You At Your Best

Overall, going digital has been a good thing for the RAC, and will definitely be part of the future. Cody likes that it's a way to connect with students that can't physically be present—be it health, age or just lack of space, as their live in-person spaces have been filling up as soon as they offer them. "I think there will be an all new level of safety and expectations set forth by the students and public moving forward," he notes. "We will continue to adapt and change as needed." Getting back to exercise "From mental to physical to cardio health, we have to stay active. Our bodies were not designed to sit still," Cody maintains. "Studies have also shown that exercise can help to prevent sickness, so, now more than ever, we have to keep moving." Cody offers encouragement to those who may feel discouraged about the losses in fitness they've experienced as a result of quarantining at home. "Always remember, as long as you are moving you are lapping everyone sitting on their couch," he says. "While you may have taken a few steps back, it will take more than a few weeks to lose everything. So on that note, why not start today?" Where to begin? Cody points out that no matter where you are in your fitness journey, there is a workout for you. "We have something for everyone. Start with something you love," he suggests. "The best part of joining a class online is there is no reason to be self conscious. You get a chance to fall in love with the class and the instructor and then you can come join us in person when you are ready. The best part, with so many workouts recorded, you can even do it on your time." "So frequently we think we can't do a workout, yet," Cody points out. "Our excuses may be: I will do yoga once I am more flexible. You get more flexible by doing yoga. I'll do Muscle Tone when I'm stronger. Muscle Tone makes you stronger." Time for a trainer? "If you really feel lost or concerned, we can start you on your personal training journey," Cody says. "Trainers are amazing, and Melissa Hill, our lead trainer, can help set up your program, no matter where you are at right now. Keep in mind we must still do this virtually as we require 12 feet of distance between you and the trainer." (Reach out to cody@rogersrecreation.com to get connected with a trainer.) What if people are still afraid to go back to the gym? "It's ok to be afraid. We, above all, want you to feel safe when you come," Cody assures us. "We are following all the guidelines and even adding some more to keep you safer. Until you feel ready you can join us online. We are here for you." A step-by-step guide to getting back into shape after quarantine: 1 Set a schedule. If you put it on the calendar or commit to doing the class live you are much more likely to do it. 2 make it a family activity or have a friend join you remotely. If you have accountability, you are much more likely to stick with it. 3 Variety is the spice of life. 4 Get rid of your excuses. By KArEN rICE yOu AT yOur BEST You may have heard the saying "sitting is the new smoking." The human body is meant to stand and to move. Yet most of us spend about nine hours a day sitting down, and that takes a toll on your health. Sitting increases your risk for diabetes, heart disease, cancer and early death. It causes wear and tear in your discs, joints, muscles and ligaments. Sitting in front of a computer strains the neck and shoulders. Sitting down for long periods can also weaken and shrink the muscles in your legs and hips. Plus it can cause poor circulation, leading to swollen ankles, varicose veins and even deep vein thrombosis. When you sit down all day, you also reduce the amount of oxygen entering your body, because your lungs are compressed in this posture. Here are some simple tricks to get yourself out of your chair, off the sofa and on your feet instead: At the office: don't eat lunch at your desk, walk instead. Take a walk break instead of a coffee break. Try to get up for two to five minutes every hour. Try standing up every time you send an outgoing email. Commuting: If you spend more than 30 minutes sitting during your commute, break up that time. Before you leave the house, take out the trash, clean up the kitchen or take a walk around the block. If you stop for coffee, don't go through the drive- through. Get out of the car instead. When you get to work, park farther away so you have a longer walk to the door. At home: While you're on the phone, stand up and walk around. When watching TV, stand and pace during commercials. While you put on on makeup, stand up instead of sitting. In general, try to get on your feet once every 30 minutes. Use an activity tracker, timer or app to remind you to get up and move. Your body will thank you for it! live longer Sit less, SuNdAy, JuNE 28, 2020 | July - FIT X: EXErCISE & FITNESS NWAdG.COm/yOuATyOurBEST | yOu AT yOur BEST | 7

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