Archive for June, 2008

Jun 26 2008

New to Fitness – Group Fitness Classes, Personal Training and More from Douglasville Personal Trainer, Dave Hansey

New to Fitness? Still thinking about it and not sure where to start? Well, it can be a difficult decision on what to do. For some people, this decision is so overwhelming that they do nothing. There are many choices and here is a little secret — everyone is UNIQUE and different. We all have different life experiences,we have different strengths, we have different fitness levels. We all have different things that are difficult for us to do — whether it is coordination, cardiovascular or just plain keeping your brain in the game.

Well, then here is what I think you should do. Sit down and make a list of your goals — YES WRITE THEM DOWN. Then make a list of things you love to do — this can be abstract or very detailed. So things like “spend time with my kids” should be on there or “spend time alone” — ;) But make a list of things that make you happy. Ok, now it is time to interpret that list. Did you write how much you love to dance? Well then perhaps group fitness classes. There are lots of great choices for group fitness classes in douglasville BUT………. group fitness classes are NOT for everyone. They frustrate many because of the coordinated movements and the class you choose. They also occur at SPECIFIC times which for many people this can be an issue because if they miss their fitness class then they just don’t work out at all. So, if you LOVE classes, then consider that a PART of your fitness routine.

Did you love fresh air, nature and spending time with your kids. Well then perhaps adding a weekly (or more often) hike in one of the great parks here. Sweetwater is my personal favorite because it is right here in Douglas County. It is spacious and also has great trails. So perhaps that should be part of your routine.

See where I am going here. Fitness does not mean you have to do just one thing. I personally love to run and my weekly run at Sweetwater is the highlight of my running. The other days I mostly run on the treadmill because of time constraints.

Ok, now for strength training — everyone NEEDS it!! And no, group fitness classes that use weights are NOT strength training. You need to lift heavy weights to build bone density and strength so just get your head around it and do it. If you don’t know what to do — remember the part about you being UNIQUE! – then a few personal training sessions would be a very good investment. Even people who think they know exactly what to do can benefit from a few personal training sessions. Why? Because just like a chef can show you a better, tastier and more efficient way to cook a meal — a personal trainer can show you a better, more effective and more time-efficient way to work out.

I hope this has helped you to figure out how to get started because fitness is an essential and FUN part of your life. So find what works for you!!

Comments Off

Jun 15 2008

Vitamin D may curb diabetes risk — Another reason to get outside

Love walking here in the beauty that is Douglasville, Villa Rica, Douglas County? Well guess what? That walking may be more than just a good fun workout. The vitamin D we get from everyday sunlight may curb your diabetes risk. More studies are needed but they found the vitamin D levels to be highest in those who exercised the most — regardless of other factors such as weight, smoking and blood pressure.

So, get outside and go for a walk or a run — it will help you in so many ways!!

For more tips from me, Dave Hansey on fitness, personal training, and staying healthy — check out my tips either at the gym or on my other site — 4 fit bodies

Comments Off