There is solitude in working out alone. A time for you to focus on yourself as an individual. But there is something moving about the group dynamic. A sense of belonging to a larger being, a community of like-minded people. If you’re tired or unmotivated and unsure if you can get through a workout, the energy of a group is like a cloud lifting you up. You still get to focus on your own personal workout, but in a room filled with people doing the same exercises at the same time, you’ll find support and affirmation that what you’re doing is right and accepted. It’s a feeling of unity that only comes when a group of people come together for similar reasons. Keep exercising whether alone or with a group as any exercise is good, but get yourself into a class or exercise group and experience the joy of community.
Exercise every day. That may be a simple statement and difficult to do, but exercising every day has more advantages than disadvantages. It takes some time to make actions into habits, but you can be assured of the many benefits that daily exercise can give you. More energy, greater clarity, and ease of movement come with a daily exercise habit, as does increased blood and lymph circulation and increased endorphins. More physical benefits of daily exercise include help in maintaining weight, keeping mobility in your joints and fighting certain diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. So get moving and make exercise a part of your every day life. It’s habit forming.
October is breast cancer awareness month and there are thousands of fund raising events going on in every state of the union. There are classic fundraisers like black tie events and and rallies for awareness, but the most significant comes in the form of exercise related events. We have all heard of the Susan G. Komen race for the Cure. The Komen Race for the Cure Series raises significant funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer, celebrates breast cancer survivorship, and honors those who have lost their battle with the disease.
The 5k races are run/walk and are celebrating their 25th anniversary. Having participated in one, I can say that they are emotionally moving and spiritually uplifting. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is another not-for-profit organization devoted to raising funds for research and awareness. Shape magazine promotes a Pilates For Pink fund raising event during the month of October where Pilates studios all across the nation offer mat classes in exchange for donation to this foundation.
My studio participates in this effort and we raised over $300.00 this month. Multiply that by the thousands of studios participating and you get an enormous donation for the foundation. But your donation does not have to reach a national level. There are plenty of local organizations that would benefit greatly from fund raising events like these. October is almost over, but it’s never too late to offer your services in exchange for donation to whatever breast cancer organization you like.
Politicians like talking points. New Years revelers give resolutions. Couch potatoes swear to lose weight. Talking heads? Maybe. Do we mean what we say or just say what we need to hear? Exercise is a commitment. Getting fit and healthy is a commitment. It will take more than a vague promise of something better to actually make change a reality. Do you have what it takes or are you just a talking point?
Being in excellent physical shape doesn’t make you a better debater, but it would be comforting to know that our future leaders can walk up a flight of stairs without losing their breath. We see them at rallies walk up on stage, but that doesn’t really count.
Our Presidential political candidates look as if they are in excellent physical shape given the fact that they campaign tirelessly and keep a schedule that most of us will never really understand. How do they always look fresh as they take on the media? Endless cups of coffee? Power naps? A professional make-up stylist? All of the above? Or maybe they’re doing some cardio workouts behind those pointed cameras as a way to keep their stamina and spirits up. You have to wonder. Nobody is talking about it.
Would it be more assuring to fellow workout enthusiasts to see our candidates go for a jog, pump some iron, do a little Yoga or Pilates? A lot of voters vote on that one issue dear to their hearts. Are candidates missing out on the “fitness” vote? Being in excellent physical shape is not a prerequisite for Presidential candidates, but it would be nice to know that they’ll have stamina for four long years.
Baby boomers will be fitness ready to become active seniors. Why? Because they get it. The work they put in today will have benefits tomorrow. Baby boomers are eating healthier and exercising more. And those who are de-conditioned after many years of inactivity are starting to see the big picture as well.
When was the last time you saw a consumer ad of a retiree sitting in a rocking chair? Exactly. Just watch those TV ads or look how many articles on health and fitness fill up editorial pages in magazines. Active baby boomers are the next active seniors.
It’s a rainy day, dark and gloomy. What a great day for a workout! Though it’s easy to hide under the covers all day, maybe you have to get up for work or your kids make sure you’re up and moving. Fitting in a workout is tough on days like this. It’s hard to get motivated to do anything but veg-out. But the gym awaits you! Cardio, strength training and maybe a class are a great way to beat the rainy day blues. You can workout at home with Yoga, Pilates or with the new PilatesStick. A workout is never very far away. It just take a little extra oomph on a day like this to get your butt in gear.
