Did you know that national guidelines suggest that most people should get 150 minutes of aerobic activity a week? That’s the kind of activity that gets your heart rate up. Did you know that national guidelines suggest you do strength training exercises for all major muscle groups at least twice a week? This is the type of activity where you might think of lifting weights, using resistance bands, etc. With these suggestions you may feel overwhelmed as to where to start- how do you fit in all the minutes? Do you have to do it all at once, how do you know you are doing it right? Have no fear! We’ve got you covered at The Wellness Center!

The Wellness Center is your one-stop spot for all your health and wellness needs. More than ever, we are working to meet our community’s needs with both in-person and virtual options! Regardless of your income, age, or fitness abilities, this non-profit community resource is here to support anyone on their journey towards better health and wellness. Whether you are just starting out or looking to take your fitness to the next level, at The Wellness Center you can trust that this isn’t something you have to do on your own. Our entire staff is fully vaccinated, licensed/certified in their expertise, and always excited to see new faces, refreshed to see those who have been committed for a long time and all those who fall in-between. When you’re here, it’s a community!

Let’s talk cardio! For your aerobic activity, you need to get your heart rate up and move your body. It is suggested that you do 150 minutes of moderate activity and that can be broken up over the week. Many people struggle to get themselves to do this on their own. Especially if you have been working from home, or spending more time in front of the computer, you may be getting less movement than ever. If you are looking to take a fitness class to help you fit in your aerobic activity minutes, you could consider joining us this May for T.B.C, Zumba®, Zumba® Gold, Cardio and Core, Limber Up, All Star Workout, Drums Alive® or Boxing Bootcamp.  Most classes run 45-60 minutes which means you can meet your aerobic activity requirements in just 3 classes a week. How much is three classes a week you ask? Just $12.00!

Let’s talk lifting. Maybe you can do aerobic activity on your own, but you are looking for a class to help you get in your suggested strength training twice a week. We recommend T.B.C., Tonetastic, Timed Fit, All-Star Workout, Cardio and Core, Yogalaties, Piyo® Live, Cardio and Core or even one of our many yoga classes that help build strength using your own body weight. Strength training is important, but so is your safety. The perk of doing this in a Wellness Center Class has the added advantage of a fitness professional being there to make sure you are doing it properly. Two classes a week at The Wellness Center costs $10.00.

Let’s talk flexibility! This is something that many people forget about until it’s time to tie their shoes or to reach for something far away. Flexibility is what helps us to remain able to keep our range of motion and prevent pain and stiffness. Many classes that focus on flexibility also have the added benefit of stress reduction. We would suggest Yin Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Troy Yoga & Qi Gong/Tai Chi, Barton Yoga, Yogalaties, Pilates, Yoga with Meredith, Yoga with Carolyn, Piyo® Live, and more! Not to mention, all of our classes include stretching at the end of each session to help ensure a proper cool down for participants. This is a great way to help keep our muscles healthy and strong as well.

Exercise isn’t meant to be a punishment and it can actually be a really great key to success for many people in their wellness journey towards better health. Regardless of your goal, be it weight loss, stress management, or want to increase your endurance or strength, you can find it all right here in North Country Hospital’s very own fitness facility- The Wellness Center. For over 40 years The Wellness Center has been an innovator in keeping health and wellness programs alive and affordable in the Northeast Kingdom. We also have scholarships available and partner with YOU® First to make sure that no one gets turned away. And, aside from all the National Guidelines for physical wellness, we also offer something to support your emotional wellness too! Friends!!! The Wellness Center is a perfect place to meet and make new friends and grow your social web. If you aren’t ready to take a class in person, we also have over 100 virtual options.

We hope this information motivates you to make the quality investment in your own health to keep moving and stay strong. You don’t have to go from 0 to100 but think about what you can do this spring to get in more movement and increase your quality and maybe even your quantity of life! When in doubt, give us a call at 802-334-5566, and we can help you find the perfect tools to stay healthy and sweat local!

 

mhoadley@nchsi.org