Beyond the Treadmill

                Table the treadmill and sack the stair-climber!  This year, rev up your routine with unique and enjoyable fitness alternatives in the Smith Mountain Lake area. Take a crack at kickboxing, learn to dance, or try hula-hooping to whittle away the waistline. Get motivated and moving once again for good health in 2007.

                According to Rhonda Potter, a fitness instructor at the Smith Mountain Lake YMCA, there are different forms of kickboxing, but she likes to incorporate her martial arts background into the routines. Rhonda emphasizes correct form while leading the class in air-punching and kicking their way to cardiovascular fitness and weight loss.

                Set to funky music, the class begins with a warm up to improve flexibility and progresses to an almost dance-like cross between martial arts and aerobics. Rhonda is hands-on as she moves through the group making sure each individual is in proper form to prevent injury. The class is mentally challenging, as well, because participants learn progressive steps each session. 

                “Most importantly, it is empowering, especially for the women,” Rhonda said. “They have never punched anything in their lives! After a long day of work, it’s exactly what they need,” she added with a laugh.

                “Don’t be intimidated by kickboxing.” Rhonda stressed. A martial arts background is not necessary to get started. Any age, any fitness level, male or female can participate. Michelle Byrd and her 12-year-old daughter Marlie attend class together.

                “I love it,” Michelle said. “It’s motivating to work out together.”

                For those who have a hard time finding the enthusiasm to exercise, disguise fitness in the form of dance. Every Tuesday evening at the Moneta Community Center, the Lake Square Dancers gather to give lessons to beginners, followed by one hour of square dancing. Anyone is welcome to join in the fun and fellowship, according to Alma Carter, club president.

                “Square dancing not only exercises the body, it exercises the brain,” Alma said.  It’s no wonder with so many different steps to master in order to keep up with the caller.  “You can’t drink and dance,” Alma joked.

                USA Dance, an amateur ballroom dancer’s group consisting of primarily social dancers, meets the third Friday of every month, also at the Moneta Community Center. For the first hour, a professional instructor teaches traditional dances like the Waltz, Fox-Trot and Swing, as well as Latin-style dances like the Tango, Mamba and Cha-Cha. For the next two hours, group members are able to hone their skills on the dance floor.  Anyone – from senior-high students to senior citizens, singles or couples – is welcome to participate.

                Ballroom dancing compares to walking and cycling in the amount of calories burned, according to Norma Shapiro, a chapter leader.

                “Here at the Lake, often the women are off playing tennis or bridge, while the men are fishing or playing golf. [Ballroom dancing] is something couples can do together,” Norma said. “And, young people can learn valuable social skills and poise.”

                Remember the hula-hoop?  It’s back, with a new twist. With a weighted hula-hoop, for as little as ten minutes a day, you can burn 100 calories and trim up to two inches from the waistline by the end of the month, said Diane McFaden, owner of Southlake Health & Fitness in Union Hall.

                “You’ll have so much fun, you won’t even know you’re exercising,” Diane declared.  The colorful hoops, which come in several different sizes and weights ranging from 1 to 5 pounds, can be used by kids and grown-ups alike.  It’s a fitness option the entire family can enjoy together, Diane added.

                Drop-ins are welcome at the fitness center. “Try it for one week free to see if you like it,” Diane encouraged.  Hoops may also be purchased directly from Southlake Health & Fitness to work out in the comfort of your home.

                So, try something new this winter to spice up your fitness routine.  Dance and twist your way to good health and a fit physique.