ALMetro360

Keep Exercising to Maintain Your Health B Y L EIGH A NN R ICHARDS , M ETRO F ITNESS A RE YOU AS TIRED OF HEARING ABOUT COVID-19 AS I AM ? Y OU CAN ’ T LISTEN TO THE NEWS , PICK UP A NEWSPAPER OR LOOK AT S OCIAL M EDIA WITHOUT A DISCUSSION OF COVID-19. I T HAS CHANGED AND IMPACTED ALL OUR LIVES . lthough our circumstances seem to change day by day, even minute by minute, one fact remains the same: exercise is essential! Everyone is aware of the physical and mental health benefits of exercise, but we need it even more during trying circumstances. Businesses are now opening with a whole new set of rules, everyday schedules are in- terrupted and we are adjusting to our “new normal.” Even our ex- ercise routines have been interrupted. Here at Metro Fitness we spent a week or more getting ready to open our doors so we could be compliant with the state mandates. When you walk in, posters remind our guests to stay 6 feet apart. Caution tape helps guests social distance while using the cardio equipment and fitness studios. Hand sanitizer is readily available in convenient locations around the gym. You will see disinfecting wipes all around for cleaning the equipment after each use. Our staff is constantly wiping things down so our members can exercise with confidence that we are hard at work to safeguard their health. We are looking forward to welcoming our members! Just plan on bringing your own water and exercise mats if you will be needing them. For now, the showers and any wet areas are off limits. Yes, this is a new way to do business, but we want you to feel safe while you are here. You might think that during a pandemic you have a great excuse NOT to exercise, but public health officials say that exercise is es- sential to your physical and mental health now more than ever. People are working at home, people are sitting more, watching more Netflix and eating more. This behavior leads to more calorie consumption, less movement, and more weight gain. People are eating more processed foods, “stress baking”, and preparing those comfort foods. More alcohol has been consumed during this pan- demic as well and that means extra empty calories. Additionally, people are coping with fear, anxiety, stress, financial problems, sadness, boredom and isolation. All of these can have a negative effect on our physical and mental health. E XERCISE IS IMPORTANT TO MAINTAIN GOOD HEALTH ! • Exercise boosts the immune system. Regular moderate exercise has immune-boosting benefits that helps your body fight off infections and YES that includes COVID-19. • Exercise may help prevent weight gain. You burn extra calories 12 AL/ Metro 360 www.almetro360.com LIVING WELL..................................................................................................................................... A