By Kevin Mitchell, Director of General Operations at McLeod Health & Fitness Center

Make the Best Version of You in 2024

As the New Year begins, people are making resolutions to eat better, exercise more, and improve their quality of life. The start of a New Year often serves as a time for both self-reflection and goal-setting. Whether your aim is to improve your physical fitness, enhance your mental well-being, or find a community for fitness accountability, now is the time to take the next step in a healthier life.

There are numerous health benefits to regularly exercising, such as lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, reducing your risk of stroke and heart disease, better metabolism, improved posture, increased bone density, and improved sleep quality. Exercise is also beneficial for your mental health by reducing stress and depression.

The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five days a week and performing eight to 10 strength exercises at least twice a week such as resistance training or weights. Keep your exercise schedule fresh by exercising with friends, varying the intensity level, trying an aerobics class, and, when necessary, exercising in short bouts of 10 minutes. Even a 10-minute walk can boost your metabolism and mood.

Regular exercise can make your heart stronger, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes. While the most well-known benefit of exercise might be weight loss, exercise can also decrease fasting glucose and fasting insulin, and reduce insulin resistance. Additionally, exercise can lower the low-density lipoprotein (also known as LDL or bad cholesterol), and help your body produce more high-density lipoprotein (also known as HDL or good cholesterol). When you exercise, your body also releases endorphins that counteract stress and boost the immune system.

Making a lifestyle change and sticking to new goals can be difficult to do, especially alone. Hold yourself accountable by joining a gym, planning your workouts, and exercising with friends and family. Gyms provide a dedicated space for you to focus on your physical well-being while offering a break from daily stressors. They also create a community where individuals with similar fitness goals can interact and support each other while fostering a sense of belonging and motivation.

Joining a gym has many unexpected benefits for your overall health. Fitness centers often have classes focused on flexibility and mobility, such as yoga and Pilates. These types of activities help improve joint flexibility, enhance balance, and reduce the risk of injuries. Increased flexibility is particularly beneficial for individuals with sedentary lifestyles or desk-bound jobs.

The McLeod Health & Fitness Center offers programs to help you achieve your goals, including personal training services and nutrition counseling, as well as more than 70 group fitness classes per week. The outdoor track on our campus is safe, well-lit, connects to the Rail Trail, and is available for the public to use. Our certified personal trainers and fitness instructors work with individuals of all fitness levels, from exercise beginners to advanced athletes. You can also meet with one of our registered dietitians for personalized nutrition care and guidance to improve your health and well-being. Our nearly 100,000-square feet of space offers an array of amenities and a comprehensive choice of workout options.

Regular exercise and movement are important factors in overall health and wellness that can lead to a happier, healthier, and longer life. It is never too late to begin exercising to get in better shape or to maintain your health.

Remember to speak with your family physician before beginning any new exercise program. For additional information on programs at the McLeod Health & Fitness Center, call 843-777-3000 or stop in for a tour at 2437 Willwood Drive in Florence.