Search Weight Loss Topics:

Page 174«..1020..173174175176..180190..»

Home » Exercise Programs » Page 174

2. Ouch! Something hurts.

Pain is typically the bodys way of signaling a problem so you can quickly address whatever's causing it and protect yourself from further harm. There are two general types of pain: acute and chronic. Acute pain is the result of a single or immediate trauma, like a sprained ankle. Chronic pain is the persistence of pain even after the normal amount of healing time (weeks or months depending on the problem). The low back is a common site for chronic pain.

In terms of exercising, acute pain is always a warning sign to stop. Sharp, intense pain and/or sudden swelling are often associated with acute trauma. Any attempts to push through these sensations during a workout will only exacerbate the problem and delay healing. Chronic pain, on the other hand, is treated quite differently. In fact, physical activity and exercise programs are increasingly recommended for various types of chronic pain. Check with your doctor or health care provider for physical-activity recommendations.

One last thing about pain: Working out may cause myriad sensations (elevated heart rate, rapid breathing, heavy sweating, shakiness and fatigue, and even muscle burning). As uncomfortable as these sensations may be, they generally do not qualify as pain and are accepted as part of physical exertion.

Read the rest here:
5 Signs You Shouldn't Try to Push Through a Workout - Greatist

Lisa Espina, Gina Marie Mazzeo, Ashley Pagelow, Pam Tanki, Krista Aslanian and Morgan Toriello.

Five teams comprised of over 40 runners, walkers and cheerleaders, participated in the Downtown Westfield Pizza Run on July 26and raised over $15,000 in the process.

This was our most successful run yet, said Kathy Vergel, Imagine Development Director. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who participated.All of the money raised from the Pizza Run goes towards funding and sustaining our peer support programs which are completely free to families for as long as they need.

Imagine would also like to thank Keller Williams of Westfield, which hosted the Pizza Run After Party for Imagine race participants, friends and family and their local agents and staff.

Sign Up for E-News

This is the third year they have done this for us, said Mary Robinson, executive director, and we couldnt be more grateful. In fact theyve been supporting us since we first opened our doors in Westfield, providing us with free office space before we had a home of our own.

Imagine provides free year-round peer support groups for children age 3-18 who have had a parent or sibling die, with concurrent groups for parents and guardians. Free support groups are also available for young adults 18 and up who have had a friend, sibling or parent die. Imagine also provides in-home support and support groups for children and teens who have a family member living with a life-altering physical illness. For more information about Imagine, come for a tour offered three times a month.Tour dates can be found by visiting their website at http://www.imaginenj.org or contact info@imaginenj.org or 908-264-3100.

Continued here:
Imagine Raises Over $15K at Downtown Westfield Pizza Run - TAPinto.net

The truth is that no medication or supplement even comes close to exercise for being able to do so much for so many people -- or probably ever will.

While we've all heard that regular exercise can improve heart health and strengthen muscles, it can also enhance the quality of your life in a number of ways. Five such benefits may surprise you.

Researchers aren't sure why, but they suspect that physical activity may help by affecting body temperature, metabolic rate, heart rate or anxiety level, among other things.

Of course, everyone is different, so it's possible that nighttime exercise may make it harder for you to sleep. But the only way to know is to try. You may be pleasantly surprised at what a little pre-bedtime sweat can do for your sleep.

Fewer colds

You may have heard fitness buffs claim that they never get sick. This may seem like baseless -- not to mention annoying -- boasting, but there is scientific truth to it. Numerous studies have linked regular exercise to a lower risk of colds.

Research in animals and humans suggests that exercise chases away colds by boosting the immune system. At the same time, very intense activities may suppress immunity by increasing levels of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline.

Though this is a potential issue for elite athletes or people who do marathons or triathlons, the level of activity among most exercisers -- even if it's vigorous -- is far more likely to keep colds at bay than bring them on.

