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Spring into health. Spring into action. Spring into a new you.
Dear YMCA Members and Friends,
Action is the focus for this spring. According to new statistics from the National Center for Health Statistics at the U.S. CDC, 33.8 percent of Americans are obese and 68 percent of Americans are overweight. Preventable with proper diet and exercise can sometimes be revered or averted completely with proper diet and exercise.
We must take control of the health and wellness of ourselves and our families. I know that many of you already know this and are committed to adapting a healthier lifestyle. But, if you are anything like me ... you need constant motivation. Learning how to incorporate fitness into our daily routines can greatly enhance the quality of our lives and our overall health. Benefits include a healthy heart, healthy breathing, stronger bones and muscles, weight loss, a decreased risk for diabetes and cancer and a better night's sleep.
I hope you are maximizing your membership and taking advantage of all of the programs we have to offer to help you achieve your health and wellness goals: Commit to be Fit, ActivTrax, over 75 group exercise classes per week, personal training, swimming, management classes, monthly family nights, health screenings and more.In addition to spending time at the Y, here are a few tips to help get you and keep you on track:
Nutrition for Less - In an effort to save money at the grocery store, try not to short-change yourself or your family when it comes to nutrition. Remember that food is fuel for your body and mind, and poor nutritional choices can impact your energy and health. Take advantage of sale prices, snack on fruits, vegetables and nuts, embrace leftovers, buy store-brand products whenever possible and cook more. With a little extra time spent planning, shopping, preparing and storing foods, you'll be able to eat nutritionally for less. For more information on healthy choices you can make at home, as well as recipe ideas, visit www.healthyfamilyhome.org
Time for ... strength training - As the weather improves, you'll want to spend more and more time outdoors. You can get plenty of aerobic exercise doing so, but don't forget your strength training! Regardless of age or build, strength training is important for your health and quality and of life. Muscles function on a "use it or lose it" system. Muscles that aren't engaged regularly begin to atrophy and weaken, especially as we age. Weight lifting and/or resistance work helps develop and maintain strong bones, control weight, boost metabolism, reduce injuries and ease symptoms associated with chronic diseases like arthritis, diabetes and depression.
"Exercise and application produce order in our affairs, health of body, cheerfulness of mind, and these make us precious to our friends." -Thomas Jefferson, from a letter to his daughter
Thank you for choosing the YMCA as your place for health and well-being.
Cherita Ellens
Executive Director
