Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
Beat the blahs
 |
| Beloit’s Anytime Fitness personal trainer Ellen Jensen works with Tom Ptacin on his bicep curls Thursday afternoon. Many people may lose motivation to work out when the weather turns colder, but local fitness experts stress the importance of keeping up a regular exercise routine. Whether at a gym or at home, regular exercise can help counteract the “winter blues” and holiday treats. Staff photo by Sara Siekierski |
By Sara Siekierski
Daily News staff writer
It's important to exercise during winter
As the weather gets colder and the days get darker earlier, fitting in a regular exercise routine can seem like a daunting task.
But even if the comfort of a warm bed or a soft couch seems more appealing than jumping on the treadmill, fitness experts recommend regular exercise to counteract the “winter blues” and holiday treats.
“The best thing you can do for winter blues is to get out and exercise,” said Beloit's Anytime Fitness Manager Tim Hand. “It's making the best out of the worst.”
Stateline Family YMCA Fitness and Marketing Manager Connie Udell said the “winter blues” - the sad feelings that often come with the onset of cold weather - don't usually hit until the holiday season ends and people don't know what to do with their time.
“You have to kind of think of other things that can keep you busy during the cold, winter season,” she said.
The holidays aren't quite here yet, but the cold winter has certainly made its way to the Stateline Area, which means many outdoor exercisers are now packing up their gear and heading to indoor gyms.
“Winters are our best season for exercise,” Hand said. “All of the people who used to exercise outside are looking for fitness facilities.”
Getting motivated to hit the gym can be tough during the winter months, but Hand recommends a person take pictures of themselves and start creating their specific fitness goals.
“A picture says a million words,” he said.
Udell said people should make sure to ask the right questions of various fitness facilities before settling on one, such as what classes, equipment and services they offer, pricing and length of memberships and hours of operation. For people who need a more flexible workout schedule, a 24-hour gym like Anytime Fitness might be best. Those who want to work out in a class setting might be better off with a place like the YMCA.
“I don't care what facility people use to work out at as long as they are looking after their health,” Udell said. “They should ask the questions they need to ask and make sure they're getting out of (a gym) what they want.”
People vary significantly in their fitness goals and comfort levels, Udell said. For example, one person may prefer to work out alone while another can't work out unless he or she is in a class or group setting.
Commitment levels to fitness also have a lot to do with picking out a gym, Udell noted. For people who aren't sure they want a long-term commitment or just want to try out a gym for awhile, a monthly membership might be better than signing a yearlong contract. People who already know they want a long-term commitment might be better suited for a contract.
Most gyms offer an orientation for prospective or new members. Orientations are especially beneficial for those who may be intimidated by a gym, Udell said.
“It is daunting when you walk in here and you see all the equipment,” Udell said. “No one wants to look foolish.”
Although a gym might a source of intimidation for some people, Hand said fitness experts can provide the education needed to learn how to exercise properly.
“Once you get over that obstacle, what's really to be intimidated by?” he asked.
As the holiday season approaches, gym memberships become popular gift ideas, both Hand and Udell said. Most gyms offer gift certificates for gift-buyers who know a family member or friend interested in getting in shape.
While people might think of a gym membership as the only way to stay or get in shape this winter season, exercising at home can be just as effective, Udell said. For example, people can do simple stretches while cooking their holiday meals or do crunches or sit-ups while watching their favorite holiday movie. When holiday shopping, Udell recommends parking at the back of the parking lot and walking the extra steps to the door.
Staying inside might seem like a better idea than going out in the cold, but it's important to get fresh air and enjoy the winter weather, Udell said.
“There are plenty of things to do in area,” Udell said. “People should take advantage of those things and not just stay cooped up in the house.”
As the weather gets colder and the days get darker earlier, fitting in a regular exercise routine can seem like a daunting task.
But even if the comfort of a warm bed or a soft couch seems more appealing than jumping on the treadmill, fitness experts recommend regular exercise to counteract the “winter blues” and holiday treats.
“The best thing you can do for winter blues is to get out and exercise,” said Beloit's Anytime Fitness Manager Tim Hand. “It's making the best out of the worst.”
Stateline Family YMCA Fitness and Marketing Manager Connie Udell said the “winter blues” - the sad feelings that often come with the onset of cold weather - don't usually hit until the holiday season ends and people don't know what to do with their time.
“You have to kind of think of other things that can keep you busy during the cold, winter season,” she said.
The holidays aren't quite here yet, but the cold winter has certainly made its way to the Stateline Area, which means many outdoor exercisers are now packing up their gear and heading to indoor gyms.
“Winters are our best season for exercise,” Hand said. “All of the people who used to exercise outside are looking for fitness facilities.”
Getting motivated to hit the gym can be tough during the winter months, but Hand recommends a person take pictures of themselves and start creating their specific fitness goals.
“A picture says a million words,” he said.
Udell said people should make sure to ask the right questions of various fitness facilities before settling on one, such as what classes, equipment and services they offer, pricing and length of memberships and hours of operation. For people who need a more flexible workout schedule, a 24-hour gym like Anytime Fitness might be best. Those who want to work out in a class setting might be better off with a place like the YMCA.
“I don't care what facility people use to work out at as long as they are looking after their health,” Udell said. “They should ask the questions they need to ask and make sure they're getting out of (a gym) what they want.”
People vary significantly in their fitness goals and comfort levels, Udell said. For example, one person may prefer to work out alone while another can't work out unless he or she is in a class or group setting.
Commitment levels to fitness also have a lot to do with picking out a gym, Udell noted. For people who aren't sure they want a long-term commitment or just want to try out a gym for awhile, a monthly membership might be better than signing a yearlong contract. People who already know they want a long-term commitment might be better suited for a contract.
Most gyms offer an orientation for prospective or new members. Orientations are especially beneficial for those who may be intimidated by a gym, Udell said.
“It is daunting when you walk in here and you see all the equipment,” Udell said. “No one wants to look foolish.”
Although a gym might a source of intimidation for some people, Hand said fitness experts can provide the education needed to learn how to exercise properly.
“Once you get over that obstacle, what's really to be intimidated by?” he asked.
As the holiday season approaches, gym memberships become popular gift ideas, both Hand and Udell said. Most gyms offer gift certificates for gift-buyers who know a family member or friend interested in getting in shape.
While people might think of a gym membership as the only way to stay or get in shape this winter season, exercising at home can be just as effective, Udell said. For example, people can do simple stretches while cooking their holiday meals or do crunches or sit-ups while watching their favorite holiday movie. When holiday shopping, Udell recommends parking at the back of the parking lot and walking the extra steps to the door.
Staying inside might seem like a better idea than going out in the cold, but it's important to get fresh air and enjoy the winter weather, Udell said.
“There are plenty of things to do in area,” Udell said. “People should take advantage of those things and not just stay cooped up in the house.”
 |
||
| State says gambling loss high |
Article Rating
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of beloitdailynews.com.
Submit a Comment
Login below to post your comment. |
Not yet a member? Use the form below to register. |
