Fitness Center
Thinking about getting fit for spring? Here's an interesting fact: The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports recommends that adults 18 years and older need 30 minutes of physical activity on five or more days a week to be healthy. The fact list also points out that "the major barriers most people face when trying to increase physical activity are time, access to convenient facilities, and safe environments in which to be active."
The Fitness Center at Bigfork Valley offers community access to quality fitness equipment and is open seven days a week during the hours listed to the right. A personal trainer on staff also holds one hour strength and fitness workouts during each month, free for center members.
The new equipment was selected by a physical therapist to provide both cardio and weight training. Nautilus equipment includes the leg extension, seated leg curl, hoist, lat pull down, overhead press, compound row and vertical chest, and were chosen to work and strengthen opposing muscle groups like abs/lower back or biceps/triceps.
Cardio equipment includes treadmills, recumbent bicycle, recumbent and vertical stepper, upper body exerciser and elliptical trainer. There is also a dual adjustable pulley system trainer.
Confused? An orientation with personal trainer Sue Myers will explain each piece of equipment, how to set it for your personal use and what it will do for you. The 40 minute orientation is required, and may be set up at a convenient time by calling the Fitness Center at (218) 743-4133.
"Exercise is such a positive thing for people," she said. People have told her that their time in the Fitness Center makes them feel better and sleep better. The result is, she pointed out, that it makes people feel better about themselves.
Some other tips from Myers:
Look to your shoes. Shoes are made differently, for instance running shoes are built up wider in the heel. Wearing the correct shoes will help prevent injury.
Drink water. Eight 8-ounce glasses are recommended each day, and some water should be drunk right after cardio exercise. Remember that the body is 88 percent water!
Pay attention to the "before and after." When you stretch after exercise, it returns your muscles to a resting position. Light walking before exercise and stretching after exercise is recommended.
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