Guest Column

Spring is in the air and hopefully the Minnesota winter is behind us. Have you put away your winter coat and slipped on your flip flops? Have you started or thought about spring cleaning? What about cleaning/straightening up your fitness and health.

Spring health starts with scheduling a physical. Did you know that only 20 percent of Americans get an annual check-up. You may look and feel just fine, but it’s important to keep tabs on things like blood pressure, cholesterol or any vitamin deficiencies that you may have. What about your hydration? Especially when the temperature starts to rise, it is very important to avoid muscle cramping and fatigue, you know the more that you sweat the more fluids you will need to replace.

Take a break from the scale. Muscle weighs more than fat. You may not be shedding the pounds at the rate that you want, instead use a tape measure and measure yourself every two weeks to see the inches you are trimming off. With spring comes the farmer’s market with the opportunity to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.

Spring fitness is a time for you to re-evaluate your fitness program. Set a new schedule for outdoor exercise into your routine and to be realistic. Get sporty with your fitness with tennis, golf, disc golf, outdoor volleyball. You don’t have to be athletic to play.

Partner up with someone you know who will help you stick to your fitness plan. It is important that you have a similar goal and schedule so that you can get together two to four days a week. Add some races to your routine will give your workout purpose, look for local races-a 5K is perfect for the beginners. It’s a great way to be apart of fitness in your community or surrounding area.

Don’t forget to take care of your hard-working body with a massage; it is a nice way to pamper yourself, alleviating toxins and recovery for your body. Yoga and Pilates is a great way to add stretch and flexible to your routine. Spring is an opportunity to start new just like the season. Spring into health and fitness.

Reminders

Youth Soccer is April 30-June 2 for grades K-5. A preseason clinic is set for April 30 at Wescott Field Track complex with AHS coach Jen Levisen and AHS soccer players. Grades kindergarten and first will be 10-11 and grades second through fifth 11-12. The cost is $37 members and $47 Non-members. For more details contact Ruth Chamberlain Youth Director.

The 11th Annual YMCA 5K Run/Walk is May 14th. The cost is $20 before May 7 and $25 after that date. Race starts at 9 a.m. on Main Street by the Y. If you have any questions, contact Kristi Stasi, Fitness Director.