Have you given any thought to building your body up and increasing your overall health? Would you like a few reasons why you should?
Let's start with a tremendous gain in cardiovascular endurance. When you chase your kids you’ll be able to catch them. Endurance means your heart rate will drop and your heart will beat less to supply your body with the needed oxygen. The proper terminology is "greater stroke volume". You will achieve better circulation, and during cold winter months your body will benefit greatly from that increase.
Your new muscle strength will surprise you. Your ability to carry groceries will increase and your legs will last eight hours on the ski slopes. Large muscle groups such as your abdominals will tighten, (eventually). If you're lucky you might even lose sight of those chubby abdominals!
Now when was the last time you touched your toes without bending your knees? That's flexibility. How about scratching your back? Flexibility is essential for injury prevention, and for that sudden movement to prevent falling. It will also help when you reach across the table for that last pancake.
Weight loss, - that magic panacea, the carrot on the stick, the gold at the end of the rainbow. That is THE key reason that drives most people to fitness. I wish I could tell you that weight loss is the major result of fitness, but it is accomplished only if you lock your refrigerator. Exercise will speed up your metabolism so you'll burn those calories quicker.
Posture - Body alignment. You may not lose fat quickly but you will notice it less if you learn to hold in your abdominals! Side benefits are an increase in chest expansion so your lungs are able to draw in more oxygen.
Exercise works the long bone muscles that help prevent and work against osteoporosis, a bone debilitating disease seen mostly in post menopausal women. Meaning your bones will be less likely to become thin and break as you age.
Finally, you will be a much happier you. How long has it been since you relaxed and smiled? How long since you said "It doesn't matter?" How long since your blood pressure was normal? With those thoughts in mind, your family should insist that you sweat! . If you start a regular fitness program, who knows, you might even end up liking it.
Sweat Shop fitness classes are held all week long at the Carson City Community Center in the Comstock room. Call the Carson City Recreation Office or e-mail Carson City Recreation and click on Fitness classes. Jerry Vance owner of Sweat Shop. 841-73125