Fit For Life: Missing that High? Why?
Matt Espeut, GoLocalProv Health +Lifestyle Contributor
Fit For Life: Missing that High? Why?
Next time you see a real runner out there on the street – and no question the die-hards will be out there all winter long - look at the expression on their face - 90% of the time I see pain, agony, and misery, along with poor form and posture. I study movement patterns all day long by people watching and I notice symptoms such as knock knees, forward head tilt, excessive ankle pronation/supination, etc.
The most problematic issue with today’s runners is excessive heel strike. This is due to the excessive padding and elevated cushion heel in today’s high tech running shoes. By wearing this type of shoe you inhibit proprioception (your body’s sense of its own position, balance and movement). 70% of that feedback comes from pressure receptions, mostly located in the feet, resulting in reduced sensory feedback and therefore limits the quality of movement and core stability. Due to this and poor posture, 80% of runners suffers injury every year when they practice poor form. On a repetitive basis you compound dysfunction and probability of injury.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTSo my question is, “why do it when it hurts, and most are not very good at it”? And to top it off the people that are actually good at it with ease of stride and perfect form look thin and frail. Long steady bouts of this type of exercise actually down sizes your heart capacity making it economize its power so you can go longer. You never push your heart to utilize its reserve capacity, therefore never making it stronger only more efficient.
Take a winter break.
So take a break from all that running and ask yourself, “where am I going?” Am I really getting more fit? Strengthening my heart? Looking better? Feeling stronger? I suggest running sprints, or doing high intensity interval training. It's more fun, less chance for injury, and you will get in better shape. Look at a sprinter’s body if you don't believe me. They are aesthetically much more appealing than most marathoners or excessive runners. I am not telling people that love to run to stop, just follow my philosophy: if it hurts, stop doing it. Read up about running and the new ways we are learning about fitness. Come see me and let’s talk. Or better yet, look at some of the people at my gym – especially when they walk out – looking tired, and sweaty, but with a bounce in their step.
Great Ways for RI Moms to Stay Fit this Winter
PVD Fit Body Boot Camp
1284 North Main St., Providence, RI
Moms can enjoy early bird classes at Providence Fit Body Boot Camp.
Owner Matt Espeut, GoLocalProv's Fitness Expert offers workouts that are designed to suit all levels of fitness and banish the intimidation factor.
Sessions are held as early as 6 a.m.
Raffa Yoga
19 Sharpe Dr., Cranston, RI
Raffa Yoga in Cranston offers many classes for beginning yogis and women trying to get back into shape.
"We offer stretch classes, power classes, and beginner classes everyday - stretch classes go at a very slow pace to get started [into yoga]" says Stephanie Baker of Raffa Yoga.
Raffa also offers "Urban Sweat" a relaxation area with saunas and steam rooms - a great way to unwind after a workout.
Boston Sports Clubs
131 Pitman St., Riverview Place West, Providence, RI
Boston Sports Clubs in Fox Point offer unique "VBarre" course which fuses both Pilates and ballet techniques for a fun, fat burning class!
They also offer unlimited babysitting for up to 2 children for only $9 a month - much cheaper than your neighborhood babysitter.
Sneaky Exercising Tips
"There are many ways to incorporate exercise into your lifestyle as a mom," says Dr. Barbara Roberts, MD Clinical Associate Professor Brown Medical School.
"Park far away from a mall and walk to the building as quickly as you can, take the stairs when indoors, and if you have toddlers take them out in a stroller and alternate between jogging and walking."
Synrgy
3 Davol Sq., Providence, RI
Synrgy offers classes for expecting and new moms who want to stay healthy for baby.
"We offer prenatal and postnatal classes along with strength training" says Jerome Collins of Synrgy.
Sign up for their personal training session to get your pre-baby body back!
The Maxx Fitness
622 George Washington Hwy., Lincoln, RI
The Maxx Fitness offers low-impact TRX Suspension Training a technique was born out of training for Navy SEALs.
But don't fret - you use your own body weight - and will help you sculpt and tone your core, improve your flexibility with their low-impact TRX Suspension Training.
Full Range CrossFit
859 N Main St., Providence, RI
Full Range CrossFit welcomes women and men of all levels of fitness to join.
You get to control how difficult each class is because the moves are scaled to suit your body's abilities.
Method Fitness Studio
19 S Angell St., Providence, RI
Looking to get some guidance while you get back in shape?
Method Fitness Studio is a personal training gym will help you get the results you want, help you do what's best for your body, and meet personal fitness goals.
They even have an indoor rock climbing wall - who says getting in shape can't be fun?
Photo: Method Fitness Studio
Core
208 Governor St., Providence, RI
Core Center of Real Energy will help you get your body and mind back on track with classes like Pilates Reformer - a blend of low impact cardio and Jumpboard training.
There is even sports training for kids - allowing you both to stay healthy this winter.
Photo: Core Center of Real Energy