Healthier eyes

When you hear about a connection between exercise and eyesight, maybe you picture those eye exercise programs that promise to sharpen your vision. But that's not what we're talking about. Instead of moving your eyes, the idea is to move your feet.

Scientists aren't sure why exercise protects against cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. One possibility is that it reduces inflammation, which is associated with both conditions.

Cataracts and AMD have also been linked to risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including elevated blood sugar and triglycerides, which regular exercise can improve. Further, some research suggests that people who are overweight or obese are more prone to cataracts and AMD, so physical activity may help by preventing weight gain.

Enhanced hearing

Exercise may protect against hearing loss by improving blood flow to the cochlea, the snail-shaped structure in the inner ear that converts sound waves into nerve signals that are sent to the brain. What's more, it may prevent the loss of neurotransmitters, which carry those signals between nerve cells. Exercise may also help by reducing the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, both of which are linked to hearing loss.

Of course, blasting music into your ears while you exercise could have the opposite effect and do damage to your hearing. Noise-canceling headphones are a good option because they reduce the need to turn up your music as much. But don't use them while exercising on a busy road. By being unaware of approaching traffic, you could be subjecting yourself to a risk far more serious than loud music.

Better bathroom habits

A urinary problem familiar to many middle-aged and older men is nocturia, the need to get up more than once a night to pee. Often, the cause is an enlarged prostate, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. Exercise can help prevent nocturia or reduce its severity.

Exercise helps by decreasing transit time. That's how long it takes food to move through the digestive tract -- not, as it sounds, the amount of time it takes to get to work. Alas, a shorter commute is one benefit that exercise may not have -- unless, of course, biking to work is faster for you than driving in heavy traffic.

Follow this link:
Benefits of exercise: Better hearing, less constipation - CNN - CNN

The Lake Bluff Park District plans to send out a survey by mid-August as part of an effort aimed at finding out what services and programs should be offered.

In particular, the Park District would like to increase membership at its Health and Fitness Center.

"We've seen some downward financial trends in the last three to five years," said Ron Salski, executive director. "Exercise classes, personal training and the fitness center."

The Park District, which is financially independent of the village, has an annual operating budget of about $5.6 million per year. Of that, a little over 40 percent comes from tax revenue, Salski said. The rest is from user fees.

Survey results are expected back in the first week of September, Salski said. Those results will go to a strategy team composed of park district staff and four residents. The strategy team will propose next steps and present its recommendations to the Park District Board of Commissioners.

Salski doesn't know why membership at the fitness center has varied, although he speculates it might be due to an aging population or increased competition.

"We're trying to figure out what the best services and programs are to offer the community," Salski said.

In 2010, the annual membership at the Health and Fitness Center was 858, according to the district. Membership recently peaked at 1,064 in 2012 and declined to 720 in 2015.

Al Boese of Lake Bluff describes himself as a fan of the Health and Fitness Center, 355 W. Washington Avenue, which he visits almost every morning for its Silver-Fit class. He recently participated in a focus group aimed at soliciting suggestions for improvements.

"This is a very, very high value proposition," Boese said. "It's a great value because of the facility and its programs. The staff is very professional. It's a nice facility that could be busier from the standpoint of membership. The facility is underutilized in the times I go there."

Boese speculates that many residents of the Lake Bluff are unaware of the Health and Fitness Center or the variety of programs it offers.

"I think more open houses would be useful and some sort of public relations program to expand awareness," Boese said.

mlawton@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter: @reporterdude

Read the original post:
Lake Bluff Park District looks to boost declining fitness center membership - Chicago Tribune

The Summit Area YMCA works to support individuals of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to lead healthy lives. For those recovering from cancer treatment, getting back on track can be difficult. The Berkeley Heights YMCAs Cancer Recovery Exercise Program helps to revitalize and rebuild a healthier you. This 6 week program offers a small group setting with exercise programs tailored to your specific needs as well providing a comfortable and supportive environment. Meet new friends and begin the journey to recovery!

