Lean
times can lead to...Harder Bodies
Frazzled? At
least you can exercise
 |
|
Allison Redhead
(right) works out in
Zumba class, where
patrons seem more
determined to shape up
since the economy began
to get into bad shape.
Strenuous activity can
be an antidote to
economic stress.
|
|
Treasure Hutchinson, an executive
recruiter for the beverage industry,
can't predict whether the sputtering
economy will slow down — or shut off —
the demand for new hires. And in many
ways, tumbling stocks, rising
unemployment and deepening economic woes
feel out of her control.
"It's scary,"
Hutchinson said. "You used to be able to
go on vacation or make impulse buys. But
now, you have to save your money because
you don't know what tomorrow brings."
But while the
economy takes stomach turning dives
under a cloud of uncertainty, Hutchinson
has taken control of one area of her
personal life — her fitness routine.
 |
|
Omega Bickham works
it out in Zumba class. |
|
Hutchinson, 32, said her focus is
unwavering. In September, she set a goal
of losing 15 pounds; she's halfway
there.
"Better than
going out drinking or being addicted to
food," she said. "If I am going to be
addicted to something, let me be
addicted to exercise."
While memberships
at most fitness clubs have dipped in the
Cape Coral area and across the country,
Mid-Cape's membership keeps growing at a
steady pace, and usage among existing
members is on the upswing.
Members here at
Mid-Cape are coming to more classes,
exercising harder, wanting to do more
cardio, and trying to combat the stress
the best they can. Our fast-paced
Zumba Latino dance class and yoga
classes are particularly hot among
members seeking stress relief.
An intense
exercise routine helps keep Bruce Wise,
an architect in the real estate business
who was laid off last month, motivated.
"It gives you a
sense of accomplishment," said Wise,
three times a week. "And it helps you
stay in a positive mind-set."
To Exercise Or Not When
Facing A Financial Crisis
While some step
it up a notch during times of crisis,
others slow down or quit exercising.
Athens, Ga., psychologist J. Kip
Matthews says some who might feel
depressed about the sinking economy may
lose their motivation to work out or
find it less enjoyable. At the same
time, they might turn to other vices
such as overeating or drinking.
Whether someone
turns to exercise or the TV or booze is
often shaped by the behaviors of friends
and family, as well as what the person
observed in his or her parents' behavior
growing up, he notes.
Matthews suggests
people take a long-term approach to
fitness. Considered one of the
healthiest ways to curb stress levels,
exercise releases feel-good brain
chemicals called neurotransmitters,
which can function like antidepressants,
he says. He adds people need to also
remember that exercise provides many
long-term health benefits, so when — and
if — the economy improves, you will
still be able to reap the benefits of
your fitness regimen.
7 Tips For Starting —
And Maintaining — An Exercise Program
Psychologist J.
Kip Matthews suggests:
1. Find a
physical activity that you truly enjoy.
It is easier to stay motivated if you're
having fun.
2. Set goals for
your exercise. These goals should be
specific, measurable, attainable,
realistic, and have a timeline.
3. Recruit an
exercise buddy. A buddy can help hold
you accountable to your goals and
provide support.
4. Keep an
exercise log. Not only does a log
provide you with continuous feedback
about progress toward your goals, but it
can also reinforce your efforts.
5. Stay with it.
Establishing a new habit typically takes
two to three weeks. If you miss one day,
don't see it as failure.
6. Give yourself
permission to be a little selfish. It's
OK to be selfish when it comes to your
personal health and making exercise a
priority.
7. Realize making
a change, even ones for the better, can
be difficult. All changes, even positive
ones, are stressful because we have to
adapt to new challenges and
opportunities.
Portions
from
HELENA
OLIVIERO Cox News Service
)
)
