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Spring a time to re-evaluate health

Spring officially starts tomorrow! New beginnings are everywhere.
16819summerlandSwimmers
Aquasize class participants Lynn and Anne are among the many Summerlanders enrolled in classes and programs through the recreation department.

Spring officially starts tomorrow! New beginnings are everywhere.

It’s a good time to re-evaluate what you are doing for your health.

Is your plan working? Are you happy? Is there something more or better you could be doing?

Our Spring 2015 Recreation Guide came out on March 3 and you can view it online at www.summerland.ca or pick up your own copy at the Recreation Centre.

While browsing the Guide, see what programming catches your eye. Is there something you have always wanted to do but haven’t yet?

In choosing a class, my advice is to pick something you’ll be committed to attend — because it’s fun or the challenge is attractive to you.

To add motivation recruit a friend to take it with you. Goals are most often attained when you enjoy the process, and friends help with the fun factor.

Remember, there’s no better time to begin than the present.

Here are five tips for improved health

o Diversify - Not just advice for finances. Our body can quickly adapt to a routine exercise regime. Switching up your fitness class, trying a new activity, challenging your brain and body to grow stronger is the best way to create positive change. Try one of our new classes to expand your horizons: Fit and Fabulous, Pilates, Yoga, Zumba or Guided Imagery.

o Quality vs. Quantity. The World Health Organization recommends adults get at least 150 minutes/week of moderate intensity aerobic activity. However if your work-life schedule is too restrictive, know that working out in a higher intensity for whatever time you might have may be enough to create or maintain positive change.

o Add it up! You may find that you can get smaller bits of time for activity throughout a day – and it all counts! Leave the car in the driveway and enjoy the walk for your errands. It may take much longer, but you’ll feel better for it. If possible, walk the kids to school and back. Sign up for a new class – it will help increase the commitment and frequency of your activity.

o Improve your Flexibility. It is the key to injury prevention, range of motion and utilizing your full strength. Stretching is one of the last things people make time for but it may be the difference maker in improving your quality of life and physical well-being. Try taking a Yoga class, Pilates class, or adding 15 minutes to your workout specifically for flexibility work.

o Breathe. Often we focus so much on fitness and working out, that we forget that one of the biggest health indicators is our level of stress. Breathing through your exercises is also important. Breathe. Make the time. Enjoy.

Scheduling in more “Me Time” is critical for your health. Try something new. Book a class you enjoy – dance, art, cooking, tennis, fitness or aquasize to name a few.

Joanne Malar is the program coordinator for Summerland Recreation, three-time Olympic swimmer, 2012 Olympic commentator, kinesiologist and holistic nutritionist.