The Villages - September 2016 - 40

Health FIVE FocusEs t o G e t I n S h a p e t h e h e a lt h y Way MVP Athletic Club has helped residents succeed with the Body Transformation Challenge for 12 years. "We always get people wanting the 'quick fix,'" said Ryan McKenzie, sales and fitness manager for MVP Athletic Club in Brownwood. Ryan McKenzie "When 'Biggest Loser' became popular, we had a lot of interest in what we had already been doing for years, but there are a lot of misconceptions about what it takes to 'lose weight' and 'get healthy' - and even more importantly stay that way." McKenzie shares five focuses for safely getting into shape. 1 F o c u s o n B o dy Fat, n ot B M I . This number will tell you how much healthy weight versus unhealthy weight you are carrying. Ask yourself: Does my weight on the scale really matter to me if I look good in the mirror, can fit into my clothes and can move well? 2 F o c u s o n co n s I s t e n c y. The Mayo Clinic recommends losing 1 to 2 pounds per week. This is sustainable and healthy. Too much more and you could be doing long-term damage to your body. Ask yourself: Am I in this for the long haul or do I expect a lifetime of change to happen overnight? If you are the latter, you may be putting yourself at risk, physically and emotionally. 40 SEPTEMBER 2016 3 Focus on MoBIlIty and M o v e M e n t. If you can move well, you will move more often. If you move more often, you will get into shape. Ask yourself: Do you have the attitude of "no pain, no gain?" You should really be working toward moving well without pain. 4 F o c u s o n F u n c t I o n a l I t y. As we age, our workouts should increase in functionality. Ask yourself: Do the exercises in my workouts make my life easier, or am I just doing the same machines I have always done simply because it is what I always do? It may be time for a change. 5 Focus on Fun. If you hate your workouts, you are less likely to do them on less motivated days. At MVP, we always aim to "get fit and have fun." This is one large reason why being in a large class can be so effective or being in a small group training session can be so amazing. Ask yourself: Are you working hard but also making friends; sweating and building muscles, but also developing relationships? If you don't have these positive relationships in your life, it is increasingly likely that you will quit. J o I n t h e M v P B o dy t r a n s F o r M at I o n c h a l l e n g e If you're ready to get into shape, check out MVP Athletic Club's Body Transformation Challenge. The supportive environment, resources and incentives can help you stay motivated to see and feel results. Solo packages include a weigh-in, BMI measure, nutrition advice and access to prizes at the end of every workout. Complete packages include those benefits plus constant contact with a personal trainer. The cost ranges from $50 to $999, depending on the package. Participants can walk away with up to $400 in cash and prizes. Call Ryan McKenzie at 674-7003.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Villages - September 2016