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Between Gym Visits: ‘Just Keep Moving’

By JANELL HUNTER

Staff Writer

With warmer weather just around the corner, many of us are starting to think about how we are going to get in better shape to look our best in spring and summer clothes. Many people have gym memberships but are too busy to get there as often as they would like. So, finding ways to exercise between visits to the gym is a must for many people.

Mindy Spaar, a retired physical education and health teacher who now works at Hudson Premier Fitness in Moundsville, said there are many ways to “keep moving” when you can’t get to the gym. Spaar served as gym/health teacher at Washington Lands Elementary School in Marshall County for 32 years.

“Now that the weather is getting warmer you can always do the basic ideas of taking walks, going to the park, playing with your kids and pets, and playing games and sports when you can’t get to the gym,” Spaar said.

Spaar believes there is always an opportunity for movement, and people should take advantage of those times.

For example, one can even exercise while sitting in the car by flexing arm, leg and buttock muscles.

“While working behind the counter here at the gym, I often prop myself up with my hands and arms on the counter, therefore strengthening my arms and shoulders. A new trend is using standing desks at work. Sitting too much is a problem. We need to just keep moving as much as we can,” Spaar said.

Other creative and fun ways to exercise include dancing and fitness video games.

Spaar noted that just cleaning the house while listening to music can be good exercise, and she also mentioned other household chores such as yard work and gardening that are also healthy activities and good exercise.

“Not everyone feels like they can dance, but they can do it when they are alone at home and not be embarrassed,” Spaar noted.

“When you are cleaning your house and vacuuming or cooking, turn on some music and dance.”

Spaar cautioned that it is a good idea to check websites of novelty workout products and look at reviews and comments of others who have used the equipment before buying.

“Definitely do your own research before buying things you see on infomercials,” Spaar warned.

Spaar also recommended spending a few minutes walking up and down the stairs in your home.

“You don’t think about that being good exercise, but it is. Take your bath towel and stretch with it after a shower.

“There are so many things we can do to keep fit. Squeeze rubber balls to keep your joints going,” she said. “I think all these things are pretty much common, we just don’t think about it a whole lot.

“I would just advise people to keep moving as much as they can.”

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