One out of four Americans, or 33 percent, suffers from obesity. Obesity-related deaths have climbed to more than 300,000 per year.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), obesity in adults has increased by 60 percent within the past twenty years and obesity-related deaths have climbed to more than 300,000 a year, second only to tobacco-related deaths.
The American diet and lifestyle are to blame and the health of American people has been sacrificed for packaged, processed and refined foods, besides fast-food and microwave dinners.
It is amazing, but not surprising, that the average American child sees more than 10,000 food ads on television each year, most with high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sugar meals.
The local Curves can help get you started if you are one of the many who find January is a good time to start a fitness regimen and improve your health.
Spend 30 minutes at Curves in Gridley and you will have a complete cardio and strength training workout that works every major muscle group.
Coming in February, CurvesSmart is a personalized coaching system that will give you moment-by-moment information and immediate feedback, so you receive a continual evaluation of how you are doing and what you have accomplished.
After being measured, each member can choose from four programs to best fit their needs in the CurvesSmart system. The four programs to choose from are: Fit 'N' Trim, Muscle Size 'N' Strength, Cardio and Endurance.
Information is fed to a kiosk, which will keep a complete simulated image of your body to not only see a view of where you are presently, but where your body will be at the end of the workouts. Members will know what they are aiming for. They will be given the information without anyone disturbing them by talking.
Stretching is a very important part of the 30 minute workout. Stretching improves the effects of exercise by 19 percent. It lubricates the joints, while giving the finishing touch of the workout.
Being a "Women Only" facility, members are not intimidated and don't feel they need to get in shape before they join. Members can start at any level.
Owners Monica and Luke Waters have been in the business almost two years and are very knowledgeable about Curves and what the program does for their customers.
The business began in Gridley with just six stations and is now up to 13.
Another part of the business is the monthly Fitness and Weight Management Program, which is included as part of the membership. Monthly meetings will be held to receive encouragement from other members. There will be an introduction, special monthly topics on nutrition for example, and maintaining weight loss and keeping weight off.
This latest program will also begin in February.Monica stated, "We don't tell members to deny themselves the foods they love. They can still enjoy the holidays. We teach members how to plan and prepare for those times. A woman can gain one to three pounds unknowingly in one month.
"Curves wants to teach people how to avoid gaining weight. With physical workouts, you can have a plan," Monica stated.
Inspirational Beach Boys music keeps members moving along with the well-known "Next station please," as members advance to their next machine in the circle.
Curves has members in all age groups, from a 12-year-old who has parental supervision, to a member who is 83-years-young.
"Working out prevents atrophy, common in our older members. After the Curves workout, members have exercised every muscle group in their body," Monica stated.
The goal should be not just focusing on appearance, but fitness and the overall quality of life, according to Monica.
The business is open Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. sharp to 12:30 p.m. and opens again from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Another attribute of working out is that people make a big fuss about planning their estates, but the most important investment is your health, according to Monica.
The best way to help address economic challenges is through an investment into your health. Reduce your stress levels by exercising.
"If you think you can't afford to exercise, you can't afford not to," stated Monica.
Ten cups of coffee a month will pay for a months membership for some. What will benefit you more? Coffee or a workout?
Some health providers offer new programs for seniors, such as incentives to work-out. It is worth checking with your health provider to see if they offer incentives or benefits to those who invest in their long term health with weight management programs.
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) recently announced the most popular fitness trends for 2009.
Besides specialty classes such as dance-based classes, the list includes Getting Back to Basics and Circuit Training.
Studies on Circuit Training show that interval training combining strength training and cardiovascular activity at different intensities provides a more time-efficient workout than participating in traditional aerobic and weight training sessions. Many gyms are even setting up their own circuits to allow the members an easy path to fitness.
Luke's mother came from New York and was experiencing problems with her neck and back, because she could not be active during the long winter months.
She no longer has to visit a chiropractor, because Curves enabled her to strengthen her muscles and be in better alignment in her back.
"We can offer women the chance to not only improve their health, but also get time away from the family. It's a great stress reliever," Monica stated.
