Staying Fit During Winter program success
September 30, 2008A major obstacle to maintaining fitness during the winter months is finding indoor exercise options. On. Thurs., Sept. 25, community members joined Brad Jourdan, Manager, Valley West Rehabilitation Services, as he explored and explained the health risks associated with inactivity.
“Physical activity can decrease the risks of cardiovascular disease, Type II Diabetes, colon and breast cancer, and osteoporosis,” says Brad Jourdan, Manager, Valley West Rehabilitation Services.
The goal of the program is to help people experience various indoor activities and find out which ones will work for them during the winter months. Fitness stations were set up throughout the program area and included Wii Fit, yoga and Pilates demonstrations by Julie Inman of Ultimate Health & Fitness, and Walk Fit. The Cardiac Rehab department was also open so participants could try out different indoor exercise machines including treadmills and elliptical machines.
Maintaining physical activity, not just during the winter months, but all year long help control weight, reduce stress, strengthens muscles, joints and bones, says Jourdan.
Each participant was given a free pedometer to help track their fitness progress. For more information about upcoming Community Wellness programs at Valley West Community Hospital, please call 815.786.3960 or visit www.vwch.org.
