Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Parrish Medical Center - (Page 27)

and great for stress management and anxiety,” she says. There are many types of yoga, though, so do some research to find the right one for your ﬁtness abilities. Form vs. Function The more you delve into exercise, the more you hear about the need for “proper form.” But does it really matter? “The lower intensity you’re doing, the less it matters, whether it’s light body-weight stuff or a walking program,” says Jessica Schwartz, general manager of Parrish Health & Fitness Center. But form becomes more important when you ratchet up the intensity—say in moving from walking to running—and in many strength-training exercises. In fact, receiving proper instruction is the most important thing you can do for yourself before starting on a new exercise regimen or new equipment. Proper form helps you stay healthy and injury-free. All Parrish Health & Fitness Center members can meet with someone on the fitness staff for a complimentary “quick start” appointment to get set up on equipment and learn proper form. ROCK STAR At this level, you’re not looking for your big ﬁtness break: You’ve already found it. But now you’re addicted to the action and occasionally ﬁnd yourself looking for a new ﬁtness “high.” Look no further. AEROBIC AND STRENGTH TRAINING: The concept of extreme ﬁtness challenges for serious exercisers is on the rise, says McCall, who participates in a few of the high-energy exertions himself. Urban challenges and adventure races that pack more demanding elements than a typical marathon are growing in popularity, as are military-style mud runs. “Mud runs put you through obstacles that Marines use as part of their training,” McCall says. “There are also Marine Corps training facilities where drill instructors are more than willing to provide the ‘encouragement’ that you need.” Muddy Buddy races are similarly grueling feats of ﬁtness, where teams of two or three people mountain bike and run together. “These events offer ways to work with someone else, have a training goal, and do something fun and out of the ordinary,” McCall says. FLEXIBILITY: If you’re already taking the rest of your routine to the extreme, chances are you’re warmed up and limber. To change things up, try a more intense yoga class, such as Ashtanga (“power yoga”) or Bikram, which is performed in a heated room. However you decide to round out your routine, McCall advises making it ﬁt who you are and where you are today. onlIne Go to parrishhealthandfitness.com and read about the wide variety of fitness classes and programs available for the entire family, including aquatics classes and cycling. Sign Up for a Fitness Class Today Vim & Vigor · FAL L 2011 27 http://www.parrishhealthandfitness.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Parrish Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Parrish
Contents
Tasty Tips
Opening Thoughts
Community Calendar
Don't Be a Drowsy Driver
The Art of Nursing
Healthy Hues
The New Survivors
First (Aid) Things First
Find Your Groove
A Healthy Tune
Stay in Circulation
'X' Marks the Spot
Pregnancy Predictors
Play It Safe
What's New?
A Walking, Talking Fitness Billboard
Community Health
Special Foundation Focus
Ask the Expert

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Parrish Medical Center