burning calories

february 2004

We have written about this subject before, but the topic is so important that we thought we'd give you an up-date. In the middle of the winter when the mornings can be downright cold in some sections of the world, or damp and cool in others, we may want to think about exercising indoors. I joined a health club which is part of a local hospital. It makes me feel safe to know that staff is trained to care for those with chronic and acute diseases. Sections of the club are blocked off several mornings a week for cardiovascular rehab. Classes are varied from beginning to advanced and include spin classes, aerobics, stretching and flexibility classes and all of the latest machines to keep one fit. Best of all, my friends belong, so after class we can go for a swim or have a cub of coffee and a bite to eat if we go late in the am.

Statistics are often boring, but here are a few that may get you motivated to join a club. If you are 50 years old or older, it may be easier for you to find a club you will like because more clubs that used to cater to the 20-and 30-something age groups, now cater to your age group. This middle age group and the older populations are growing so quickly that bottom line clubs have to change to make us feel comfortable with the facility. Between 1987 and 2000, health club membership by Americans over the age of 55 grew 380 percent compared to 89 percent growth in membership overall. This is according to the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association in Boston. This means nearly one out of four club members today is over the age of 55. It also means that programs, equipment and even general ambiance of many clubs are changing to appeal to more mature members. For instance, high-impact and high-energy classes that are tough on the back, knees, and ankles are giving way to gentler but effective, low impact activities. You'll find Tai Chi, Pilates, and yoga at health clubs. Yesterday morning after our work out we sat and had a café latte and watched a class of water aerobics in one of the pools, and then rooted for a friend who was playing racquetball. If you had looked at pool classes for the day, you would have noted a class in a small heated pool that was geared for those with arthritis, as well as an endurance class in another pool that had lanes blocked off for a tri-athlete preparation class. In the gym section of the club, you will find all kinds of bicycles for those who cannot walk. Some use both arms and legs, while others have large cushioned seats. We warm up on the elliptical machines because they do not stress knees and backs, and boy, can they burn calories. We find weight areas with light to heavy weights, and an area of stretching tables to relax on after our workout, along with large balls to stretch out on or to do our sit-ups on. And always there is staff to help if we need help. Why do people join a health club? Some people join to have a place to exercise regularly regardless of weather. They want a place that is motivating. It's easy to get into exercise when you are surrounded by people who look happy to be in a facility that exists for the sole reason of exercise and health. Others join for the camaraderie. Having friends there makes exercise more user friendly. We all know people who join to learn a new sport or skill. For some people the health club is a place where they can find user-friendly cardiovascular and resistance equipment. We all know people who need to join a health club to get the support of the staff. All of the clubs we know of have personal trainers who you can hire. These trainers can make up a program just for you to meet your needs. As we age, we know that some clubs have trained staff who can perform CPR, have an emergency response team and other safeguards in place. These are the ones we gravitate to. Our club is one of three in town that is attached to a hospital. Each has classes in health promotion and, to that end offers classes in stress management and smoking cessation among others. I love the fact that our club offers a full range of classes for the life cycle. There are times of the day when the population is yuppie and other times when senior citizens are in the majority. Then there are the times when the body builders show up and the younger people who come home from school for vacation. All times have something for all of us. Finally, our health club is in the same building as physical therapy and some of the therapists are personal trainers in the club. My husband enjoyed physical therapy and then hired his therapist to work with him when he graduated from the therapy floor. Have we convinced you yet? We hope so. Now is the time to take a few tours of facilities. Do you know what to look for? Here are some suggestions. We hope you have more thoughts, so that you make the best-informed decision. By the way, do not sign on the dotted line until you have spoken to people who belong to that health club. We all know the statistics on the drop off of attendance at some clubs. First and foremost, take a tour of the facility. Talk to the staff and ask them what they can do to make your exercise program safe and personalized. Have a note from your physician if you have limitations due to illnesses. Ask about what they know about your illness, whether it be diabetes, cardiovascular disease or any thing else. Ask about the experience of staff. It's one thing to talk the talk, but make sure they have walked the walk, medically that is. You will want to know about auxiliary staff, such as dietitians, physical therapists, massage therapists etc. Ask about modifications in the club, both in the gym and locker rooms that have been made for people with disabilities. You may not need them now, but sooner or later you or a friend may have surgery that makes some of them important for the first time. As you tour the facility keep your eyes open: Is the health club clean and maintained? Look for torn rugs, dirty towels on the floor, etc. These can be dangerous, and certainly not conducive to your wellbeing. Look in on the showers, bathrooms and changing rooms. Can you have some privacy? Are the facilities clean and neat? Is there soap, hair dryers, towels, skin cream etc.? Is there a place to get a healthy snack that is also clean? Are the machines in good working order or do too many of them have an "out of order" sign attached? Are the classes full? Is there a current list of classes and offerings posted? Are the staff members you speak to courteous and knowledgeable? Do you feel comfortable with them? Look at the parking. Do you have to walk a mile to get into the health club or can you park and walk in? My final list of questions that you may want to address is specific for those of us of "that certain age." By that we mean for those of us who have lived long enough to want to feel comfortable in a health club and to be surrounded with an attentive staff and friends. Go to the facility during the time you would be exercising. Is there a long wait for the machines you like and does the staff make sure that others are courteous about their times? Are the classes so crowded that you will be lost in the group? Does the health club have the equipment you want to use? Do they have the latest that you've read about, with staff to show you the tricks of the trade? For example, yesterday we noted new balance equipment at our club and, since the three of us are always working on our flexibility and balance, we headed for staff to see how to use these. They stuck with us to make sure we could use them without falling off, and then we were on our way to better balance. Look at the classes for both exercise and stress management. Do they have what you need or will you have to go to another facility to learn relaxation or yoga? Listen to the music. Is it to your liking? Some clubs seem to think that loud is best, while others change off. I for one, love to listen to the spin class at 6:00 a.m. because the teacher plays 70's music. Next, see if the television monitors have been placed so you can watch easily. Does the club have earphones for you to rent if you forget yours? Are there enough monitors so that you can find channels that will make the time fly? Talk to the staff. Are there any over 22 years old, so that you know they have some experience under their belts? How long does staff remain at the facility? Turnover of the staff may be a red flag for you. Have they ever had to help someone with diabetes that is having a hypoglycemic event? Is there a defibrillator near by? How fast can someone be transported to a medical facility? Is there a good mix of male and female staff if that is important to you? If you are interested in socialization, is there a place at the health club to sit and talk with newfound friends? Some clubs have nature walks, biking trips, etc., that may help you vary your exercise and meet new friends. So, if you can answer "yes" to many of these questions, think about joining that health club. Whether it's a "Y" or a hospital health club or a private facility that opened within walking or quick driving distance, do your homework and find a place where you will be comfortable. Then go for it and join. Make up a schedule, get a friend to join you so you have no excuses for not going, and stay motivated so that you will have years of good health ahead of you. BSP