that supports the adoption and maintenance of an active lifestyle. It is aimed specifically at people who do not get enough exercise for their health, and the service is free of charge for customers. Eleven companies operating in Jyväskylä are participating in the trial, offering exercise counseling alongside the city's exercise services:
- Fysiokarapalo
- GOGO Express
- Ikivire
- Jyväskylän Pilates Studio
- Kuntokeskus Positive
- Kuntomaailma
- Palokan Fysioterapia
- Tmi Sport Mira Leskinen
- Valmennuskeskus LeWELL
- Valmennusstudio Vire
- Voimala Wellness
During the trial period, working-age adults in Jyväskylä can receive free physical activity counseling either from the city's own professionals or from one of the corporate partners selected through a competitive bidding process. This collaboration significantly expands the service: exercise counseling can be offered to more residents than before and more comprehensively across different parts of the city.
At the same time, we can take advantage of the extensive expertise of sports and wellness professionals in Jyväskylä, the sports capital of Finland, to promote the health and well-being of residents. Service descriptions of our corporate partners in sports counseling can be found at Physical activity counseling for adults -website (in Finnish).
How can I get involved in physical activity counseling?
You can seek physical activity counseling on your own initiative or with a referral or recommendation from a professional. Participation in physical activity counseling is based on the client's own needs and motivation, and no diagnosis is required.
You can contact us on your own initiative by filling in the contact form on the City of Jyväskylä's physical activity counseling website or by calling the physical activity counseling appointment line on Tuesdays between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. and on Thursdays between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. tel. 014 569 0179.
After contacting us, a physical activity counseling professional from the City of Jyväskylä's sports services will contact the customer by phone. During the conversation, they will assess together whether physical activity counseling is suitable for the customer's situation and which implementation method and location would serve them best.
Read more about Physical activity counseling for adults on the city's website (in Finnish).
How does physical activity counseling work?
The physical activity counseling program lasts approximately 4–6 months and includes three face-to-face meetings and one remote meeting by phone. At the beginning of the program, the client's starting point is assessed, goals are set, and a plan is drawn up, the implementation of which is then monitored together with the physical activity counselor.
The meetings focus on overall well-being, and the advice may include topics related to nutrition and recovery, among other things. The goal is for the customer to find ways to exercise that are right for them. In addition to discussion, the meetings may also include exercise that supports the goals.
Corporate cooperation in physical activity counseling is part of an ongoing development project in Jyväskylä's sports services, which has received funding from the Finnish Supervisory Agency through a grant for the development of physical activity counseling, which in turn is linked to the Ministry of Education and Culture's Suomi Liikkeelle (Finland on the Move) program.
Further information:
Project Coordinator Jyrki Saarela, tel. 040 566 0126, jyrki.saarela[a]jyvaskyla.fi