Gold’s Gym Douglasville Enewsletter

Exercise Protects Against Heart Disease

About 60 percent of the protection provided to women by exercise against heart disease and stroke comes from its effect on a few specific risk factors, says a U.S. study in the journal Circulation. Researchers assessed cardiovascular risk factors and exercise levels in more than 27,000 women, ages 45-90 (average age 55) enrolled in the Women’s Health Study who were followed for more than 11 years for new diagnosis of heart attack and stroke.Women who exercised the most were 40 percent less likely to have a heart attack or stroke than those who did the least amount of exercise.

Prevent Heart Attacks & Strokes

“Regular physical activity is enormously beneficial in preventing heart attack and stroke,” lead author Dr. Samia Mora, instructor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in the divisions of preventive and cardiovascular medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, said in a prepared statement. “We found that even modest changes in risk factors for heart disease and stroke, especially those related to inflammation/hemostasis and blood pressure, can have a profound impact on preventing clinical events. This study is the first to examine the importance of a variety of known risk factors in explaining how physical activity prevents heart disease and stroke,” Mora said.

Learn more about how exercise can increase your health and wellness.

Don’t Be a Holiday Statistic

Did you know that the average person gains eight pounds during the holiday season? And if the extra pounds don’t come off by March, they probably won’t be coming off that year. The good news is that you don’t have to be a holiday statistic. As we approach the holiday season we will be faced with family gatherings, company and neighborhood parties, delicious meals, and homemade desserts. There are ways to get through the season without adding any inches to your waistline. We’ll share with you a couple of our favorite tips.

Focus on Family not Food

This year focus on the reason for the holiday season. Your emphasis and attention should be on family and special friends and less on the food that is served.

1. Never go to a party hungry! Everything looks good when you are hungry. Even those over cooked sausage balls of Aunt Mary’s.
2. Remember the “three bite rule”. The first three bites of anything tastes the best. After that your taste buds are actually dulled to the taste. Put your fork down.
3. Water should be your constant companion during the holiday season. It helps your skin look it’s best and it is a great way to feel full when you begin to feel tempted.
4. Alcohol always lowers your resistance. If you must drink, drink responsibly and between alcoholic beverages, drink a glass of sparkling water with a lemon or line twist. It is refreshing and it helps keeps you hydrated.
5. Make sure you stay rested. It’s tempting to burn both ends of the candle. Sleep deprivation makes it hard to resist temptation.
6. Most get- togethers are potluck. Take one of your low-fat favorite appetizers.
7. Don’t skip that exercise class or work out. The exercise will help keep the stress at bay, keep you looking and feeling your best, and keep the hunger under control. Need I say more?
8. When short on time try to make it to a Group Active class where you will focus on all the components of fitness in a 45-minute format.
9. If you know it is going to be a tough season, you may want to engage the help of a personal trainer. He/She can design a realistic plan with realistic goals and hold you accountable throughout the season.

Start NOW!

Begin this holiday season with a clear path to better health. Don’t wait until January to start your resolution, start today! Look great and feel great right through the holiday season. Set your goals and enjoy the season!

Golds Gym is always available to help. Whether you live in Douglasville, Villa Rica, Temple, Hiram or Dallas. We have a location and program for you.