Military Officer - June 2008 - (Page 68)

M MOST OF U S A RE AWA R E O F certiﬁed psychiatrist in Miami. “It’s not something you do now and then. It’s a must, a pillar of biological health. The more you [exercise], the more you’re in control on a mental as well as a physical level.” One effective strategy for maintaining an exercise regimen is working out with others. Recent studies by the International Council on Active Aging show group interaction is a signiﬁcant factor for older adults sticking with long-term exercise programs. the beneﬁts of regular exercise: weight management, cardiovascular health, increased stamina, bone and muscle strength, lowered blood pressure, and reduced insomnia. In addition, scientiﬁc research shows exercise also might prevent cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. Unfortunately, even though people understand the value of exercise, far too many have a litany of reasons why they can’t do it. In some cases, they actually might be true, but most people can exercise — they just don’t. “Exercise is like breathing,” says Maj. Gabriela Cora, USAFR, a boardpositive group energy, and you think, ‘Everybody’s doing it, I can do it, too.’ ” However, there is another side to competition. “There’s a big fear of failure,” Mandel says. “Someone new walks into a gym, sees the ‘hotties’ who have been exercising for a long time, and thinks, ‘I don’t look good. I’m too clumsy. I don’t know what to do. I’ll hurt myself. I’ll look dumb.’ ” That’s where other class members and the instructor can offer motivation both by demonstrating and explaining moves and dance steps, or by teaching how to use gym equipment and providing encouragement. Former Marine Frank Mikulka of Nassau County, N.Y., who teaches “warrior” classes (a fusion of cardio, ﬂexibility, and strength training), demonstrates the correct techniques for safe workouts while inspiring his students to be the best they can be. “Everybody started somewhere, sometime, and they couldn’t do something,” Mikulka says. “But there is a progression.” He thinks when group members are at different skill levels it inspires you to “keep on keeping on.” Stay on schedule with the help of others The social aspect of working out in a group also inﬂuences people to stick with exercise. “Social networking is huge,” says Anne Wolf, a faculty researcher at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and an exercise instructor in Charlottesville, Va. According to Wolf, research shows these networks are becoming more important to people, and an exercise group encourages a positive lifestyle, because it includes people who share the value of wanting to stay ﬁt. “You don’t have to know the people personally, although you often come to,” she says. “But you recognize them in class and feel an afﬁliation with them that makes you want to come more frequently.” Of course, exercise doesn’t have to be at a gym or in a speciﬁc class. Many people form informal, but regular, exercise groups. “Keeping the exercise commitment is much easier Jump-start your workout with competition According to Debbie Mandel, a ﬁtness expert and author of Turn on Your Inner Light: Fitness for Body, Mind and Soul (Busy Bee Group, 2003), competition is a motivating factor when working out with others, because most people are reluctant to quit an activity while their group carries on. “Competition is a positive aspect of group exercise,” Mandel says. “There’s that keep-going spirit that’s very important. You tap into 68 MILITARY OFFICER JUNE 2008

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Military Officer - June 2008 Contents MOAA Online From the Editor From the President Your Views MOAA Directory Rapid Fire MOAA Member Services Washington Scene Chapters in Action Financial Forum Ask the Doctor MOAA Scholarship Donors Cover Story: Mission to Modernize World War Web Playing to Win Fitness in Numbers Fighting Infection Pages of History Faces of MOAA Information Exchange Member Books Advertising Index MOAA Calendar Sounding Taps Encore

Military Officer - June 2008

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