LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMP Fitness |
by Rick Moore |
The Healthy Lifestyle
We are all very fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. The southern Delaware region is truly an awe-inspiring area admired by many out-of-staters. Why do you think they choose to visit our area to vacation, or even to locate here permanently? We are surrounded by beautiful parks, clean bays, rivers and the ocean that many people use as part of their recreation. Towns like Rehoboth Beach, Lewes and Milton beckon their residents to "come out and play." These are great towns to visit: visually stunning architecture, friendly people, and many different and interesting shops and points of interest. Within these towns there are lots of outdoor and indoor activities. So I am asking you, "What activity have you chosen to keep yourself healthy?" Do you fall into one or more categories? Are you a walker? Walking is the most popular activity among Americans. It's cheap, free, and easy to do. Now, we all walk to a certain extent, but some choose to walk the Cape Henlopen Park beach (Nick and I love to do this), our terrific boardwalk, our awesome outlets, or downtown Rehoboth, Lewes, and Milton. Are you just a walker or are you a power walker? Power walkers are really serious. Time and distance is of the essence to them. Move aside when you see them on the boardwalk. Are you a jogger? We have many here. It's the weather, clean air, and the safe streets that allow joggers to feel safe and secure in their exercise regimen. Are you a runner? There are lanes on many roads and streets that allow runners room to run in safety. Maybe this is why there are few accidents between runners and autosbecause we respect them here and give them their room to run. Biker? No, not motorcycle, the kind you pedal. It's an easy bike ride from Milton to Lewes and then on to Rehoboth. There are now bike lanes on major thoroughfares, and bike paths galore. Try out the new bike path between Rehoboth and Lewes that leads to the Cape Henlopen Parktruly awesome! Getting healthy and taking in great sightsoh, yeah. Are you a swimmer? Many of my clients have pools of all sizes and shapes, and actually use them for exercise. One of my clients, Mike, put in a lap pool and uses it religiously. This guy is in his upper 60s, but looks 50. Swimming really pays off. Home gyms are popular. Some can be super expensive but you can get by on the cheap with a bench, some dumbbells and a routine! So, you train at home using weights. Great activity! Join a gym or hire a trainer for more variety. Weight lifting is a great way to build muscle, strengthen bones, lose inches around your problem parts, boost metabolism, and lose body fat. You are never too old to lift weights. Some of my clients have gotten off some of their meds by exercising with weights and following a proper diet. Maybe you want more tranquility and calmness, and flexibility to boot. Then you are probably a person into yoga. Yoga is a way of getting to know ones body and mind. Stretching, positions you never thought you could get yourself into, and relaxing your mind is what Nick and I got when we did yoga. There are many yoga studios and many great teachers around our area. Now, you're gonna think I am a redneck because I think we need a bowling center here again. Several years ago we had a big complex at Midway, but heavy snows one winter took a toll on the roof and it collapsed. The bowling alley building was unsalvageable, so it was torn down. We still miss it. It was great exercise and a big social draw. We miss the leagues. We miss the fun. So, which activity fits you: walking, jogging, running, biking, swimming, weightlifting, yoga, or bowling? Whatever you do, congratulations! You are adding more years to your life and having fun doing it. Welcome to the healthy lifestyle.Rick Moore is a personal trainer certified by the American Fitness Professionals &Associates. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 19 No. 06 June 5, 2009 |