GREENVILLE — Director of Wellness Services for Wayne HealthCare Jordan D. Francis has issued a Winter Fitness Challenge to Wayne HealthCare employees.
Those completing the challenge will be entered into a drawing to win one of three $100 gift certificates. Francis said he wanted to give people an extra incentive for maintaining good health through the holidays.
“Some folks, even those who stay active in more moderate seasons, may start to lose the drive to exercise once winter settles in,” he said. “Cold temperatures, snow and rain tend to put a damper on even the most dedicated fitness enthusiasts’ exercise plans. Even if we don’t feel like exercising during colder months, it’s still a vital component to any wellness plan.”
For those just beginning or wanting something low-impact, Francis suggests a walking routine as a cheap, easy and effective way to improve overall health. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), every step people take is part of their journey to good heart health. Walking briskly can lower the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes as much as running, according to a new study conducted at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Life Science Division in Berkley, California, according to the AHA website.
“Researchers analyzed 33,060 runners in the National Runners’ Health Study and 15,045 walkers in the National Walkers’ Health Study,” the AHA said. “They found that the same energy used for moderate- intensity walking and vigorous-intensity running resulted in similar reductions in risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and possibly coronary heart disease over the study’s six years.”
Some additional benefits of walking include: maintaining body weight, enhancing mental well-being, decreasing stress, strengthening bones and muscles, improving mood and improving balance and coordination, according to the mayoclinic.org. Francis said walking for 10 minutes, three times throughout the day, is just as effective as a single 30 minute session. Another incentive for keeping committed to an exercise regime is it to find a soul mate, Jordan said.
“When your schedule allows; be active,” he said. “Those steps will accumulate throughout the day, week, month, and year to create a happier, healthier you.”
Jordan offers the following winter-weather walking tips: dress appropriately, water resistant shoes and layering go a long way in helping people stay active; and stay hydrated, as it is a key to good health. For those wishing to walk inside, various schools have opened for public walking, such as Greenville City Schools. The public is invited to walk at the high school from 6 to 8 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays, through March 29, 2018. There will be no walking during Christmas break. Also, if school is closed during a day or there are parent/teacher conferences, then it will be closed to walking that evening. A complete calendar of available walking dates are available to walkers at the sign-in desk, according to the school’s website.
Greenville F45 Training Owner Melissa Riethman said especially this time of year with all of the parties, foods and temptations, it is really important to have some kind of health and fitness regimen.
“Having goals and an accountability partner really helps,” she said.
Accountability partners are by request, but can really motivate people to workout, according to Reithman. For example, if a five a.m. class member has not worked out for three days, someone will reach out to that member through the studio’s Facebook group. In addition, other F45 members and trainers have asked to be held accountable about meal plans through a group text, Reithman said.
“One misconception is that if you exercise, it doesn’t matter what you eat,” she said. “There are four pillars to a healthy sustainable life; exercise and nutrition are two that we furnish. We offer free nutritional workshops, as most of our trainers are also nutrition coaches.”
At F45, workouts are 45 minutes long, from start to finish, according to Reithman.
“Even 15-20 minutes of exercise could help with stress, especially this time of year,” she said. “It is a good way to treat yourself, take time for yourself and get your body in shape to function as it is intended to function.”
F45 is offering holiday passes until the new year: three visits for $10. In addition, new clients receive a two-week free trial any time of the year. F45 Training is located at 120 W. Third Street, in Greenville. For more information, call (937) 417-9838 or visit https://f45training.com/greenville
