We are ALL athletes and it's time to get into the game!

We hear the word athletes and picture Olympians and professionals or maybe a child competing at school, but for some reason we do not see ourselves. Athletes are people who are trained in or good at sports, games or exercises that require physical skill and strength. It doesn’t matter if you played sports in school, run road races, golf, ski, hike, paddle or attend fitness classes, you are an athlete. Training your body to be strong, balanced and flexible makes you an athlete and will improve your health and quality of life.

Our bodies are designed for movement. The sedentary life that has become more common and is creating mobility and health issues in our society. The benefits of participating in fitness are numerous. Activity can helps manage health concerns such as: type 2 diabetes, stroke. heart disease, depression, insomnia, bone and muscle strength, falls and obesity. Physical activity can lower blood pressure, lower heart rate, raise HDL’s and lower triglycerides, improve energy, mood and sleep. The benefits of exercise vary individually, but overall create an improved quality of life.

According to the ACSM guidelines, adults should participate in a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate activity 5 days/week or a minimum of 20 minutes of vigorous activity 3 days/week. The moderate activity can be completed in 3 ten-minute segments. Adults should also perform resistance/strength activity at least 2 days/week.

Another significant benefit to joining a fitness community like Train Your Inner Athlete is the supportive group of like-minded folks trying to improve their health. We are all on the same team and only competing against our own health concerns. Fitness training is good for the mind and body, so get out there and get into the game!