THE OPPORTUNITY GAP

In everything we do there is a path to get us where we are going or to complete what we are doing. There are some exceptions, but most of the time we are not required to put in a lot of effort to complete those things, so we are not accustomed to really pushing ourselves. Only when things become slightly difficult are we required to push and then only to the point of completion.

 

When we exercise, there is a line that requires us to expend some effort to accomplish a task. Let's take something like walking a mile on a treadmill-not the most exciting activity but a beneficial exercise nonetheless. Most people will get on the treadmill and walk a comfortable pace and complete the mile with moderate to little effort. And they'll go back tomorrow and do it again... and the next day and the day after that. Some people will be aware of their pace and bump up their speed slightly while others will be content to complete the same mile each time and go home. Some people will know their heart rates and others won't know they have a heart.

 

We are capable of so much more, yet we don't push ourselves because it moves us out of our comfort zone. We usually try to avoid pain when we can; but, it is this discomfort (pain), that helps us to grow. When we learn to conquer it, we move to new heights. We can move to the next level. Our confidence levels increase to allow us to do the same thing next time with less discomfort until we can accomplish our goal pain free.

 

There are two points that will determine whether you are successful with your health and wellness goals...  

The Bending Point  

The Breaking Point


The Bending Point

First let's look at the Bending Point. What exactly is it? It is that point where  click here to read more... 

 

WE WILL BE CLOSED ON
Sunday, June 19
for Father's Day
and
Monday, July 4

CLASS SCHEDULES

Please check the Calendar of Events for last minute class changes, cancellations and schedule changes during the summer. 


WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF THE DUMBELL? 

The dumbbell was an apparatus for swinging a church bell. Since it was used for ringing the bell, but not the bell itself, it was noiseless or 'dumb'. Moving this apparatus to ring the bell was difficult physical exercise. Practice was required to develop the strength needed, so bars made of metal or wood with a rounded knob at each end were created in pairs to be held and swung for practice.

Shortly thereafter, dumbbells came into use for general exercise. Weights mounted on each end of a steel bar  also became known as barbells (or bar-bells).


Looking for something new? Try the new Plateau Climb, or any of the several Grab 'n Go workouts we have created for you.



Correction: Last month's featured member was Damon Spinks - not Sparks. Sorry Damon.
WATER BASICS
Over the years many articles have appeared showing how little water Americans drink. You have heard that you should drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, but if you are physically active, you will need even more. And now with temperatures near or over 100 degrees it is even more important to stay hydrated.

Water is our lifeblood. We can survive without food for as long as 6 weeks, but

3-5 days without water and we would die. Since our body is over 60% water, water is essential to keeping it in good working order.

 

What exactly does water do? It makes up almost 70% of your muscle tissue; it helps to shuttle nutrients through your body, it keeps your cells full so they can carry out the chemical and  

electrical processes they are required to perform every day...

just to name a few.

 

Dehydration can cause headaches, dry mouth and lethargy as well as muscle cramping and lightheadedness upon rising. Here are some tips to ensure you are getting enough water:

  • Drink 8 ounces of water (1 glass) as soon as you wake up. Your body hasn't had a drink for 5-8 hours while you slept.
  • Keep a water bottle handy. Fill it during the day and take it with you.
  • If you have a hard time remembering how much water you have drunk during the day, fill at least 4 regular size water bottles and leave them in a place you will see them. Not only will it remind you to drink, but also how many you have (or haven't) drunk.
  • Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. By that time you are already down the road to dehydration.
  • Don't substitute coffee, tea, lemonade, or sodas for water. Your body processes drinks mixed with water differently than it does a plain glass of water.
  • Several studies have indicated that keeping your body well hydrated can actually aid in weight loss. This probably has something to do with helping the body process nutrients more efficiently and effectively.  
SAFETY REMINDER

If you do not receive these email alerts from The Woodlands, we want you to be aware and to always take appropriate safety precautions.

 


Burglary of Motor Vehicle incidents

Seven vehicles were broken into on June 9 between 10 and 11:30 a.m. at the Branch Crossing YMCA in Sterling Ridge. Windows were broken out and items taken. One vehicle had three windows broken to get a purse inside. Please be sure to:

1) Hide Your Things - before you get to your destination, or remove them completely if possible

2) Lock Your Car

3) Take Your Keys

 

A crime of this nature only takes seconds. Remember, when entering a business and you think to yourself "I'll only be a minute", that's all it takes. If the bad actor sees you entering he or she knows there is time for the "Crime of Opportunity" to occur.

 

If you notice anything suspicious, contact the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office at 936-442-7797. Report suspicious activity when it is happening!

 

 

It's not too late! For only $100 your son or daughter may take advantage of everything our club has to offer throughout the summer months. Sign them up now, the membership is good through August 31, 2011. 
ADD VARIETY TO YOUR WORKOUTS:  YOGA
We offer basic Hatha Yoga classes which help with flexibility, full body strength and balance as well as mental and emotional health. 

Our instructor always has a plan for the class, but she encourages you to give suggestions so she can mold the class to your current needs and wishes. There are many variations of the postures to provide more or less challenge for different levels and different bodies as well as incorporating breath and breathing techniques to reduce stress.

These Yoga classes provide suppleness to your strength and give you tools to maintain a heathly lifestyle. 

Tuesday  9:30-10:30am

Thursday  8:15-9:00am
MEMBER PROFILE:  Stephen Rehrig

My wife Cindy joined Lifestyle first, but I was in such lousy physical condition that I felt the need to get in shape before I came so as not to embarrass myself. I arrived about a year later. 

 

My goals are to increase the amount of bacon I eat without increasing my existing moderately high cholesterol level; and, seriously, to stay as healthy as I can, for as long as I can. I want to continue feeling good just for general day to day functioning-maintaining some measure of endurance and flexibility. I am almost 60, but my mind continues to remember what it was like to be 20. I will never feel like that again, but it doesn't keep me from working at it and wishing for it.       

 

I have had few pain-free days in close to 30 years. However, due to muscle tone, stretching, and exercise, when the really bad spasms hit, I can work through them in days instead of weeks.    

 

I have lost 30 lbs and 4 inches in my waist since I started at Lifestyle. I use my exercise to burn calories as much as I use it for strength, flexibility and general conditioning. My immediate goal is to see if I can hit the same weight I was in high school... 3lbs to go.   

 

And, while I know that I cannot increase the number of days which I have upon this earth, I can affect the quality of them. Now having a grandson, I want to be able to actively engage with him for as long as possible. (Sticking around to pester Cindy might have something to do with it too.)