Beechmont Racquet & Fitness FitFam Blog

Persistence Highs

training@beechmontfitness.com (Beechmont Racquet & Fitness) — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 20:22:15 GMT

According to Kelly McGonagal’s book, The Joy of Movement, trail runner and triathlete Scott Dunlap describes the feeling he gets when he runs this way: “I would equate it to two Red Bulls and vodka, 3 ibuprofen, plus a $50 winning Lotto ticket in your pocket.” The runner’s high is often thrown out as bait to reluctant exercisers. It’s this intoxicating side effect described by many as a spiritual experience--a moment in time where runners feel completely alive, connected to everyone and even, loving. A similar euphoria can be found in any sustained physical activity, according to McGonagal. That includes hiking, swimming, cycling, dancing, or yoga. However, the high appears only after sustained effort. In her book, McGonagal asks the question, why does such a reward exist? And, why would it make you feel loving? Here are a few of her fascinating findings:

Slimming Down After 50

claire@dimalantadesigngroup.com (Claire Felten) — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 17:50:21 GMT

Did you know that people lose 10% of their muscle mass by age 50? (American College of Sports Medicine). You have your metabolism to thank for this because your body’s muscle is more metabolically active than fat, which burns more energy from the start. And with less muscle, your metabolism will inevitably slow down, which is a contributing factor to unwanted weight gain.

Maximizing your Time and Results

claire@dimalantadesigngroup.com (Claire Felten) — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 20:16:27 GMT

Are your visits to the gym a little like the movie Groundhog Day where every single visit feels like the same thing over and over with little variety? You get on the same machine for the same amount of time and lift the same weights for the same number of repetitions. How’s that working out for you? Studies show that your body adapts to the same workout routine over and over and, therefore, the time you’re investing in the gym has less and less impact. To build muscle, you need to manipulate your muscles in different ways. If you’re going to invest your time at the gym, don’t you want to maximize your results? We can help.

Getting Back to Beechmont Basics

claire@dimalantadesigngroup.com (Claire Felten) — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 15:58:20 GMT

At Beechmont Racquet and Fitness, we’ve always valued the four main elements of wellness and hustled to incorporate them into every bit of who we are. We care about your physical health, your sense of belonging, your level of curiosity, and, most of all, your enjoyment.

Benefits of Group Fitness

claire@dimalantadesigngroup.com (Claire Felten) — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 18:15:12 GMT

Ever considered Group Fitness classes? Here are four reasons why it could be one of the best decisions you make in your fitness journey.

Exercise & Mental Health

claire@dimalantadesigngroup.com (Claire Felten) — Mon, 03 May 2021 16:45:58 GMT

One of the few positive outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic has been an increased collective awareness of mental health and wellness. According to a recent article from IHRSA, researchers have observed a steady decline of mental health and wellness in much of society. Isolation and fear has affected all of us mentally and we’ve all had our episodes of Door Dashed Dairy Queen. When we weren’t able to turn to friends and family for care and comfort we turned to characters on Netflix, but these were poor substitutes for real hugs and connection. A number of factors have contributed to this mental health dip over the past year but physical activity still remains a relatively accessible and important aspect of maintaining mental health. In an effort to boost us all back to the land of the living, let’s look at the importance of getting up, getting out, and getting on the move physically. Science says exercise will do wonders...

The Benefits of HIIT Workouts

training@beechmontfitness.com (Beechmont Racquet & Fitness) — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 20:00:20 GMT

Most of us understand that exercise is a necessary part of overall health, but it’s hard to find the time between all of our hustles. High intensity interval training (HIIT) has gained popularity as a quick and easy way to exercise, and it offers many of the same health benefits as other forms of exercise. The 15-60 minute workout consists of short bursts of intense exercise followed by short periods of rest or gentle exercise.

Resistance Training Helps with Anxiety Disorders

claire@dimalantadesigngroup.com (Claire Felten) — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 18:28:06 GMT

IHRSA recently reported fascinating new information regarding the rising number of anxiety disorders amongst young adults. IHRSA reported that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends resistance training and muscle strengthening exercises on two or more days each week for individuals struggling with anxiety. This counsel is on the behalf of a randomized controlled trial published in Scientific Reports, where researchers looked at the effect of resistance training on anxiety symptoms in young adults without a general anxiety disorder. Compared to a wait-listed control group, the results indicate people who completed the resistance training program saw a statistically significant reduction in anxiety symptoms. This study also suggests a potential role for exercise training in reducing the disease burden through prevention.

Lockdowns Cause Severe Mental & Physical Health Consequences

claire@dimalantadesigngroup.com (Claire Felten) — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 17:20:30 GMT

Quarantine left us all feeling a little isolated, overwhelmed and wondering what pieces of the news we can pick up and really trust. Some sources encourage us to find community and move as much as possible as good practice for physical, mental and emotional health. Some warn us to stay home and stay afraid of the effects of COVID-19 at all costs.

What are we supposed to do? If community and physical activity are really that important for wellbeing shouldn’t we give gym memberships a try? How do we find a balanced approach between physical safety and our physical and emotional health?

A recent article from IHRSA discussed these topics with Lori Deemer, M.D., medical director of Hancock Wellness Centers in Hancock County, IN, and board member of the Medical Fitness Association. Deemer emphasizes that physical activity is “extremely essential to both mental and physical health.” “Persistent activity,” Deemer says, “allows people to remain physically independent, stay connected socially, improve overall vitality and strengthen immune function.”

In the article, Deemer warns that while quarantine and social distancing may help contain the spread of COVID-19 it translates to, “less movement, and even just within a few months, a significant increase in debility and decline in overall health. We have to weigh the risk of COVID-19 infection with the risks associated with social isolation, decreased physical activity, and loss of function.”

According to the article, the CDC concluded that from April to June 2020 American’s anxiety and depression symptoms escalated from the same period the previous year. Deemer states that physical activity improves the symptoms of anxiety and depression as well as stress levels, which we all know are extremely elevated this year especially with the upcoming election. She also notes that moving more helps with sleep, mood, focus and attention and the ability to stay sober. Deemer’s advice is “to be physically active and live life as normally as possible” sticking to the three Ws: watching our distance, wearing our masks and washing our hands.

At the end of the article, a strong statement regarding physical activity is made that could improve the health of western society forever if we could only accept the challenge of it… “Exercise is so beneficial for health that it should be considered as a drug.” – The authors of an article in the British Journal of Pharmacology

We want Beechmont Racquet and Fitness to be a place for you to step out of isolation and find a community and lifestyle that elevates your wellbeing. We are focused on creating an experience that is both physically safe and an absolute blast!

Come on back to Beechmont! For more information, read at https://www.ihrsa.org/improve-your-club/lockdowns-cause-severe-mental-physical-health-consequences/.

Fitness is More Than Safe!

claire@dimalantadesigngroup.com (Claire Felten) — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 17:56:55 GMT

According to a recent article in Yahoo, a national study finds that fitness facilities are safe and are not contributing to the spread of COVID-19.