Program is taught by Carol Michaels, the founder and creator of Recovery Fitness, an exercise program designed to help cancer patients recover from surgery and treatments. Carol is a trailblazing figurehead within the health and fitness industry and has been a Cancer Exercise Specialist, Consultant and fitness professional for more than 20 years.

This class will use exercises that are gentle, fun and effective including rehabilitative stretches and strength training using light weights and tubing. Lymphedema, neuropathy, and osteoporosis issues will be addressed as will posture and balance. Cardio and impact exercise will not be included in this class.

Sign Up for E-News

WHERE: Berkeley Heights YMCA, 550 Springfield Ave, Berkeley Heights NJ

WHEN: Mondays, September 18-November 13

TIME: 1:00PM-2:00PM

COST: Free-Members/$40- Nonmembers

Registration is required. To sign up, please visit http://www.thesay.org or contact Lisa McQuilkin at (908)464-8373 Ext. 2026 or lisa.mcquilkin@thesay.org.

As a non-profit, the Summit Area YMCAs mission is to support families by building a strong community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Better individuals make for a better community, a better us.

The Summit Area YMCA is one of areas leading 501c3 organizations. Through the generosity of our members, donors, and partners, our programs and services are open to all regardless of financial circumstance. To strengthen your community and provide others with the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive, make your tax-deductible donation today at http://www.theSAY.org/give.

Read the original here:
Cancer Recovery Exercise Program Offered Through Summit Area YMCA - TAPinto.net

Bay Net

'It's Never Too Late to Start' Bay Net Weirich received a computer printout of her results and a personalized exercise program. CSM is an excellent community resource for the facilities and training expertise that Weirich sought, Pomponio explained, describing the pools at the La Plata and ...

Read more:
'It's Never Too Late to Start' - Bay Net

Women work on strengthening their core abdominal muscles in Leah Keller's exercise class for new moms, inside a San Francisco clothing store called Monkei Miles. Talia Herman for NPR hide caption

Women work on strengthening their core abdominal muscles in Leah Keller's exercise class for new moms, inside a San Francisco clothing store called Monkei Miles.

I admit it. I have a "mummy tummy," also known as "mommy pooch." You know, that soft, jelly belly you retain after having a baby it makes you look a few months pregnant.

I've tried to convince myself that the pooch is a valiant badge of motherhood, but who am I kidding? The pooch bothers me. And it turns out it's been causing me back pain.

So when I hear that a fitness coach and doctor have come up with a technique that can flatten the pooch quickly and easily, I think, "Why not?"

A few weeks, later I'm rolling out a yoga mat with a dozen other moms and pregnant women in San Francisco.

"We will see a dramatic change," says Leah Keller, who leads the class. "You can easily expect to see 2 inches off your waist in three weeks of time," Keller says. "That's not an unrealistic expectation."

We had patients that were even one year out from giving birth, and they still had such great benefit from the exercises."

Dr. Geeta Sharma, OB-GYN, Weill-Cornell Medical Center

Decked out in purple yoga pants and leather cowboy boots, Keller is a personal trainer from New York City. She has developed an exercise that allegedly shrinks the mommy pooch.

There's science to back up the method, she says.

"A doctor at Weill Cornell and I did a study on the exact same program we're going to do," Keller says. "And we found 100 percent of women achieved full resolution."

Keller measures the separation in a student's abdominal muscles using her fingers as a guide. Talia Herman for NPR hide caption

Keller measures the separation in a student's abdominal muscles using her fingers as a guide.

OK! Wait a second. Two inches off my belly in three weeks? That sounds too good to be true. I decide to do a little digging into the science of mummy tummy and Keller's claim.

Putting the six-pack back together

It turns out the jelly belly actually has a medical term: diastasis recti, which refers to a separation of the abdominal muscles.

And it's quite common. Last year, a study from Norway reported about a third of moms end up with diastasis recti a year after giving birth.

