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Here are a few key points to remember. Your health is not about committing to a crazy diet, swearing off every indulgence from now to the day you die, or breaking your neck to be first in line at the gym. A healthy lifestyle is about consistently making smarter food choices by eating more fruits, vegetables, natural and whole foods. It's about watching portion sizes and enjoying foods in moderation. It's about adding some form of cardio to your daily routine, mixing in some strength training a couple days a week and leaving time to focus on the mind as well as the body.
Use the change in seasons as an opportunity to get back on schedule. We all need a reset every now and then. Work to make your new schedule a way of life. Once it becomes routine, then you are truly on the path to a healthier you. That is your reward.
If you need help putting together your routine, remember there are fitness professionals at each of our recreation centers ready to help. See our Meet the Fitness Team page for contact information. And if you prefer classes for your cardio, strength training or mind and body routines, we have tons to choose from. You can sample many of them at our upcoming Get Fit Virginia Beach event. See the next article for more info.
PS. Don't wait! The holiday season is not as far away as you may think. |
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Mark Your Calendar for Get Fit Virginia Beach!
Saturday, October 13 | 9 am - 11 am | Mount Trashmore Park
 Rejuvenate your exercise routine with Get Fit Virginia Beach, a free outdoor fitness event at Mount Trashmore Park! On Saturday, October 13, join us from 9 to 11 am and sample some of the fitness classes that Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation offers throughout the year.
Dress for a workout and try TRX®, ropes, kettlebells, Zumba®, martial arts and much more. Our fitness staff will help you discover what you need to reach your fitness goals. If you haven't already, we'll help you hit that healthy reset button!
Admission and parking are free, so save the date and look for additional details in the next newsletter!
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7 Tips for Running on the Beach
 We are so fortunate here in Virginia Beach to have convenient access to so many beautiful beach spots. Along with the scenery and relaxation, the coastlines give us dozens of recreation and exercise options. Running on the beach is just one of those options. Before you head for the sand, here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Gear up. Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and proper hydration are a must for obvious reasons.
2. Check the tide schedule. Running at low tide is the best time to head out. The sand is cleaner and more compact and generally the slope is less severe close to the water's edge at low tide.
3. Be mindful of the slope. Run short, equal distances in both directions. Running on uneven ground too long in one direction can cause joint problems in the ankles, knees, and hips over time.
4. Listen to your ankles and feet. Sand will allow for a fuller, natural range of motion. This is generally a good thing but can cause soreness if you are not accustomed to it, or worsen injuries to the feet and ankles if you are trying to recover.
5. Start small. Because there will be an adjustment period for your body when you hit the sand, limit your first few runs to 15 or 20 minutes.
6. Shoes first. Shoes and socks are recommended for sand newbies. If your goal is to eventually be shoe free, gradually get there by adding a couple of minutes without shoes to each workout.
7. Enjoy it! Running on sand can burn up to 60% more calories per mile, so don't worry that a few of your early runs are a little shorter or slower. |
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Share Your Fitness with a Furry Friend!
 Beyond making exercise more enjoyable, working out with a friend can make you work out harder and more often. But, what about working out with your furry canine friend? The recreational needs of our dogs can also motivate us to get outdoors and be active.
Bow Wow Bootcamp, a new fitness class offered this fall, will combine an outdoor bootcamp with basic dog obedience training. Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center staff will join forces with our Certified Group Fitness Instructors to offer this unique workout for people and their pooches on Monday and Thursday evenings at Red Wing Park. Dogs must be up to date on vaccines.
Register at any Virginia Beach Recreation Center or via EZreg! A recreation center membership is not needed for this class.
#110462 | September 24 - October 4 | 6 - 7 pm | $45
#110463 | October 15 - 25 | 6 - 7 pm | $45
Looking for other ideas to keep you and your dog active?
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Group Fitness Schedule Changes
With the closure of Bow Creek Recreation Center, the Aqua Muscles and Moves class has been moved to Kempsville Recreation Center on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from 9:15 to 10:15 am.
Look for all of the September Group Fitness schedules to be posted by September 1. |
It's hard to believe that summer is winding down already. And if you are like me, the summer schedule was packed with trips to the beach, a vacation, and tons of outdoor events that make Virginia Beach such a fun place to live. I'm always a little bummed to see it come to an end, but there is a bright side. 
