Best Fitness Blog

...By Karli Taylor

According to a recent study conducted by the YMCA of America, 74 percent of children ages 5-10 get less than an hour of exercise every day. The majority of parents surveyed blamed financial hardship, technology and lack of time for the decline of youth fitness. In my opinion, there are a few things wrong with this explanation.

First of all, technology costs money. Computers and video games are expensive. A lot more expensive than a pair of sneakers to wear outside to play. Not only do these things cost money, but they also take time to use.

If parents limited their child’s access to video games, television and the internet, not only would there be some money for extracurricular activities, but there would be plenty of time as well.

As parents and authority figures, have to set an example for our children through our own actions. Less than 20% of American adults are physically active 3 or more days a week. How do we expect our children to understand the importance of fitness if we do not practice what we preach? A child who grows up with parents who belong to a health club or a running group, who play in adult sporting leagues or participate in any regular physical activity will see this behavior as normal.

It’s understandable that in these financial times, parents have to work more to support a family. I won’t argue that point. What they do with their children during the valuable family time that they get, however, is the key to creating good habits that will be carried into adulthood. If a parent comes home from work every night only to sit on front of the television with the family, not only will there be no physical activity, but there will be very little meaningful interaction. Why not go for a walk as a family after dinner? Play a game of basketball in the driveway or wiffle ball in the back yard. Find anything physical that you can do as a family and commit to at least 2 nights a week. It’s not enough, but it’s a great start!

...By Karli Taylor

Even at a health club where sweating and heavy breathing and are perfectly acceptable, there are a surprising number of rules of etiquette that should be followed. Every club has their own specific code of conduct, but the following rules tend to be standard no matter where you choose to work out.

• Share and share alike. Do not sit on a machine while you rest between sets. Instead, stand up and let a fellow gym member alternate sets with you. If you're using a pair of dumbbells, place the weights on the floor in between sets so someone else can complete a set while you rest. If you are using something that takes a great deal of set-up (a squat rack for example), be courteous. If people are waiting, limit your rest time and do not perform extra sets.
• Clean up after yourself. After you finish using a bar, leave it completely empty. Put the weight plates back in the proper place. If you use dumbells, bring them back to their designated place when you are finished.
• Keep your volume down. While no one expects a gym to be silent, do try to respect the peace and quiet of your fellow members. Don't drop weights on the ground for no reason, don’t grunt or scream as you lift your weights, and keep your ipod volume to a level that does not force the rest of the gym floor to listen to your favorite songs.
• Keep your sweat to yourself. Carry a towel and wipe off any bench or machine you use. If you forget to bring a towel, use your sweatshirt or the paper towels provided by the club. If your club provides disinfectant spray, use it!
• Sip and go. Don't stand at the drinking fountain trying to catch your breath if there is a line forming behind you. Take a drink, and get back in line. If you have to fill up your bottle, let everyone else in line get a drink first- you will take longer than all of them combined.
• Use a locker. Do not carry your gym bag onto the floor. It not only takes up valuable space, but can also be a tripping hazard in between machines. Attach your locker keys to a wristband or to your water bottle if you do not have pockets.
• Hang it up. Unless you're waiting for an important call, it's recommended that you turn off your cellular phone at the gym. No one wants to hear your ringtone or your conversation while they try to run that last mile.
• Wear proper attire. Jeans or clothes with zippers and buttons can puncture seat coverings and tear mats and workboots are tough on treadmill belts and soft flooring. If it’s wet outside, please bring dry sneakers or wipe yours off sufficiently before tracking water through the gym- not only does it look bad, but it can rust equipment and create a dangerously slippery floor.