"This is such a ubiquitous issue," says Dr. Geeta Sharma, an OB-GYN at Weill Cornell Medical Center-New York Presbyterian Hospital.

And it's not just a cosmetic problem. Diastasis recti can cause another big issue for new moms: lower back pain.

"People can start feeling some back pain because the core is weakened," Sharma says.

During pregnancy, the abdominal muscles responsible for a "six pack" stretch apart (left) to accommodate a growing fetus. After birth, the muscles don't always bounce back, leaving a gap known as the mommy pooch.

There's a simple way to see if you have diastasis recti:

In rare occasions, the tissue in the abdomen isn't just stretched, but it is also torn a bit. This can cause a hernia, Sharma says.

"If there's a defect in a layer of tissue called the linea alba, then the bowel can poke through," Sharma says. "That's going to be more dangerous."

A hernia may require surgery. "So I will refer patients to a general surgeon to have a C.T. scan if there's really a true concern about a hernia," Sharma says.

Diastasis recti arises during pregnancy because the growing fetus pushes the abdominal muscles apart specifically the rectus abdominal muscles.

"These are the muscles that give you a 'six pack,' " says Dr. Linda Brubaker, an OB-GYN at the University of California, San Diego. "People think these muscles go horizontal across the belly. But they actually go vertical from head to toe."

The rectus abdominal muscles should be right next to each other, on either side of the belly button, Brubaker says. "There shouldn't be much of gap between them."

But during pregnancy a gap opens up between the muscles, right around the belly button. Sometimes that gap closes on its own, but other times it stays open.

That leaves a spot in the belly where there's very little muscle to hold in your stomach and other organs, a spot that can be one to two inches wide. That lets the organs and overlying tissue bulge out and cause mommy pooch.

To flatten the area, women have to get those abdominal muscles to realign. And that's where the exercises come into play.

If you search online for ways to fix diastasis recti, you'll turn up a deluge of exercise routines, all claiming to help coax the abdominal muscles back together.

But the quality of much of that information isn't good, Brubaker says. "Some of it is actually potentially harmful."

Even some exercises aimed at strengthening the abdomen can exacerbate diastasis recti, says Keller, including simple crunches.

"You have to be very careful," she says. "For example, please don't ever again in your life do crossover crunches or bicycle crunches. They splay your abs apart in so many ways."

That said, there are a few exercise programs for diastasis recti that many doctors and physical therapists support. These include the Tupler Technique, Keller's Dia Method and the MuTu System in the U.K.

Most such courses, taught once a week for an hour in New York, San Francisco and at least a few other places, tend to run about four to 12 weeks and cost around $100 to $300. Some places offer online classes and videos, which are much less expensive.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also recommends abdominal exercises for the perinatal period. But the organization's guidelines don't provide details such which exercises work best, or how often women should do them and for how long.

Plus, ACOG focuses more on preventing diastasis than fixing the problem; it recommends strengthening the abdomen before and during pregnancy.

Keller (right) checks a student's progress after the the final class. The fitness coach worked with an OB-GYN from Weill Cornell Medicine to standardize and evaluate her exercise program, which primarily targets abdominal muscles. Talia Herman for NPR hide caption

"The best way is prevention," says Dr. Raul Artal, an OB-GYN at St. Louis University, who helped ACOG write its exercise guidelines for the perinatal period. "The best way to do that is to exercise during pregnancy."

But, as Sharma, the Cornell OB-GYN, points out, no one has really vigorously studied these various exercises to see if they actually fix diastasis recti.

"There's a general knowledge that exercise is going to help," Sharma says. "But no one has really tested them in a standardized way."

In fact, the few studies that have been done haven't been high enough quality to draw conclusions, researchers in Australia concluded a few years ago.

Sharma hopes to change that. A few years ago, she teamed up with Keller to start to gather some evidence on her technique.

"We did a pilot study to see if the method is helpful for women," Sharma says.

