GET FIT FOR 2002

Take a moment out of your busy holiday schedule, and ask yourself the following:

1. Presently, do you consider yourself fit? If your answer is "no", what would you do to improve it?
2. Do you enjoy your present workout program? Do you look forward to working out?

After taking a moment to think about the above questions, here is some input to "spice up" your present workout.

Each one of us has different perceptions of an optimum fitness level. Some wish to have a lean muscle appearance… for some it is to feel relaxed… for others it is to be completely free of illness or injury. Whatever your perception is, some sort of exercise program is necessary to achieve this level. Exercise programs are different for each person, depending on their goals and their present fitness levels. Below are some suggestions to improve exercise program:

• If you run frequently, a good stretching and strengthening program should be implemented into your training to prevent injuries from tight muscles, and to prevent muscle imbalances.
  
  
• If you are looking to decrease your clothing size, you need to both perform both cardiovascular and strengthening exercises. If you are not getting the results you want, you need to increase either the length of time you perform your workouts, or the number of times you perform your program weekly.
  
  
• Do you find yourself stressed and/ or drowning in work? Any sort of exercise is an excellent means to clear the mind, decrease blood pressure, and for many, provide "a high."
  
  
• Are you looking to put on weight? Although most would think a strengthening program would be the sole prescription, cardiovascular exercise is recommended to keep your body working efficiently. A person in this situation should perform cardio only 2 – 3 days a week, and for only 30 - 40 minutes.

Many of us are creatures of habit. We may work out regularly, but the program might consist of walking 5 days a week around our housing development for exactly 35 minutes. If this is the case, our workout may need a jump-start to keep things interesting. Try a fitness class that focuses on strengthening. Or, try a dance class. In addition to keeping us interested, variety in a fitness program "shocks the body." "Shocking the body" is the optimal way to get and to stay fit. Your body does adapt to the same fitness program you perform regularly. But, by performing a variety of activities (e.g. resistance-training, running, walking, swimming, stretching) you are constantly challenging your body.

If you are interested in finding out more how to either start or enhance your present exercise program, Get to the Core offers the following services:

• One-on-One Fitness Evaluations- a full exam including strength and flexibility testing, and body measurements; a fitness program is then designed, based on the client’s goals
  
  
• One-on-One Fitness Training- performed in a quiet, but motivating environment; ideal for those looking for a true challenge, and for those who may have a past injury or health condition that needs to be addressed when exercising. Training programs utilize a variety of equipment including Pilates, pulleys, balls, and more!
  
  
• Fitness Classes- On the Ball focuses on strength and flexibility using oversized exercise balls; Ultimate Core is an advanced cardio class that will challenge the best athlete; a variety of Specialty Classes are offered monthly, with guest instructors.
  
  
• Fitness Equipment - Oversized Exercise Balls and Resistive Bands so that you can perform your program at home or on the road
  
  
• Manual Therapy- after performing a tough exercise program, a sports massage is perfect to rid those muscles of any tightness or soreness