Tuesday, December 13, 2011

The 6 Dimensions

Hello workout friends! This week we're expanding our focus to include elements of health other than fitness.

If you were to ask 10 people their definition of wellness – you’d get 10 different definitions. We spend a lot of time focusing on ways to push ourselves physically. It’s one part of our lives that makes us feel better, but according to a local health expert, it’s not the only part.

“So really, when we’re talking about the six dimensions of wellness, they’re all connected,” says Gail Peitzmeier. She’s the Wellness Manager for Employee & Family Resources and an expert in everything from fitness and nutrition to health promotion and wellness programs. She says there are six areas that have a huge impact on our overall well being: Physical, social, emotional, spiritual, emotional and environmental.

Let’s start with physical, since it’s what we highlight every week. Gail says this dimension is about more than just getting your body moving. “Maybe they need to make sure their health is in order. Things like knowing numbers like cholesterol, blood sugar, they should get preventative exams, etc…”

The next dimension is social. Relationships are an important part of wellness. “Being connected to people is so vital,” Peitzmeier explains, “making sure you’re involved in a group or with friends who are supportive of you. Everyone needs a positive social network.”

Being social can have an impact on enjoying life and staying optimistic – the emotional dimension. “For one thing, it’s learning to deal with challenges. And also feeling good about yourself and others”

And those aspects are tied to the spiritual dimension. “Finding purpose in life or meaning in life. Asking yourself, what are my core values and beliefs?”

From your heart – to your head. The intellectual dimension affects everything. “So often we exercise muscles,” says Gail, “but do we exercise our brain? It’s important to do word jumbles, riddles, play game … things that are hard!”

Finally, there’s the environmental dimension - and we’re not talking about recycling. “This is all about what’s surrounding you. Are you in a safe environment that is comfortable, or is it chaotic?”

You’re probably thinking there’s no way you can tackle all of these elements at once, and that’s ok. Gail says you shouldn’t. “It isn’t this thing where we say I’m starting this on January 1st and by the 30th I’m going to have these knocked out. All that does is create stress! Maybe take one at a time, because when you think about it, through your lifespan you are working on one of these at some point.”

Here's to a healthy week!
EEK
Erin.Kiernan@whotv.com

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Myth Busting!

Hello fitness fans!

Ya know, this whole being healthy thing can be really hard. Not just because of the time, effort and discipline it requires but also because there is so much bad information out there. That's why we're doing some myth busting!

Can resistance training replace a cardio workout? That’s the question we set out to answer with the help of one of our personal trainers. “Even though the heart rate is elevated when you’re doing strength training it’s different than when your heart rate is elevated with cardio because of stroke volume,” says Angie Gallagher. If you’re like us, we looked at her like she was speaking a foreign language.

Simply put “stroke volume” is the amount of blood pumped by the heart each time it beats. The more cardio you do – the stronger and more efficient your heart becomes, pumping more blood and carrying more oxygen through your body.

“If it’s easy you’re probably spinning your wheels and wasting your time,” Gallagher says with a grin. We know her well enough to know that none of her workouts are easy. In part because she almost always has us doing both cardio and resistance. “Women tend to love their cardio, men love their strength training – for us to be healthy and overall fit we really have to have both elements.”

That’s because while lifting doesn’t have the same benefits as cardio, it’s important in other ways … making your muscles and bones stronger and preventing injuries. If you add in some core moves and a little stretching the whole body sees some big benefits.

“It can be really hard and be a lot of fun,” Angie insists, “that’s what I try to show people… it should be empowering and fun.”

Angie is offering a special two week “body blast” right now – perfect for the holidays!

On January 2nd, her new studio opens. Get details by dropping her a line at fitnesswithangie@gmail.com

Have a healthy week!
EEK
Erin.Kiernan@whotv.com