The study was small just 63 women. But the results were quite promising. After 12 weeks of doing Keller's exercise 10 minutes a day all the women had fixed their diastasis recti, Sharma and Keller reported at ACOG's annual meeting few years ago.

"We had patients that were even one year out from giving birth, and they still had such great benefit from the exercises," Sharma says. "We love to see that there is something we can do to help women."

The key exercise is typically performed while sitting crossed-legged, standing up or on all fours. But during Keller's four-week class, she teaches many versions of the exercises. Here Tania Higham (left) and Maeve Clancy, do a version laying on their backs. Talia Herman for NPR hide caption

The key exercise is typically performed while sitting crossed-legged, standing up or on all fours. But during Keller's four-week class, she teaches many versions of the exercises. Here Tania Higham (left) and Maeve Clancy, do a version laying on their backs.

Now Sharma says she's working to put together a larger study to really nail down when the exercise works and how well.

Tight and tighter

Back at the class in San Francisco, Keller is taking us moms through the key exercise. It's surprisingly simple to do.

"The exercise is a very small, very intense movement. That's almost imperceptible," Keller says. "OK. We're going to do another set."

Sitting on the floor cross-legged, with our hands on our bellies, we all take a big breath. "Let the belly fully expand," Keller says.

And then as we exhale, we suck in our belly muscles as far back as they'll go, toward the spine. "Now we're going to stay here near the spine. Hold this position," she says.

Then we take tiny breaths. With each exhale, we push our stomachs back further and further.

"Tight, tighter," Keller chants, rhythmically.

You can do the exercise in several different positions, Keller says: sitting crossed-legged, sitting on your knees, standing with knees slightly bent, on all fours or laying on your side in the fetal position.

The key is to be sure your back is flat. And that you do the exercise 10 minutes each day, changing positions every two minutes or so. For the rest of the time, your belly is pulled all the way back into the spine.

"The fingertips on the bellybutton are really important for this reason," she says. "So you know that you're squeezing tight, tighter with the belly, and you're never bulging the bellybutton forward."

This is our fourth week of class, and we've been doing this same exercise on our own every day for at least 10 minutes. So it's judgement day. Time to see if we've flattened our bellies and resolved the diastasis recti.

Keller pulls out a measuring tape and starts wrapping it around women's middles. She also has us lie down on the floor, so she can measure the separation in our abdominal muscles.

One by one, there's success after success. Several moms completely closed up their abdominal separations. Many lost inches from their bellies.

One woman had amazing results. "Oh my goodness, you lost nearly four inches from your belly circumference," Keller exclaims. "That's amazing!"

How did I fare? Well, after three weeks, I didn't completely close up the abdominal separation. My separation decreased from 1.2 inches to 0.8 inches.* But I did drop more than an inch from my belly circumference.

And I am quite happy with the results. My abs are definitely firmer. And regularly doing this exercise brought a bonus benefit: My lower back pain has almost completely gone away.

*I continued to do the exercises after the class had finished. I checked with in Keller three weeks later to have her measure my diastasis recti. At that point, the separation had dropped down to 0.6 inches, which meant technically I no longer have diastasis recti.

See more here:
Flattening The Post-Pregnancy Belly In 10 Minutes Of Daily Exercise ... - NPR

A canceled water aerobics class recently led to me and a group of friends sharing coffee and learning about each other.

I was really moved by the story told by Marilyn Woelke of Bettendorf. I've been swimming with her for three years, but didn't really know her. During our chat, I was intrigued by her passion to help others by starting support groups for caregivers dealing with people who have Alzheimers and Parkinsons diseases.

That passion wasn't sparked by a personal connection. I have no family members with the disease, she said.

The former high school English teacher and former editor of the Geneseo Republic went back to school to become a gerontologist. She worked for the Moline programs Alternatives for the Older Adult for 14 years and Intouch Adult Day Center for six years.

During those 20 years, I came in contact with several wonderful people and their caregivers who deal with Parkinson's disease, she said. It is a difficult disease to understand, and there is no cure. Support groups are a valuable resource for them.

