How To Get Fit

I don my running shorts, tank top, and pull my hair back with some reservation. What if it rains? I’m tired from double shifts and getting less sleep than this working girl needs. While tying my shoes: Is this really going to make me feel better?

Out the door and down the driveway, I already feel my mood shift with the rolling green farmland around me. Jogging several times a week used to be the norm for me. My busy summer schedule’s been making it difficult lately. I even wrote “run” into my planner for this afternoon.

Many people find it challenging to establish a scheduled workout time. They want to get fit, but are unsure how to go about it. Matt Luders, the Relationship Development Executive at the Fish Creek branch of the YMCA, elaborates:

“We’ve seen a lot of focus around serving ‘health-seekers.’ Those are people who want to be active and healthy, but they don’t know how to do it. They’ve tried it in the past and failed for whatever reason – lack of time or knowledge.”

You don’t need to be an “athlete” to be athletic. Everyone can benefit from and get enjoyment out of physical activity, no matter what form it takes: biking, jogging, weight lifting, or organized, team sports.

For people who need a little more support and encouragement getting active, the YMCA’s a great place to start. The YMCA boasts a community of people putting effort into getting in shape from all walks of life, and staff members are invested in helping anyone from workout veterans to newcomers.

Luders said, “We always sit down with folks and ask certain questions: what are your goals, what are your challenges? Many people don’t know where to start. They’re intimidated and don’t want to hurt their bodies. We give them extra support, helping them find a workout partner or a personal trainer.”

Giving people the resources they need to get in shape means they’re more likely to commit to their new workout routine and adjust their lifestyle to carve out time for the gym – or for being outdoors.

“The reality of it is, we’re so fortunate. We have state parks, bike trails, open water. Get active outside! We’ve got the resources, and they’re free. We just need to use them, and find time for it,” Luders said.

A Few Workout Tips from Matt

1. Pre & Post Workout Hydration: You’re going to be sweating, so make sure your body has enough fluids to do it’s job.

2. Get Fueled: Snacks like granola or fruit will increase your energy and make your workout more enjoyable and productive.

3. Try Chocolate Milk: After a particularly hard workout, try sippin’ on something full of proteins, carbohydrates, calcium, and some sugar to help you recover, rehydrate and replenish tired muscles.

4. Don’t Get Caught Up in 1 or 2 Hour Workouts: Even 15 minutes of vigorous activity will get your heart rate up, improve your mood, reduce stress, and do your body a service by pumping fresh blood and oxygen throughout your body.

5. Getting your daily dose of endorphins can be as easy as going for a walk.