Monday, July 26, 2010
Getting the community involved in healthy behaviors
We’re halfway through the year and for many of us our New Year’s resolutions are distant memories.
And so is the lofty goal of strutting down the beach in our swimsuits or whatever it was we envisioned when we pledged to eat better and exercise more.
A free program on Monday (July 26) offered many of us hope.
A Backus Hospital exercise expert presented “Starting an Exercise Program: Getting Organized, Staying Motivated,” part of the ongoing Enjoy LIFE (Lifelong Investment in Fitness and Exercise) series, a partnership between Backus Hospital and the Plainfield Recreation Department. To learn more about the series and upcoming events, visit backushospital.org/enjoylife.
Here are a few tips I can offer that might help keep you get on the right track. They include:
• Set realistic goals. You can’t expect to become Arnold Schwarzenegger overnight, or expect to lose 10 pounds in a week. Those perfectly shaped people you see walking around with towels draped over their shoulders in local gyms are the exception, not the rule.
• Have fun. Running on a treadmill while staring at a wall might not do it for you. For some, adding a television or music to the equation helps. For others, they are better off finding a friend to play tennis with or doing other activities. Find what’s right for you.
• Make it easy. If you don’t like to exercise in the morning, do it at night. If you don’t like the cold, buy a treadmill. If you don’t like to run alone, find a partner. Removing barriers will increase your chances of success.
For some, time is the problem. If you simply can’t find the time to exercise, there are still some things you can do to increase your activity levels. Take the stairs instead of the elevator; park the car farther away from the grocery store; spend your lunch break walking instead of eating a cheeseburger.
Remember, when it comes to exercise, every bit counts. And we’re not just talking about adults. Childhood obesity is also an issue.
The next event in the Enjoy LIFE series will be geared towards children, teaching everything from exercise safety to backpack techniques and proper sports equipment for our youth.
“Backpack Safety and Keeping Exercise Fun and Safe,” led by Backus Rehabilitation Services physical therapist Kristin Hilliard, will be held Aug. 12 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Plainfield Recreation Center. Hope to see you there.
Alice Facente is a registered nurse and clinical educator with the Backus Education Department. The information in this column should not replace the advice of your personal physician. To communicate with Ms. Thompson or any of the Healthy Living columnists, email healthyliving@wwbh.org
And so is the lofty goal of strutting down the beach in our swimsuits or whatever it was we envisioned when we pledged to eat better and exercise more.
A free program on Monday (July 26) offered many of us hope.
A Backus Hospital exercise expert presented “Starting an Exercise Program: Getting Organized, Staying Motivated,” part of the ongoing Enjoy LIFE (Lifelong Investment in Fitness and Exercise) series, a partnership between Backus Hospital and the Plainfield Recreation Department. To learn more about the series and upcoming events, visit backushospital.org/enjoylife.
Here are a few tips I can offer that might help keep you get on the right track. They include:
• Set realistic goals. You can’t expect to become Arnold Schwarzenegger overnight, or expect to lose 10 pounds in a week. Those perfectly shaped people you see walking around with towels draped over their shoulders in local gyms are the exception, not the rule.
• Have fun. Running on a treadmill while staring at a wall might not do it for you. For some, adding a television or music to the equation helps. For others, they are better off finding a friend to play tennis with or doing other activities. Find what’s right for you.
• Make it easy. If you don’t like to exercise in the morning, do it at night. If you don’t like the cold, buy a treadmill. If you don’t like to run alone, find a partner. Removing barriers will increase your chances of success.
For some, time is the problem. If you simply can’t find the time to exercise, there are still some things you can do to increase your activity levels. Take the stairs instead of the elevator; park the car farther away from the grocery store; spend your lunch break walking instead of eating a cheeseburger.
Remember, when it comes to exercise, every bit counts. And we’re not just talking about adults. Childhood obesity is also an issue.
The next event in the Enjoy LIFE series will be geared towards children, teaching everything from exercise safety to backpack techniques and proper sports equipment for our youth.
“Backpack Safety and Keeping Exercise Fun and Safe,” led by Backus Rehabilitation Services physical therapist Kristin Hilliard, will be held Aug. 12 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Plainfield Recreation Center. Hope to see you there.
Alice Facente is a registered nurse and clinical educator with the Backus Education Department. The information in this column should not replace the advice of your personal physician. To communicate with Ms. Thompson or any of the Healthy Living columnists, email healthyliving@wwbh.org
# posted by ----------------- @ 8:10 AM 
