YMCA Participants Get Activated
By Christy Pagans Brudin
Americans have no problem saying “no” when it comes to exercise.
“I don’t have time.” “I’ve just never been fit.” “I’m not putting on spandex.” These are just a few of the endless excuses that are uttered every day by individuals who feel that achieving wellness is impossible.
What the average American doesn’t realize is that small steps can make a big difference, and that spandex is not required.
Through its Activate America initiative, the YMCA is proving that health and wellness are attainable. Activate America is the YMCA’s response to our nation’s growing health crisis caused by inactivity and poor diet.
According to the America on the Move Foundation, one of YMCA’s partners in the Activate America initiative, Americans can avoid weight gain by adding 2,000 steps (one mile) to their daily routine and removing 100 calories from their daily food intake.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is encouraging members to make these seemingly small changes and reap the rewards. In a culture obsessed with big results and dramatic reveals, YMCA members prove that you don’t have to be on a reality show to change your life.
Soraja – Building a Passion
A lifelong athlete, Soraja Lofstrom was unable to exercise during her pregnancy. “I had never been inactive for so long, and that was very hard for me,” she said.
After giving birth to her son, Soraja was ready to get back in shape. It took her a year to lose the pregnancy weight and regain her abdominal strength, but she finally did it. While strengthening her abs, Soraja found something unexpected: a new career.
Soraja was a professional handball player in her native Serbia, but she gave up the sport to attend law school. “I never really wanted to practice law,” she explained. “I just didn’t choose my passion.”
That all changed when Soraja joined YMCA Alexandria. “The personal trainers here reawakened a passion in me,” Soraja said. “I can’t really explain how it happened, but watching them, I could see myself as a personal trainer.”
With the help of several YMCA Alexandria staff members, Soraja passed her exam and is now a certified personal trainer.
Richard – Building a Healthy Lifestyle
“I’m healthier now than I have been in years,” said 62-year-old YMCA Potomac Overlook member Richard Vail. Richard remembers a time not so long ago when walking a block left him winded and taking his blood pressure medication was part of his daily routine.
At YMCA Potomac Overlook, Richard found an atmosphere that fit his style and staff who were willing to help a fitness novice. Now Richard walks about seven miles four times a week and does some light lifting. He’s also cut salt out of his diet and added plenty of fruits and vegetables and lots of water.
Even Richard seems surprised by the results of his efforts. “I had been on blood pressure medication for four or five years, and I have stopped taking it. I now have the blood pressure of a teenager,” he said.
Building Room to Move
Tips for Taking 2,000 More Steps Every Day
1. Walk around the parameter of the grocery store before starting to shop.
2. Go up and down the stairs to do laundry and other chores.
3. Move around while talking on the phone.
4. Get off the bus or train a stop early and walk.
5. Volunteer to walk dogs for an animal shelter.
Building a Healthy Diet
Tips for Cutting 100 Calories
1. Trim the fat off all meats before cooking.
2. Skim the fat off soups, stews and sauces before serving.
3. Always leave 3-4 bites on your plate.
4. When baking, use applesauce as a substitute for half or all of the oil in a recipe.
5. Control snack portions by placing individual servings on a plate or in a bowl. Never eat from the bag.
Tips adapted from America on the Move’s Web site. For more information, visit www.americaonthemove.org.
Get started now!
America On the Move Week with the YMCA is September 20-27, and there's no better time than now to get started on achieving your health and fitness goals at the Y. Click here to learn more about our membership options and to find the branch closest to you.
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