A New Year, a New Routine!

By Fred Shelby

It’s a new year and you want to start a new exercise program.  So you start to think what can I do different this year that I did not do last year.  In most case we think in terms of changing a specific exercise routine, when we should be incorporating three essential factors when starting a program.  These three factors are resistance training, cardiovascular training, and nutrition.  Incorporate all three of these factors in any program and you will be successful.

Resistance training is any type of exercise that prompts gains in muscular size and strength.  These exercises can range from training with weight to training resistance bands.   Resistance training also reduces body fat and increases body density.

 Cardiovascular training is any type of aerobic activity that involves large muscle group, such as the legs.  Cardiovascular training has many benefits on the heart and lungs.  This type of training can decrease blood pressure and body weight.

Nutrition is providing foods for your body to sustain life.  Choosing healthy foods will help to provide the proper nutrition your body needs and may help in preventing certain diseases.  There is some truth to the old saying, “You are what you eat.” It is important to know what is in the foods and beverages we consume.  Also, maintaining a healthy weight will give you a multitude of health benefits you will appreciate later down the road. 

All three of these factors must be in place to be successful in any type of program.  Here at Bell Road we have a registered dietitian that can help with your nutrition needs.  We also have personal trainers and well as wide variety of aerobic classes that can help you achieve your resistance and cardiovascular goals.  There’s no better time to start than today!  Come see us at Bell Road.

The Bell Road Family YMCA branch has a designated exercise center called the Healthy Families Center for parents and children to exercise together. We have fitness equipment for children 
as well as adult machines and cardio machines.
We also offer Kids Classes in the afternoons 
with our well trained fitness staff to get your kids up and moving. 
The age requirement for this facility is 8 years and older.
♦

The Kershaw, Cleveland Ave,
Bell Road, East, and Southeast, 
Montgomery YMCA locations offer 
Youth Fitness Centers with cardio equipment
sized specially for children. 
See individual branch pages for hours.
♦
You can burn up to
600 calories in a
single BodyPump class

Good Friday?
“For the message of the cross if foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18
When we hear or use the letters (T.G.I.F) we are either referring to a restaurant chain of we mean “Thank God it’s Friday!” It is the pronouncement that the work week is done, over and time for a weekend of fun and relaxation. Well, today is Friday, but not just any Friday! Today is Good Friday, the day we remember that Jesus, son of God died for all of us on a horrible cross.

It was a dark and gloomy day that he died on that cross between two thieves. His family, friends, and followers saw it as a bad Friday, when all they hoped for seemed lost.
But what they didn’t realize at the time was it really was a Good Friday both for them then and us today. It is a day to recognize the goodness of God demonstrated! What we can’t do for ourselves or even deserve, God through Christ did it for us. Out of that sacrifice comes our hope , and that hope makes it very good! Because of what He did for us, we have hope and life.

Good Friday because He is faithful,
Good Friday because He is forgiving;

Good Friday because we are forgiven!
Good Friday because of His love and sacrifice
we are here to work to Build Character, Make a Difference, and Change Lives.