Heart Healthy, Heart Happy

February 2008

By Becky Roberg, Community Relations Specialist

February is appropriately branded as American Heart Month. With Valentines’ Day promoting the blaring red cartoon hearts and stores selling those devilish chocolate ones, it’s a good time for people to think about the heart that really matters – their own.

According to the American Heart Association, in 2005 over 80 million Americans had cardiovascular disease. Despite the fact that physical activity is one of the major changeable risk factors for heart disease, studies show that by 2006 only 30 million people were physically active.

Why aren’t people physically active? You’ve heard all the reasons before, and for most of us we’ve used them on ourselves for years. “It’s not fun.” “I don’t have time.” “It’s too hard.” “I’ve got more important priorities.” And the list can go on. The biggest stumbling block towards becoming physically active is taking the plunge. It’s hard to get back on the treadmill knowing running a mile will make you feel like you’ve got 20 pound weights on your legs and someone is squeezing your lungs shut. It’s not easy, but the Montrose Recreation District can help.

The first step in getting active is reworking the definition of exercise. For most people it’s a dreaded term that means NO fun. The most basic definition of exercise is activity. Instead of telling yourself you’ve got to exercise, tell yourself you’ve got to be active! Suddenly your options for activity are wide open. That’s when it’s time to check out the Montrose Recreation District.

One of the most effective aerobic exercises is swimming. The MRD Aquatic Center offers variations of this activity ensuring you’ll find what you’re looking for. There are 6 different types of water aerobics classes including one specifically designed for senior citizens. The classes are spread throughout the day too. Times are also scheduled exclusively for lap swimming and water walking.

If you’re not exactly graceful in the water there’s plenty of dry land activities too. Get straight to the ‘heart’ of your health in a cardio kickboxing class. There are also sport leagues, mountain biking classes, karate, and much more that all offer a version of activity for any age or fitness level.

The Montrose Recreation District is full of options to jumpstart your heart into being healthier and happier. By being active today, you’ll live longer and save some money too. Studies have shown that if all inactive American adults become physically active the healthcare savings could be $76.6 billion dollars. Not only will activity grant you more time and money, you’ll also have more energy to enjoy your life.

Be heart healthy and heart happy, and let the Montrose Recreation District help. Call 249-7705 for more information regarding all Montrose Recreation District activities or visit montroserec.com.