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Meet the Instructor: Tara Peterson
 Tara Peterson has been practicing yoga for nearly 15 years and has been sharing her passion for the practice through her 7 years of instructing. She began practicing as a child and at the age of 20 had the pleasure of working with Lex Gillian from the Texas Institute to become certified to teach yoga. Tara's passion for yoga has taken her on many adventures all over the world. Retreating to the mountains of Costa Rica to practice yoga was one of her most memorable experiences and she hopes to take her next trip to India! Tara loves to be outdoors and enjoy all that life has to offer. Yoga opens the mind and body, allowing this to happen. She teaches at Bayside and Great Neck and is thankful to be able to share her love of yoga with so many amazing people. Check the group fitness schedules at Bayside and Great Neck to take a yoga class with Tara. |
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Benefits of Sports and Games
 The American College of Sports Medicine recommends doing moderate intensity cardiovascular exercise 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. In the past we believed this had to be walking, running, cycling, swimming and various other types of repetitious consistent movement for prolonged periods of time. However, it has been recently found in several research studies that participating in several games and sports can have the same benefits as the activities above. The researchers conducted studies on tennis, racquetball, volleyball, basketball and Tae Kwon Do participants. Even though many of these sports consist of a stop and go play style, the oxygen consumption requirements of the participants were at equal levels with traditional cardiovascular exercise. Researchers determined that these games and sports simulate interval training, which is a very effective means of aerobic training. Other benefits are being found for individuals who participate in playing games and sports. Not only is your cardiovascular system benefiting, individuals will see an increase in functional movement, balance and fall reduction. As we age, all of these areas tend to decline. It is even being recommended that older adults enjoy games and sports as long as possible to help prevent falls, increase balance and improve daily living.
It is interesting to note that long-term adherence to exercise is often difficult for many individuals. When someone says they are going to go run, cycle or swim, they refer to it as working out. However if someone is goes to play basketball or tennis, they refer to it as "playing." Physical activity adherence is based on self-efficacy. The more proficient you becomes in an exercise or sport, the more likely you are to repeat this activity. This means the more you play, the better you get, and the longer you will continue to play while reaping the benefits of being physically active. |
Please Note Our Upcoming Facility Closures
The fitness room at Princess Anne Recreation Center will be closed on Sunday, May 2 while the lighting system is updated.
All Community Recreation Centers and Owl Creek Tennis Center will be closed on May 31 for Memorial Day.
Don't forget that your membership is good at all six Virginia Beach Recreation Centers! If your usual center is closed for maintenance, take the opportunity to visit another center. Use this locator to help you find one! |
Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation believes all of our diverse citizens have a right to participate in community recreation and we are committed to creating equal access for everyone who may have a challenge or barrier. If you or your child require additional support, we can help. Learn more about our accommodation and inclusion services. |
We welcome your comments and questions. Feel free to email us at fun@vbgov.com. |
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Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is accredited by CAPRA,
the certifying agency of the National Recreation and Park Association. |
Yes, it's that time of year again. With the temperature rising and summer quickly approaching, you'll soon be thinking about beach trips and pool parties. For many, these thoughts can induce fear and bring just one goal to mind: I want to look good in my bathing suit!
Women on Weights is a female-only, interval weight training class that is led by a certified personal trainer. Enjoy the benefits of a small group setting as you progress from beginner to more advanced exercises. We'll make sure you master the proper technique as you learn exercises that can become a part of your regular workout routine.
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