It's Not Just About "Getting In Shape"
As 2008 begins amid the usual array of resolutions, new story angles by which to explore the public's renewed passion for exercise are always needed. Obviously, there are many ways to delve into this kind of fanaticism that may or may not last the month. Consider, however, a new kind of gym that has just celebrated its first anniversary. Boomer Fitness, located in downtown San Carlos, is the only one of its kind in America that targets baby boomers doing recreational sport conditioning. Arleen Cauchi is the founder and visionary of Boomer Fitness and she knows her generation well. "Baby Boomers are big resolution-makers. We're here to help them keep to their goals", says Cauchi from her office. "I like to think we've created a very unique regimen here. If people workout differently, it will improve their lives." As Baby Boomers make out their list of resolutions for 2008, it might be beneficial to examine just what exercise can do for them beyond mere fitness.
Exercise Helps Prevent Breast Cancer
Exercise may help prevent breast cancer, and help those who do get it cope, two new studies show. The first study, based on interviews with 15,000 women, shows that women who get more than six hours of strenuous exercise a week, and have no family history of breast cancer, may be 23% less likely to develop the disease than women who don't exercise at all. The second study shows that a 12-week group exercise program may boost mood and physical function in women with early-stage breast cancer. The researchers don't promise exercise will prevent breast cancer, or blame breast cancer on a lack of exercise. But they do report that exercise appears to have benefits in protecting against breast cancer for women of all ages.
Exercise Helps Prevent Colon Cancer
A study involving 63 men and women (42-78 years of age) with a history of colonic polyps (a potential precursor to colon cancer) investigated the potential influence of leisure-time physical activity and low body mass index (BMI) on levels of prostaglandin E2 in rectal mucosa. An increase in BMI from 24.2 to 28.8 kg/m2 resulted in a 27% increase in prostaglandin levels, whereas an increase in physical activity from 5.2 to 27.7 MET-hours per week (one MET-hour being roughly equivalent to an oxygen uptake of 3.5ml/kg of body weight per minute) decreased prostaglandin levels by 28%.
Exercise Helps Prevent Heart Disease
Heart disease may be the leading cause of death for both men and women, but that doesn't mean one has to accept it as fate. Although many may lack the power to change some risk factors - such as family history, age and race - there are some key heart disease prevention steps one can take. Regularly participating in moderately vigorous physical activity can reduce the risk of fatal heart disease by nearly a quarter. And when combined with other lifestyle measures, such as maintaining a healthy weight, the payoff is even greater. Physical activity helps control weight and can reduce the chances of developing other conditions that may put a strain on the heart, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. It also reduces stress, which may also be a factor in heart disease.
Exercise Can Help Create Sounder Sleep
Findings from a recent Stanford University Medical School study may come as no surprise: older and middle-age people reported sleeping better when they added regular exercise to their routine. After 16 weeks in a moderate intensity exercise program, during which participants exercised at least four times a week, subjects were able to fall asleep about 15 minutes earlier and sleep about 45 minutes longer at night. To assess the impact on sleep, researchers looked at factors such as how long it takes to fall asleep, total hours of sleep per night, how often one wakes up, how one feels when waking up, and daytime function. The study also provided further evidence of the positive interactions between mind and body.
Exercise Can Help Skin Look Younger
Many of the external causes of aging skin are determined by the health and lifestyle decisions one makes every day. An important part of any anti-aging skin care program is to know what one may be doing that is harming the skin and speeding up the skin's aging process.
In addition to the physical benefits of exercise, having a bright smile and lots of energy will help people look younger, at any age.So the usual New Year's Resolutions are not just about "getting in shape" and "losing weight". It's much more important than that. It's about avoiding disease, being less stressed, looking younger and just plain staying alive. That's a tune that every Baby Boomer knows.
ABOUT Boomer Fitness
Boomer Fitness is a unique health club designed for those 35 and older. We offer personal training as well as automated workouts through our patent pending Boomer Fitness Digital Training System. This automated system provides a program for General Fitness, Weight Management, Golf Fitness, Tennis Fitness, Hiking Fitness, Biking Fitness, and Skiing Fitness. You will see noticeable results, faster. Hence our slogan "Workout Smarter - Not Harder!".
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley in downtown San Carlos at 677 Laurel Street, Suite 201. For more information, visit the Boomer Fitness Web site a http://www.boomerfitnessclubs.com/ or call (650) 593-1193.
