Wednesday, December 31, 2003

To your health

By Mike Caldarell

Oh, how the time flies when you’re exercising and having fun. It seems like yesterday I wrote my first article for the Healthwise section. Actually, this is the sixth article that I have been privileged to write. Obviously, the seasons have changed from summer heat to winter chill, but one thing has not changed — the human body needs a certain amount of exercise to be at its healthy best.

So here I go again, continuing my crusade to spread the word regarding the importance of exercise. For those of you who have read all six articles, you will recall how I try to convince folks that exercise is indeed an individual choice of activity.

Recall how 83-years-young Miss Rose diligently works to build and maintain her strength and balance by walking on the treadmill, using the rowing machine and following a specific weight lifting program. She is still at it and continues to brighten the gym during her early morning workouts.

And 13-year-old Sam is getting bigger, stronger and faster by following his dynamic training program. (Sam is a polite respectful young man who could now go bear hunting with a stick!)

Let’s not forget Mary, who is now 52 and in better condition that she was when she was 51. Mary is reducing her body fat percentage from an unhealthy level to one that is out of the danger zone. She looks and feels better and has a lot more energy.

Exercise is the catalyst for adopting a health lifestyle. It goes hand in hand with a health nutrition program and the making of good decisions. I continue to have the feeling that so many people consider exercise to be some form of torture, cruel discipline, sweat drenched activity and many other negative images (for some of us, sweat drenched exercise is a definite positive). Exercise can be as simple as a taking a walk, doing some gardening, taking a bike ride, or many other activities.

As has been pointed out, the benefits of exercise are well worth the time invested. Benefits include more energy, reduced stress, weight control, minimizing or eliminating unhealthy conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension to name a few.

Maybe some people have an aversion to stereotypical exercise tools such barbells and treadmills. For those of you in that category, consider these alternatives:

• Stability balls, inflatable and approximately 22 to 24 inches in diameter, are superb for developing balance and core strength. Many come with an instructional manual or CD showing how to use them.

• Medicine balls are wonderful tools for developing functional strength and cardiovascular health.

• Elastic bands enable the user to obtain a great workout.

• Heart rate monitors are terrific for providing important information for the person wanting to get/stay in shape, lose weight, or gain extreme fitness.

• Jump ropes provide a fine way to build endurance, lose weight and build a strong heart.

The above items can be used by just about anyone wanting to do some form of exercise.

How do you get started on the road to a healthy living? For those who need to make adjustments in lifestyle, find a way to do something for yourself. Start slowly, at your own pace, and experience small improvements such as more energy and vibrancy. You will notice that these small improvements will provide the kindling to build a raging fire of continuing benefits.

Let’s all have a happy and healthy New Year!

Happy Holidays from the Caldarello family — Jenny, Justin and your humble health and fitness guy.

Questions about fitness and training can be directed to Mike at gitfit@bellsouth.net and will be answered, either by e-mail or in future columns.

(Mike Caldarello is a personal trainer who works with Gold’s Gym Fayette. His column appears regularly in HealthWise.