Keep Moving, Part 1

While toasting my mother on her 77th birthday, I asked what sage advice she could give the rest of us.  She said, “Keep moving!”  Mom is a life-long swimmer and an avid walker, attributing her good health to her commitment to exercise.  Living in a retirement community she sees the spectrum of active and inactive residents and their associated levels of health and well-being.  Through her lenses I see the effects of exercise on aging, and it renewed my commitment to feel healthy as the years progress.

Until a year ago, my exercise routine consisted of running, typically 3-5 miles per outing.  Although efficient, it was taking a toll on my knees.  My cardio strength was excellent,  but my core/ab/arm strength zilch.  I tried the P90X video workouts with Tony Horton (“Take in the fact you just did that”), but the arm and back segments were too much for me.  Then I got some Zing into my life!  My running buddy mLs convinced me to try a new workout at a gym with a young female trainer.  That was last February, and I was scared to pieces thinking I wasn’t up to the workout and would embarrass myself.  I could NOT do even one regular push-up.  Here’s the scoop:

Kelly McQuade is the owner and trainer of Zing(er) Fit.  Her workouts are circuit-style training: an endless combination of core, cardio, body weight and resistance training.  Truly, we never do the same workout twice.  Through her boundless enthusiasm, encouragement and expertise, I discovered a new love of exercise.  Although tough in the beginning, the nature of the workouts allow you to start at your own fitness level and progress as you stay committed.  And yes, I can do pushups now, the real deals, not on my knees!

Find out more about Kelly’s classes at  www.ZingFitRVA.com.  The first class is free, so if you live in RVA, find her facility in the Tuckahoe Shopping Center at 445 N. Ridge Road and give it a risk-free try.   Regardless of HOW you get your exercise, if you want to feel healthy as you age,

Keep Moving!