Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - North Mississippi - (Page 39)

R OWN PACE. GO AT YOU YOU NEED ONLY COMPETE AGAI NST YOURSELF. GYMTIMIDATION #4: GYMTIMIDATION #5: EVERYBODY IN THE GROUP CLASSES ALREADY KNOWS WHAT THEY’RE DOING. Group classes are a great beneﬁt to joining a gym. “It’s a social environment that’s not all that social,” Pire says. “You have the group dynamic and energy without having to talk much.” Some gyms offer classes geared toward beginners. But even if they don’t, never fear. Everyone in the room started out just like you did. “Go up to the instructor before class begins and let them know it’s your ﬁrst time,” Blanck advises. He or she will give you the attention and assistance you need. Also, be sure to have realistic expectations. “It’s OK to only keep up with about 50 percent of the moves your ﬁrst class,” Blanck says. Follow along as best you can, and keep coming back. You’ll get more acquainted with each visit, and soon, you’ll be the one helping the beginners. JOINING A GYM IS A BIG COMMITMENT. I DON’T WANT TO INVEST IN A MEMBERSHIP I END UP NOT USING. Plenty of perfectly good gym memberships go unused each year. Making a monthly payment motivates some, but for others, the automatic withdrawal becomes a source of animosity. Only you can decide into which category you’ll fall. But, again, doing your research is key. Find the right club, and you’ll be more likely to stick with your workout regimen. Most gyms offer a trial membership. Or ask to go month-to-month. “Find an environment that’s conducive to someone just starting out,” Pire recommends. “Keep in mind that every health club wants you as a member. But if the salesperson is experienced, professional and empathetic, they’ll want you to be comfortable with your commitment.” Vim & Vigor · SPRI NG 2012 PHOTOGRAPHY © OCEAN/CORBIS IMAGES 39

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - North Mississippi

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - North Mississippi
Opening Thoughts
Building Healthier Hearts
Young at Heart
Caring for the Little Ones
Get Real
How Far We’ve Come
Patient Survival Guide
Perfect Attendance
Jennifer Hudson, Grammy-winning recording artist
Lean on Me
Intimidated by the Gym?
What Is Your Volunteer Style?
A Prescription for Relief
Virtual Health
SPECIAL You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby
Get Heart Healthy!
Growing Stronger
The Doctor Will See You Now
Catch the Spirit

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - North Mississippi