The Villages - June 2017 - 2

CheCking in

By Rica Lewis

Stepping Out, Staying Healthy
It's the bullseye for better health.
The experts tell us to rack up 10,000 steps daily to reduce our risks of cancer
and chronic diseases. The more we move, the better off we'll be. And technology
has us covered, with trackers and apps and all kinds of gadgets to aid our stepcounting endeavors. Surely you've seen these sleek doodads, with LED faces, heart
rate sensors and sleep pattern monitoring. Raise your wrist if you're sporting one.
They're cool, but technology, with all its shiny trappings, cannot compare to what
Villagers already have: an insatiable hunger for fun. It's what keeps the community
splashing in area pools, swinging golf clubs on emerald courses, competing in
rigorous games and showing up for recreation center classes.
Retired? Yes. Relaxed? Yes. Sedentary? No, not in The Villages.
It's such a pleasure to see this community in motion, whizzing down cart paths,
dancing on town squares and thoroughly enjoying every sunny moment. In this
issue, we focused on health and the many activities that keep you moving, sweating
and smiling among friends. We talked about the benefits, the calories burned and
the overall impact of your favorite sports and hobbies. Village of Country Club Hills
resident Shirley Houde shared her classic rock workout, an energetic routine that
infuses the sounds of Maroon 5, the B-52s, Boston, Aerosmith and others from that
genre. Houde brings an affinity for music and many years experience in fitness and
choreography to her classes at Coconut Cove and La Hacienda recreation centers.
"Expect to work," she warned attendees, "but have a great time, too."
You'll also read about a block-chopping, high-kicking crew: The Villages
Taekwondo Group. Master instructor Drew Loiacono explains how students learn
to protect themselves in weaponless combat, and how various forms teach proper
stances, balance and how to punch effectively. Students told us what martial arts
helped them achieve. Bruce Greenberger lost 95 pounds. Keith Fahler sought
training after an airplane crash left him physically impaired. Sharon Kane has
gained power and confidence, and Gayla Johnston has helped students from ages 5
to 85 improve their lives through consistent training.
And speaking of classes, National Yoga Day brings a special session to the
square. MVP fitness trainer Katie Burns tells us what's in store for those who
attend. You won't want to miss the well-balanced flow, designed to give everyone
from first-timers to experienced practitioners a touch of yoga. Check out that story
and discover why yoga has remained a timeless practice among the plethora of
fitness fads. With sample poses to try at home, Burns shows us how regular practice
helps us gain balance and flexibility, and supports better alignment for everyday
tasks.
So there you have it- a peek at this month's issue. Let's hope you have time
in between classes, activities and outdoor adventures to dive in and let the stories
inspire you. This is your magazine, and we couldn't be more proud to share the
flurry of fun happenings in every edition.
Here's to another 10,000 steps.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Villages - June 2017