I am 43 and I started a formal strength training routine 10 weeks ago. I am fit. I am not overweight. I ran my first half marathon in April and I workout 6 days a week. So why the importance of strength training now? My bones need it! My muscles need it! When you’re set to lose 6-10% of muscle mass per decade after age 30 and up to 30% after age 50, the forties look like the decade to get with it. I do all sorts of training. Free weights, Pilates, Yoga, rubber tubing. They keep it fun and it keeps my muscles guessing. If I make my strength training fun now, I might make it to my fifties without losing interest.
Fitness conferences are not just for fitness professionals, but also for fitness enthusiasts. You don’t have to be earning a living as an instructor to attend a conference, just a passion. Many fitness organizations offer annual conferences in different locations around the nation. And just like any work related convention, the days are filled with lectures, workshops, and workouts. There is inevitably an expo to whittle away time and money. These expos showcase new products, clothing, and experts in the fitness industry. But the best part of attending a fitness conference, besides all the great classes to try, is the feeling that you belong to a community. Hundreds of fitness enthusiasts coming together to celebrate similar interests is a powerful and affirming experience.
You’re never too old to try something new, setting goals that are physically challenging. I have a client who has, at the age of 50+, decided to train for a 5k. She’s never run before. So, why not? Why not challenge yourself to do something you’ve never done before? Your muscles, and your psyche, need to be challenged to keep them healthy and quick. I myself trained for my first half marathon at the age of 43. I finished it and moved on to my next goal. My mind needs to know that I can still do new things and experience new experiences. Setting goals that physically challenge you accomplish two things: they’re good for your body, and good for your soul.
Isn’t it time we make fitness for kids fun? The average American kid is spending three hours a day in front of the TV and a combined 5 1/2 hours a day on all media including video games. And we wonder why there is an epidemic of childhood obesity in this country. They’re not moving! Exercise for kids is fun, not tedious. Running and playing is the best kind of exercise around. But adding in a few “toys” for them to use can’t hurt. Agility dots are fun and challenging and a mini trampoline is a great way to get them moving. And a Vew-do board is not only an awesome workout, but they’ll be the coolest kid on the block. Whatever it is, make it fun and active and try some new things. Make fitness for kids fun and your kids will love it and get fit at the same time.
The importance of breakfast is a fact. Fuel the engine before it goes. Skipping breakfast can make you feel tired, listless, and even cranky. Why risk it! Eat breakfast for energy and a clear mind. It can really be anything healthy. (No cookies please) Think outside the box for a change. You can have chicken with your eggs, leftover salmon, or minestrone soup. Try to have a little of each food group for a balanced breakfast with lean protein being a top priority and carbohydrates coming from fruits or vegetables and not white bread. It’s easy to get into the habit of eating a healthy breakfast and you’ll only feel better for it.
My morning time is the most important time of the day. It’s the time that I have to myself without children, husband, or clients demanding something from me. I happen to be a morning person, so getting up between 5 and 5:30 is not a big deal. Since my kids wake around 6:30, this time is golden.
On most days, this is the perfect time for a workout. Treadmill for 30 minutes and 20 minutes of strength training or maybe some yoga or Pilates. Stretching always figures into it as I can never get enough these days.
Life is busy and unless there is some great legislation that is being passed that orders more time added to a day, this is the only time I get to do what I need to do and after a productive hour or a great workout, I am ready to face the days challenges with energy and a clear mind.
After eight weeks of participating in a very specific strength training program, I am seeing results in certain areas and not in others. My arms and upper body are more tone and certainly stronger, but my cardiovascular strength is faltering. I took a long walk pushing 30 pounds of baby stroller, and I felt out of shape. In fitness training, it’s become so clear to me that doing only one thing, one way, leaves you imbalanced and something will suffer for it. I am going to continue to strength train, and having a set program works for me, but I am going to tweak it a bit. I’ll add in more cardio and get back into my regular Pilates routines. Finding just the right combination is all about balance.
The fitness industry steals from all walks of life when they are looking for the next big trend. Physical therapists practically invented foam rollers and stability balls, but leave it to the fitness industry to take it and run with it. For years the fitness industry looked to Baby Boomers to dictate the latest fitness trends. Think Jane Fonda and her disciples. They were pioneers in the world of fitness, but are now in their 50’s and 60’s and in need of gentle forms of exercise. Pilates, Yoga and functional training are the buzz words because need dictates it. So what’s next? You’ll find the answer in Hollywood or on the covers of your favorite fitness magazines.