Parkinsons disease is a chronic and progressive neurological disorder that gradually damages the brain. Symptoms of the disease include shaking, tremors, muscle stiffness and slowness. As the disease progresses, cognitive and behavioral problems occur.

As a gerontologist and certified dementia specialist, Ms. Woelke leads two support groups, one for Alzheimer's disease and one for Lewy body dementia, which is closely related to Parkinsons.

Last year, she was asked by people at Active Day of Moline, a senior day-care center, to also start a Parkinson's group. I know how much support groups can help people, especially family caregivers, so I accepted the challenge, she said. "The group remains small, and therefore I am doing a special boost right now to increase its size.

Marilyn connected with Jennifer Taylor, healthy lifestyles coordinator for Two Rivers YMCA in Moline, to spread the word on the importance of Parkinsons support groups and programs like the new Parkinsons and Exercise program at Two Rivers YMCA.

The program is designed to empower people with Parkinsons disease by optimizing their physical functions and helping to delay the progression of symptoms. Jennifer said research in the area of Parkinsons disease indicates that exercise has been shown to improve self-confidence and independence, decrease the risk of falls, minimize fatigue, reduce rigidity and improve mobility.

The Parkinsons and Exercise program is geared specifically to counteract the movement challenges experienced by people with Parkinsons, Jennifer said. Individuals with other neurological conditions are also welcome to join the class.

Classes meet monthly and participants may join at any time.

Jennifer said she hopes to work with Marilyn to increase awareness of the disease. Both women hope to increase participation in the exercise program and support groups. Jennifer will be a speaker at the October meeting of the Western Illinois Parkinson's Support Group.

Martha Garcia is a writer, communications instructor and bilingual marketing professional who lives in Bettendorf. She can be contacted at marthagarciawriter@yahoo.com.

Read more here:
Support group, exercise program help Parkinson's patients - Quad-Cities Online

As a cosmopolitan city and capital of the state of California, Sacramento remains active and hip with an eclectic selection of health and fitness activities, alongside a vast community of arts and entertainment. With vast open spaces and an abundance of trees, perfect for outdoor activities, Sacramento is a prime example of the wonderful extent a historic city could retain in modern times.

One can find motivation to stay active throughout the city with several gyms and fitness centers offering a variety of fitness programs for all ages and body types, including HIIT, yoga, kickboxing and dance.

Below, we have compiled some of the most popular fitness programs in the area, with a focus on having fun.

For those looking for blood-pumping routines that are serious, yet fun, you can find a Les Mills exercise class in Sacramento. You can choose from 20 different exercise class programs to fit your style and condition. If you want to be lean and effectively burn unwanted fats, Les Mills is known for its HIIT workouts. Get leaner muscles and a stronger constitution with Bodypump or improve your cardio fitness with cycle-based workout, RPM. Les Mills Bodyflow helps boost your strength and flexibility, but if you are more into dance moves, you will be delighted with Bodyjam. If you are into martial arts, enhance your physical training and fighting moves with Bodycombat.

Workout programs at Les Mills are all set to heart-pumping music so you will feel like you are on the dance floor instead of sweating out inside a gym. The instructors are excellent and the programs are based on innovative research.

For those whose workout routines are more inconsistent, Robles Fitness provides a variety of levels of fitness, whether you want to work out religiously or take it a bit easy. You will definitely find workout mates to give you support from this fitness centers family-like environment, while trainers are always pushing you to your limit. You can choose boot camp or personalized training six times a week.

The programs focus on two-muscle-groups-a-day makes it easy to complete the target muscle groups tailored to your fitness level. The aim here is to challenge yourself, you versus you.

Improve your flexibility and tone, while increasing the strength of your core muscles and gaining muscular control and balance at U Barre. The center offers Pilates, Buti Yoga and barre exercises that are truly wonderful ways to stretch and flex your entire muscular system. Get ready for some upbeat fun and classical moves with a twist. Although many women go for these types of exercise routines, they are great for men as well.

