As we emerge out of the hibernation that winter can bring, our thoughts turn to spring, the warmer weather ahead, and getting into better shape. Some of us have been successfully working out throughout the winter, trying to stay motivated and making sure our home exercise equipment is used for its intended purpose, rather than a just a place to hang laundry. Others have enjoyed the solitude of the unstaffed gyms. Whatever works for you, we hope you have been successful in your quest to improve your health and fitness and use exercise as your medicine.
Spring is a time for renewal, and a great time to evaluate our lifestyle and schedule, look at what is not working, and make a change for the better. If working out alone is not working for you, a new fitness center can be a great jump start to a stalled fitness program, with trained staff always there to assess your needs, teach you the best methods, help you stay motivated, and provide opportunities to make new friends, join fun classes and most importantly, get results.
There is a special motivational energy within fitness centers, when people come together with common goals and exercise along side one another that you just don't feel at home. So many individuals at medically-based fitness centers are celebrating success this spring from their diligent efforts to combat high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, osteoporosis, depression and cardiovascular disease. They slowly built an effective plan, together with our exercise professionals, to use exercise as their medicine. Many of their doctors have given the approval to cut back, and in some cases, stop taking pills for these serious conditions.
Dawn Rodman, MS, says medically-based fitness centers can provide a warm, friendly environment that will give individuals the tools and motivation they need to get in shape and get results.
“As an alternative to working out alone, seek a facility that provides personalized instruction with a fitness professional, has a robust and dynamic group exercise schedule, with something for everyone, all ages, sizes and fitness levels. Some facilities offer specialty services such as Pilates, indoor group cycling, yoga, massage, and personal training to round out the depth of opportunity,” says Rodman.
It takes time to get out of shape, and likewise, getting back into shape takes the right dynamic environment for you to be successful. Fun classes, camaraderie, expert help, and people who really care about your success can make all the difference. If you have been thinking that some regular exercise would really help, and especially if your doctor has echoed that sentiment, make the move this spring. Your body and your loved ones will thank you.
If working out by yourself is not working out, call Dawn Rodman at the HGB Wellness Center at 543-9575 for expert advice on how to make exercise work for you. To read more about how exercise can be medicine, go towww.hgbhealth.com/wellness
