Getting Fit Goes Beyond Lifting Weights
or those who aren ’ t fitness fanatics , getting back in shape is a goal to strive for . Though
Frates of overweight and obesity are high , society has also grown increasingly healthconscious in the last 10-20 years , as the growing number of gyms and other fitness centers can attest .
Still , for those hoping to shed a few extra pounds , the first step toward doing so can be the hardest . Many instantly think of the oft-intimidating nature of the local gym , where muscular fitness enthusiasts dominate the landscape . However , getting fit does not have to include weight training . While weight training can be a valuable means to get healthier and shedding pounds , there are a host of other exercise options that can lead to very positive results .
• Spinning . Spinning is a popular and valuable alternative exercise option . However , because it can be so demanding , spinning can be a tough routine for those making a lifestyle change . Once you ’ ve gotten into an exercise groove , spinning might be something to explore . Often set to aggressive , pulsating music , spinning involves riding a stationary bike through demanding courses featuring hills and other difficult terrain .
• Aqua aerobics . For those who enjoy time in the pool , see if your gym offers an aqua aerobics class . This might not be as readily available at most gyms as spinning classes are , as lots of gyms don ’ t even have pools . For those who love swimming , look for a gym that does have a pool , and chances are , that gym will offer some derivation of aqua aerobics which consists of intense cardio movements mixed with some strength training . The chief benefit of a good aqua Aerobics workout is that it will work all your muscle groups with low impact on joints -- making it ideal for seniors .
• Pilates . The popularity of palates classes is now so great that many gyms offer classes several times per day . Not unlike yoga , palates is both a physical and mental exercise . The exercises themselves can be quite demanding , focusing on stretching and breathing that strengthens the abdominal core .
• Abdominals . Few people look at their abs and don ’ t think they could use some work . That said , nearly every gym offers a class focusing strictly on abdominal exercises . These usually range anywhere between 15 and 30 minutes in length . Anything longer than that might cause painful and unnecessary muscle strain , so beware of ab classes that might be longer than 30 minutes , especially if you ’ ve only recently gotten back into exercise .
• Fusion . For those who subscribe to the idiom that “ variety is the spice of life ,” fusion classes ( also known as total body conditioning ) classes could be the perfect fit . That ’ s because such classes are a combination of other classes . Because they combine so many different elements , these classes tend to run a little longer in length , oftentimes exceeding an hour in length . The benefit of these is that they build up your cardiovascular as well as muscular strength .
• Yoga . Arguably no alternative exercise class is more widely known than yoga . A centuriesold Hindu discipline aimed at promoting control over the body and mind , yoga classes are offered at nearly every gym or fitness center across the country . Much of yoga is concerned with helping you become stronger , more balanced , focused , and flexible . If you ’ re looking for a non-competitive environment where you can move at your own pace , this might be the best workout program for you .
This feature is sponsored by : Dr . Robert Casañas Dr . Casañas is a Board Certified Internist and Board Certified Pain Management specialist . Dr . Casañas practices out of two offices , Unicorn Medical Office in West Tampa and Lunasol Institute in Westchase . Submit your question for Dr . Casañas by emailing him at :
AskElDoctor @ thelatinvillage . com or contact him directly at 813-789-2799 .
HOW YOUR DRIVER ’ S LICENSE IS AFFECTED BY FLORIDA ’ S IMPLIED CONSENT LAW
Have you heard the old saying : “ Don ’ t bring a child to a man ’ s fight …” What do you think it means ? Recently , a national television network presented a very interesting show about average Joes competing against professionals athletes in their own sport . The purpose of the show was to illustrate the huge talent and performance difference that exists between a professional athlete and the average sportsmen that trains regularly and vigorously during the week . To me , the show validated my beliefs . One of the most interesting competitions featured a contestant competing in an “ Ironman ” like race . The Ironman is a triathlon consisting of about a 2.4 mile open-ocean swims followed by cycling a distance of 112 miles and concludes with running a 26.2 mile marathon . Dave Scott , the 6 time iron man champion , ran it in a record 8 hours and 31 minutes . The shows contestant , who was in excellent athletic shape , was given three months to train for the event . Needless to say , the contestant came in last place . He took over 15 hours to finish . Complicating matters , he ended up suffering from severe right leg and hip ligament damage and extreme dehydration which led to kidney failure .
Figuratively , your experience like the contestant will be similar if you try to fight a legal battle without a lawyer . The legal system in this country is one of the most complex and technical in the world . It has thousands of intricate procedures and laws that can be used to help or destroy your case in court . Take for example having to answer depositions . In a deposition , a well trained professional lawyer is given the right by law to ask you specific questions under oath that he intends to use against you in court . Like the professional athlete , he knows how to confuse you so you will make a statement that will incriminate you or absolve his client . The wrong answer or omission depending on the type of the case , may affect the rest of your life . When you choose to represent yourself , you risk the chance of finishing last like the contestant in the triathlon . The layman just is not prepared to fight in a legal arena that is filled with procedural nuances and technicalities . It doesn ’ t matter how many law books you read on your own . Experience which takes years of accumulation of trial and errors is what separates professional from amateurs . Like the professional tri-athlete who has trained years in order to compete and win a race , the Lawyer has spent year ’ s training to fight for your rights in court . Judges try hundreds of cases every month with impartiality and an unbiased perspective . Hence , they are not allowed to sympathize with parties regardless of their legal experience or lack thereof . Judges are interested in finding the truth in the most judicially efficient method possible .
If you do not have experience in legal procedures , your arguments even if true may never be heard . That ’ s why in criminal cases , you have the constitutional right to an attorney . Why would you want to give up that constitutional right ? In my many years as a trial lawyer , I have seen people trying to represent themselves without a lawyer subjected to mockery , shame and verbal abuse in the court system . These laymen slow down the legal system . The system does not like be slowed down . Consequently , the layman stalls his case costing him time and in many cases money . Most people will have to face a legal problem sooner or later . It could be an auto accident , traffic violation , DUI , act of violence , civil law suits or divorce . Don ’ t be an amateur like the contestant in the triathlon when it comes to solving your legal problems . Have an experienced lawyer represent you in your case .
• Personal Injury
• Criminal Law ( State and Federal )
• Uncontested Divorces
• Foreclosure Defense
• Traffic Cases
Attorney Pedro G . Velez , Jr . Law Office of Pedro G . Velez , JR . 314 E . Harrison Street Tampa , Florida 33602 Phone : ( 813 ) 209-9800 Preguntas : AskElAbogado @ Latin-Times . com