If you associate yoga to movements that seem to flow gently and smoothly, prepare to be amazed with Buti Yoga, which is a combination of vinyasa-style yoga, plyometrics, primal movements and tribal dance, set to thumping music.

For those looking for more strenuous exercise programs, such as kickboxing and boxing, sign up for classes at Fitness Rangers. Boxing and kickboxing tone the muscles of your lower and upper body, which will help increase your flexibility, improve circulation, coordination, balance and heart rate. These workouts are great stress relievers and perfect for full body workout. At the same time, you learn how to defend yourself.

Fitness Rangers also offer various workout programs for groups and children, as well as help in planning your nutrition. There are personal and corporate training, too. Parents with kids need not worry as the gym provides childcare upon prior arrangement.

If dancing motivates you to exercise, Step 1 Dance and Fitness has a variety of programs for you. There are programs for children, youth, teens and adults. The instructors come from various performance-based dance disciplines, so you can choose from a list of dance/fitness classes. Tap dancing is offered to beginners and those who want to get more extensive training.

For people who want to veer away from choreographed dances, join a Zumba class or a Fierce Funk class for cardio exercises. If you want to feel cool and trendy, there are hip-hop classes as well.

Photo courtesy of Amanda Mills

See Full Calendar >>

Visit link:
Get Fit with 5 of Sacramento's Top Fitness Programs - The Sacramento Press

Doctors often remind us that good nutrition and exercise are necessities for a healthy lifestyle, but stress, being overweight and conditions such as arthritis might make it difficult to get into a fitness routine.

Davenports Parks and Recreation department offers the opportunity for the community to move more through its Walk in the Park program, made possible with a grant through the National Recreation and Park Association and the Centers for Disease Control.

The Walk in the Park program also helped launch Walk with Ease, a program that helps people with arthritis to get active, and Walk with a Doc, which promotes dialogue between community members and area physicians.

We are always excited to utilize the parks in unique ways, says parks director Scott Hock. This is another venue to use our parks and help others work on lifelong initiatives for better health.

Recreation supervisor Sherrie Fischer, who helps facilitate Walk in the Park, says the program helps people stay on track and exercise. It helps (people) get into a routine and maybe makes them more accountable," she says.

Dr. Cheryl True, who assists with the walking program and facilitates the Walk with a Doc program, says the programs promote weight loss, endurance and self-confidence. The walks help people who may need a structured program be social, and they dont have to do this alone.

The national Walk with a Doc launched in April 2005, in Columbus, Ohio. Cardiologist David Sabgir wanted to raise awareness about the importance of physical fitness. Many of Sabgir's patients werent exercising, and he was seeing a dramatic increase in the number of people with heart disease.

Last fall, True introduced the program in the Quad-Cities.

Our mission is to connect you with a nearby health-care practitioner who can provide the support and guidance needed for your long-term success, True says. It is a chance to open the doors of communication that normally would not happen in a clinical setting.

True is a board-certified family practitioner who left traditional medicine to become a plant-based doctor. Shecreated a partnership with various local doctors and veterinarians for Walk with a Doc to promote fitness and connect people with area health-care providers in a laid-back setting where participants could ask questions about trending health issues.

When you become a member of small collaborative groups, there is much more interest to improve yourself, True says. We want people to eat less, eat healthy, move more and sleep more, and through this program, we can learn from each other.

Fischer says the Walk in the Park program has become very popular.

With its success, we hope to make it available year round, she says. People feel better, move more with less pain, and know that there is always someone waiting for them to walk with.

Radish magazine is a monthly publication that focuses on healthy living. It's available for free at many area outlets, including Hy-Vee stores.

See the original post:
One foot in front of the other: Davenport walking programs open doors to healthier lifestyles - Quad-Cities Online

Page 174«..1020..173174175176..180190..»

Home » Exercise Programs » Page 174