By Leigh Ann Rutledge
Accent Editor
January 24, 2012
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| Joe Bosh (left) gets instruction from Tiffany Jones on the proper technique to use the upper body strengthening machine. Bosh and Jones are exercise specialists at Aultman Fitness Center. |
According to the American Cancer Society, two-thirds of cancer deaths are due to lifestyle choices.
Research has proven everyone benefits from being active, regardless of age. People who are active are less stressed, live healthier lives and have lower medical costs. By increasing your daily physical activity, you will feel good, look better and save money.
Just being active for minutes a day can add years to your life.
But...are you too busy to be physically active? Do you think it would be too difficult?
Do you feel intimidated because you do not know how to work the exercise equipment or don’t know what an exercise program should consist of?
The Aultman Fitness Center and Carroll County YMCA offer options to create an exercise routine to fit your schedule and meet your expectations. Are you the independent type or do you need a personal trainer?
Aultman program geared to self-starters
If you are the independent type, who prefers to exercise on your own terms, Aultman Fitness Center may have what you are looking for. Located in the lower level of Aultman Carrollton, 1020 Trump Rd., Carrollton, the facility has a large variety of equipment divided into three areas. Treadmills, bicycles, elliptical machines and other cardiovascular equipment are located in the center of the 15,000 square foot health and wellness center. Cybrex strength training equipment line the outside area and a large free weight and group activity area is located on the left.
Joe Bosh and Tiffany Jones, exercise specialists at Aultman, are available to assist patrons with questions and instruct them on proper use of the equipment and proper form while using them. “When you join Aultman Fitness, you go through an orientation with us to learn the equipment,” they explained. “We go through a question and answer session to understand each person’s needs and what they hope to accomplish.” They work with beginners to create an individual independent program.
Both athletes, the specialists suggest 20-40 minutes of cardiovascular each day or at least three to four days a week. Strength training is also an important part of an exercise routine to keep major muscle groups strong. Strength training is the favorite part of both Joe and Tiffany’s routine. However, Tiffany said, “It seems to be the hardest part for people, especially women, to grasp, to realize they really need to incorporate it.”
“Cardiovascular activity is important,” noted Joe. “But I don’t think people do as much as they need or can handle.” Patrons and guests learn their “training heart rate” at orientation and are encouraged to reach that level and maintain it for a period of time for cardio benefits.
Visits should begin with stretching and warm-up and end with a cool down period. Injuries often happen due to poor technique and not warming up, according to Bosh and Jones.
How do you begin an exercise routine? “Be motivated and have a positive attitude,” they said. “Remember there are no quick fixes. Make a lifestyle change and incorporate it into your daily life.” They recommend starting off slow, maybe simply walking until it becomes a habit and then find activities, which are fun, anything that works to keep you moving.
“Consistency is the key,” said Jones. “We see people’s outlooks change once they start exercising. Change is a motivator. I say, ‘Anything is better than nothing’.”
One way to help make the lifestyle change is with an exercise partner, making fitness more enjoyable. “Everyone is different. You need to find what works for you,” said Bosh. “It doesn’t have to be negative where all you think is you have to lose weight. Make it fun and it will become part of your daily routine.”
Seniors, age 60+, can reap benefits by walking on the indoor walking track for free. A lot of seniors utilize the walking program, they noted. It is important for seniors to maintain their fitness and strength levels and all the equipment is available to seniors.
Bosh and Jones invite you “to be a guest for a day” and stop in and look at the Aultman Fitness Center. The Fitness Center is open Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday. For more information, call 330-627-6801.
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Brook Penrod (left), a personal trainer at Carroll County YMCA, works with Lisa Funkhouser of Carrollton on a lower body strength machine.
Funkhouser said, “Brook has so much energy and an unbelievable drive. You want to work hard because you don’t want to disappoint her.”
While her training can get “pretty intense” at times, Funkhouser said her stamina has improved and she runs three miles a day. |
YMCA trainer, instructors ready to provide assistance
Do you need that little boost of encouragement or direction to stay on the fitness trek?
If so, a personal trainer may be your answer. Brook Penrod of Dellroy, a certified personal trainer and group exercise instructor, works at the Carroll County YMCA. She is certified nationally through the American Fitness Aerobic Association.
As a personal trainer, she will work one-on-one with clients or work with couples. She will sit down and design a program with short and long term goals.
Penrod, an eight-year Army veteran, gave birth to her son in 2002 and was deployed to Iraq in January 2003. When she had down time in Iraq she began walking two miles, usually three times a day. Over eight months she lost over 80 pounds and felt great.
“Once I began to see results, my attitude and personality changed,” she said. “My confidence went through the roof.” However, when she returned home to everyday life and temptations around every corner, she gained a large portion of the weight back. Once again, facing weight issues, she began to walk every day and began slowly losing the extra pounds. “It was different,” she explained. “By having a child, I wanted to be the best I could be for my child and myself.”
Penrod encourages everyone to get more active. “It could take six months for daily exercising to become a habit,” she said. “But take baby steps. Incorporate little things into your everyday routine, such as taking the steps, parking far from the door to the store.” A trick she shares is as simple as getting up and walking in place during commercials while watching television. “During an hour program, that can amount to 20 minutes,” she said. Short-term achievable goals also keep you from getting discouraged.
While she doesn’t limit what she eats, she eats in moderation. She began by making small changes, such as switching to whole grains.
Penrod aims for two hours a day of activity and teaches Zumba, Mix-It-Up Cardio, step aerobics and strength at the YMCA. “I made changes and became dedicated,” she stated. “Otherwise I wouldn’t be where I am.”
Her favorite fitness activity is cardio. “I love it!” she exclaimed. “It gets your heart rate up and gets your lungs burning. If you want to lose weight and get fit, it takes cardio.”
When asked if she is tough like trainers on television, she replied, “I have heard people call me Jillian. You have to understand if I am tough it is because I have been there and I know how hard it is.”
Penrod is attending Kent State Tuscarawas pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. Future plans include running her own facility or working in a cardiovascular rehabilitation department.
Located at 211 Moody Ave., Carrollton, the YMCA can be reached at 330-627-9622. |
