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 I am honored to be a part of this premier issue, as well as future issues of Chartiers Valley Magazine. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to share my knowledge with you. My business is located in this phenomenal area, and I believe that it is one of the best places to reside in Pittsburgh. You are an active crowd, and I would bet that a high percentage of you make exercise a huge part of your daily life. With a variety of choices for fitness in this area, there is truly fitness available for every “body.”
My main goal for this column is to energize, educate and motivate you to become more fit and healthy; feeling and looking better than ever. My hope is that if you are currently exercising, you will strive for new levels of fitness, and if you are a non-exerciser, you will start today – not tomorrow, today!
Studies indicate that one in two Americans are not active at a level that promotes health. In fact, health officials say lack of exercise is one of the nation’s most pressing health problems. Exercise is the best form of preventive medicine on the market. Nearly every day the newspapers report a new study touting the health benefits of regular exercise, which can prevent chronic health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity. This leaves no doubt that physical activity is essential to health and general well-being.
Despite their good intentions, most Americans fail to exercise regularly. Why? One reason is their preconceived notion of what a health club is like. Health clubs have made dramatic changes in the past five years. Most of today’s clubs are “people places,” attracting all shapes, sizes and ages with a wide range of interests, aspirations and fitness levels. This is where friendships develop, camaraderie flourishes and networking happens.
Being fit means more than being physically active. It also means taking care of your body by eating properly. Joining a health club will give you the added tools you need, including professionals who are experienced in exercise and nutrition.
Another reason many people cite for not exercising is lack of time. Don’t make this your excuse, because the people whom I see exercising most regularly lead very busy lives. We have time for anything if we put it at the top of our list.
Fitness Icon Jack LaLanne has little sympathy for those who say they have no time or energy for fitness. He says frankly, “If you can’t afford a half hour two or three times a week to care for your body, you’ve got to be sick.”
Remember, it’s not a matter of managing time – it’s a matter of managing priorities. Maybe it means getting up one hour earlier or simply re-evaluating your daily routine and deciding what can be bumped down on the priority list.
You know the benefits; now it’s time to get fit and reap the rewards – your health depends on it.
“What is it going to be – reasons or results?” ~Art Turock •
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