Healthy Living
by Anne Vargas
“When I feel like exercising I just lie down until the feeling goes away” - Robert M. Hutchins
“I have never taken any exercise except sleeping and resting” - Mark Twain
“The only reason to take up exercising would be to hear heavy breathing again” - Erma Bombeck
There was a time when I concurred with Hutchins' wisdom, delighted in Twain's wit and chuckled at Erma's humor. Turning the pages of a book was my idea of working out and I took comfort in knowing others shared my views.
Now I am at the gym seven days a week. In the morning. Very early in the morning. And I love it. I have become accustomed to rising at an hour when some of my friends are going to bed but this routine is the foundation of my day: open eye, peek at clock (no alarm to disturb snoozing spouse), splash face/brush teeth and head out the driveway in the dark. Never mind the waking up part; that comes later. My high school PE teacher would never believe this since I spent most of my time in class running away from the volleyball so I'm a little late to the party but I'm here; better late than never.
“Exercise is the chief source of improvement of our faculties.” What got me up off the couch and made me a believer? My faculties all seemed to need some improvement. I may be 39 in my mind but my body begs to differ and Mother Nature found ways of making that clear. The list of things that start to creak and squeak and require repair is endless, no doubt familiar to many Boomers. If not yet, then soon, very soon.
We can't turn the clock back but an exercise routine can make us feel younger, look younger, keep the body running smoothly, the blood pressure down and relieve stress as we fret about the economy. If arthritis is setting in, your joints hurt when you wake up but if you force yourself to get out of bed and move the pain lessens. But the most important thing I've learned is that it's not only good for you, it can be fun.
Got milk? Got people? Both are good to have when waging the fitness battle. When I get to my gym (open 24 hours a day) I'm greeted with a smile and handed my preferred locker key by the night guy who is still on duty. I'm not there alone; the parking lot is already fairly full. A succession of “good mornings” ensue, each of us greeting one another by name and there are periodic pauses for a chat. Everyone knows who “hangs together”, who uses which piece of equipment in what order and for how long. Sometimes advice on apparatus use is sought or offered. We know who watches news and who watches sports on the television (there are several so everyone can be content), and we know who agrees or disagrees with our political views. And when the blood pressure elevates over that, we take to our chosen means of lowering it.
My people, the “early birds”, are comprised of those still in the work force along with retirees. We know who works where, who's traveling, skiing or golfing and there is a profusion of information and opinion exchanged on opportunities in the community, the latest news and the current economic situation.
Some folks are in training for an athletic event, eliciting admiration and awe but the majority of us are there simply to combat the calendar and keep in shape. (And some folks say that some folks are there just to socialize while others contend that elbow bending with a coffee cup is a form of exercise!)
There are options enough to suit anyone's taste; free weights and devices to assist in muscle toning and body building, stair climbers, stationery cycling, treadmills and cross ramps, racquetball courts and a pool. Some of us work with the available trainers or with partners while others work out on their own. There are also a variety of classes to choose from; several types of yoga, Pilates, all kinds of aerobics, group cycling (Spinning) and Jiu-Jitsu, to name a few, each having their own fervent following. The cardio jazz dance class attendees are almost cult-like in their zeal to participate. And when you've done enough you can relax in the sauna or the steam room.
We've passed birthday cards to be signed, supported project involvements, bid bon voyage to travelers and said “welcome back” when they returned. Not everyone chooses to get involved in morning chatter, possibly preferring to start their day in a more solitary way but anyone is welcome to join in. Midst all this we all manage to “do our thing”, working out as we prefer. And then we're off to our other worlds; “have a good day, see you tomorrow”.
What I've described is this particular period of time at this particular gym as I perceive it. My spouse arrives as I depart, his routine as firmly in place as mine. We're both entrenched in our schedules and neither of us would dream of changing; he has his people and I have mine. We both insist our own group is the best but we do agree that having people makes keeping fit more fun.
There are numerous gyms in Reno, each with different hours of operation and offered services. I can personally speak only for the one I belong to but other facilities also have a faithful following. Call for detailed information. Or just find a friend and take a walk but “Exercise: you don't have time not to.”
Health Clubs:
- Sports West Athletic Club
1575 S. Virginia , Reno.
(775) 348-6666
- 24 Hour Fitness
1595 Sky Mountain Dr., Reno.
747-7588
6155 Neal Road, Reno.
(775) 827-4273
- Gold's Gym
5390 Longley Lane, Reno.
853-7373
255 Disc Drive, Sparks
(775) 359-9393
- Fitness Millennium
Village Shopping Center, Reno.
(775) 324-0131
- St. Mary's Center-Health & Fitness
645 S. Arlington, Reno.
(775) 770-3800
- European Fitness Center
2999 S Virginia, Reno.
(775) 826-4711
- American Iron Gym
650 S Rock Blvd. Sparks.
(775) 856-4766