Make a Choice Part II
Although I do not claim to be the outdoorsy or adventurous type, my husband is. He has pined for years to get out on the Appalachian Trail. I rationalized planning a trip like this knowing first, I would get exercise, and second there would be an Inn with a bed and a shower at the end of the day.
On that journey outside my comfort zone, and after 25 years of regular exercise, I realized I truly enjoy hiking. Who knew? I was surprised to learn how strenuous and fun it is. If I hadn’t taken the chance, I would have missed out on one of the best experiences of my life.
The first part of this article in last week’s paper emphasized the need to make exercise a priority with no excuses. You are ready to begin a plan when no other item on your list trumps your time to move.
Monticello might be a small town, but I was able to identify about 15 different fitness opportunities around. Abandon fear, keep an open mind and choose something you enjoy. The more you enjoy the activity, the more likely you will be to stick with it.
Walking is a perfect way to jump start your fitness goal. Get on your walking shoes and go out your front door. Choose a time either early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperature has cooled off, at least until September. Try to walk continuously for 15 minutes in the beginning. Eventually you want to work up to 30 minutes of exercise every day.
If you enjoy biking, try Jspin classes. A spin class is an aerobics class on a stationary bike. It is fun and offers incredible cardiovascular and resistance exercise and is offered four days a week.
For swimmers, Hunter Pope offers aqua aerobics Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. For those with any joint issues or those seeking low impact exercises, this class is best suited for you.
If you enjoy dancing, there is a Zumba class at Turtle Cove and Curves. Zumba is another type of aerobics class that incorporates Latin dance moves. Curves also offers a type of exercise called circuit training. Participants use resistance machines and can complete an entire cycle in approximately 30 minutes.
Monticello Presbyterian Church offers exercise classes free of charge. People of all ages and fitness levels, stretch, move and pump iron three mornings a week.
And don’t forget the other round town groups, like the EDD’s, (extreme deer dashers), and TQ’s, (track queens), that have formed with specific fitness goals to work toward. Your secret is out now.
If you need more structure and guidance, there are experienced, certified personal trainers available right here in Jasper County.
Hunter Pope and Turtle Cove both offer golf. Golfers can walk the course instead of using the cart. You could easily get in a few miles walking nine holes.
Outdoorsmen and women can be fit too.
There are hunting television programs now that incorporate health into the sport. Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center and Dauset Trails are not far and offer all kinds of outdoor activities.
For those who prefer working out at home try Wii fit, Netflix fitness video streaming or FitTV on Dish Network. Try getting all family members off the sofa and on their feet for a fun way to get connected and burn some calories and fat.
Although I do not claim to do well at tennis, it is more fun than you can imagine, can be enjoyed as a family and is available at Hunter Pope, Funderburg Park, Turtle Cove and next to Jasper County Middle School. Trying a new sport can boost self-esteem and help strengthen family bonds.
After you have stopped making excuses, made exercise a priority, and chosen a fun way to work out, remember this quote by Winston Churchill; “Never, never, never give up.”
There will always be a deadline, meeting or activity that will creep its way into your daily schedule but exercising remains to be some of the most rewarding work you’ll ever do.
For questions or comments please email: suzannemcginnis@me.com