By Mark Abromaitis
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE
If you’re like most Americans, you may have put on a few pounds over the past couple of months. Statistics for how much weight the average American gains during the end-of-the-year festivities vary from one pound to ten.
But there’s nothing to worry about says Maris Grove Wellness Specialist John O’Donnell. He recommends doing any little bit of exercise you can to get back in shape. Whether you join a local fitness center or start taking daily walks, the best advice is common sense.
“We see people who come in at the start of every year with new sneakers and new workout clothes, and then we only see them once or twice. But it’s not that hard to live a healthier lifestyle,” he says. “Remember that every little bit of exercise you do helps. And if you plan on going to a gym or doing something less formal, keep in mind that consistency is key.”
Start slow
“Don’t be overwhelmed,” O’Donnell says. “You don’t want to lose a ton of weight overnight,” he says. “We try to always start slow, and set realistic, attainable goals. There is always time to grow those goals.”
And O’Donnell says if you start a new fitness regimen, be sure to keep it well rounded. “You’ll see the best results if you do a little bit of everything. Do a little cardio and a little of the weights, and then throw in some stretching and a healthy diet.”
O’Donnell says many residents at Maris Grove prefer to work out in the community’s state of the art fitness center. “From the treadmills to the recumbent bicycles, we find that every person who works out here has their favorites.”
Technique is everything
But it’s extremely important to use the right technique. “Make sure you’re doing the exercises the right way,” he says. “We always help our residents do the exercises properly to ensure that they don’t hurt themselves, and if you do the exercises correctly, you can also get the most out of a workout.”