SUMMERTIME FUN AND SAFETY

SUMMER VACATIONS: THE SILENT KILLER

Seems like I just got the Christmas decorations put away...how can it be summer already?

Summer is upon us and it is time for those coveted and well-deserved few weeks that we take to be with our families to decompress and make memories. Vacations are a somewhat new thing for me. I didn't grow up taking summer vacations so it wasn't something that I naturally fell into when I had my own family. Fortunately I figured out that they are great and something we should all do from time to time, if only to keep our sanity! I learned the value of taking my family to different places for the experience and growth that it brings. It's neat when you can say you've been to those places that others are talking about. I think it makes you a more interesting person.

But I didn't start this to extol the virtues of vacations. What I want to talk about is the destructive force of a vacation on a workout routine. I'm guessing that most of you know exactly what I'm talking about.

I've seen more workout habits changed (some permanently) by vacations. I'm all for taking a physical as well as mental break when on vacation. Some people go on vacation and think they need to exercise while they are gone-not totally necessary, but good for them for keeping up the habit.

Wait a minute... did I just say it's not necessary to exercise while on vacation? Yes, I believe I did. See, I'm not the hardcore guy that most of you who know me think I am. I believe vacations are a good time for some total rest, physically and mentally. Your body and mind go a hundred miles an hour on most days of the week. We can usually find some time to refresh on the weekends, but it sometimes seems that the weekends are just as busy (if not more so) than the week.

It's important for our bodies and our minds rest. They need to recover more than just a day or two. Getting several good, restful nights of sleep can do wonders for the body and soul. You come back feeling refreshed and relaxed.

That's where most people find themselves in an interesting place. They have become too relaxed and enjoyed the time off. However, like your job, you have to return to your workout habit once again. Some of us get so side-tracked by all the things that have piled up while we were gone that we feel we don't have time to exercise until all the piles are eliminated. That can take a few days or even a few weeks.

Once you have been out of your routine for more than a week, each day drives a wedge further between you and your exercise habit. Then when you do come back (usually after a few weeks off), it feels like you are starting all over again. Hey, don't shoot the messenger... I'm just reporting what I hear you saying to me. We've all been there and know it can be somewhat challenging to step back into the club; but trust me on this, the sooner you return, the better you will do, the better you will feel and the sooner you'll be reminded why you workout in the first place.

So my best advice is this: Go on vacation. Have a great time. Get rested and relaxed. Come home, unpack and get to the fitness center the next work day. If you don't work outside the home, go to the fitness center when your spouse goes to work.

Believe me, following this advice will get you back into your routine quicker than anything else. It will also be less painful! Trust me.

HOLIDAY HOURS
Wed. July 4 CLOSED

Have You See Our
Villager Ad?

JUNE IS NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH

PROTECTION FROM THE SUN

June is National Safety Month; and for obvious reasons we will focus on sun safety. Here are some reminders for keeping your skin young and healthy.

Insect repellants reduce a sunscreen's SPF by up to 1/3. When using both, use a sunscreen with a higher SPF.
Check the daily UV Index to prevent overexposure to the sun. The UV Index forecast is issued each afternoon by the National Weather Service and EPA.
Seek the shade whenever possible! The sun's UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
According to the American Cancer Society a "base tan" gives very little protection against sunburn. A base tan may, in fact, increase the chance you'll get a burn, because you may choose to stay out longer without properly protecting your skin.
Always choose sunglasses that are labeled as blocking 99-100% of UV rays. Some manufacturers' labels will say "UV absorption up to 400nm" which is equivalent to 100% UV absorption.

HYDRATION

This information was a part of our newsletter from last June, but this is a good time for a review.

Water makes up almost 70% of our muscle tissue and helps to shuttle nutrients through the body. Water keeps cells full so they can carry out the chemical and electrical processes required to keep the body functioning properly.

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 a glass of water 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.
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.

Is your college student sitting on the couch or sleeping all day? Why not get them a summer membership to Lifestyle?

For only $100 your son or daughter will have full club privileges through August 31, 2012.

Stop by the front desk and sign them up today!

MEMBER PROFILE - Shelley Mathis

Joined in September 2011.

I was tired of my gym and had not been working out regularly. I needed something to jump start my workout and a new environment sounded like a great idea. I dropped in one day, met Milli, looked around decided to join. I liked the small environment and how everyone was so friendly and welcoming.

Goals: My goals were to lose weight, keep it off, develop a workout routine and incorporate strength training to maintain muscle, and improve my overall health. I was diagnosed with high blood pressure two years ago and told by my doctor to exercise regularly and lose some weight At 41 I was about 50 pounds heavier than I was at 30. I knew I needed to make changes in both my diet and fitness plan. I have three young children and wanted to increase my energy level to keep up with them.

Approach: I made a commitment to myself that I would get to the gym a minimum of three times per week without fail. I worked it into my schedule and made it a priority and treated my gym time as something that I absolutely could not skip. I signed up for personal training sessions with Milli. We did weight training and cardio work. This helped me learn how to effectively use weights and held me accountable to get to the gym! I began to see results in six weeks and started eating better as a result. I cut out most processed foods and try to eat fresh food as much as possible. I cut out all soda, alcohol and most sweets. On the weekends I cheat a bit.

Results: After four months I had dropped three pants sizes. I had more energy and felt better than I had in years. People started to notice the change in my body and I began to get comments about how great I looked. It was fantastic!

Now, nine months after joining Lifestyle, I have lost 30 pounds and changed the way my body looks. I am stronger, firmer all over and can actually keep up with my kids. I still watch my diet but have found that working out more enables me to eat more and enjoy my food. I still make it a top priority to get to the gym even if I don't feel like going. That makes all the difference!

Putting myself first with regard to fitness and nutrition, after years of putting my husband and children first, has been great for our entire family I'm in better shape because of it, which means I'm in a better mood to do what I have to do as the mom of a busy family. In addition, I have made some good friends at Lifestyle and the supportive environment from the staff and other members has been a big part of my success.

Fun facts: My husband Jim and I and our three children have lived in the Woodlands for 10 years. Jim joined the gym shortly after I did and sometimes we can work out together which is great. We're busy with our three children ages 12,9 and 4 and just try to keep up with all of their activities and still have a date night once in a while. We took our first ski trip this winter as a family, and because of being in better shape, I was able to ski all day with the kids and avoid injury. It was our best vacation ever!