Fitness
This is why working out together matters: Linda McVey
Guest columnist Linda McVey is executive director of health initiatives for the YMCA of Greater Cleveland.
As someone deeply committed to enhancing the well-being of our community, I’ve come to understand the profound impact of social connections on personal wellness.
In our pursuit of healthier lifestyles, the choice between exercising alone or with others can significantly influence not just our physical fitness, but our overall well-being.
At the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, where we offer a variety of group exercise classes across our 11 branches, we see firsthand how shared fitness activities can transform lives.
These classes are more than just opportunities to break a sweat; they are vibrant communities where individuals of all ages and backgrounds come together with a shared goal of improving their health.
What makes working out in a group setting so powerful? It goes beyond the physical benefits, though those are certainly substantial.
Group exercise classes provide a supportive environment where participants motivate each other to push their limits, celebrate successes and navigate challenges together. Whether it’s the energy of a high-intensity cardio class or the mindfulness of yoga, the camaraderie fosters a sense of belonging that is essential for sustained motivation.
Research underscores the psychological benefits of exercising with others. Studies have shown that group workouts can enhance mood, reduce stress levels and increase overall satisfaction with one’s fitness routine.
The social interaction inherent in group settings not only makes workouts more enjoyable, but also creates accountability, making it less likely for individuals to skip sessions or lose interest over time.
Group exercise also serves as a powerful antidote to social isolation by fostering connections among participants. Engaging in physical activities together creates a sense of belonging, encourages camaraderie and builds supportive relationships.
As individuals share their fitness journeys, they form bonds that extend beyond the gym, reducing feelings of loneliness and enhancing emotional well-being.
The collective experience of working toward common goals reinforces community ties and nurtures a vibrant, supportive environment.
Moreover, group exercise promotes diversity in fitness experiences. In a class setting, participants can explore different workout styles under the guidance of skilled instructors, discovering new activities they may not have considered on their own.
This variety not only keeps workouts interesting, but also ensures a well-rounded approach to fitness that addresses different aspects of physical health.
For many, especially those new to fitness or recovering from health challenges, the supportive atmosphere of group classes can be particularly transformative.
It’s not uncommon to hear stories of individuals who found strength and resilience within these communities, overcoming personal obstacles with the encouragement of their fellow classmates.
Many participants report feeling empowered and inspired by the collective energy of the group, which often drives them to achieve goals they once deemed unattainable.
While solo workouts certainly have their place, particularly for those who cherish moments of introspection or prefer the flexibility of individual routines, the social dimension of group exercise cannot be overstated.
It fosters a sense of community that extends beyond the gym walls, creating lasting friendships and networks of support that enhance overall quality of life.
As we pursue our personal wellness goals, whether at the YMCA or elsewhere, let us remember the profound impact of connection. By choosing to work out together, we not only invest in our physical health, but also nurture the social bonds that enrich our lives.
So, whether it’s joining a group fitness class, forming a workout group with friends or participating in community fitness events, let’s embrace the power of togetherness in our pursuit of a healthy vibrant future.
Readers are invited to submit Opinion page essays on topics of regional or general interest. Send your 500-word essay for consideration to Ann Norman at anorman@cleveland.com. Essays must include a brief bio and headshot of the writer. Essays rebutting today’s topics are also welcome.
Fitness
Avoid doing these gym exercises now! Orthopaedic doctor reveals exercises that do more harm; the answers may shock you
Did you know that some popular exercises that we all do at the gym to stay fit and healthy may be doing more harm than good? Dr Venkatesh Movva, an orthopaedic doctor trained in Sports Medicine, sat down with Ranveer Allahbadia for The Ranveer Podcast, where he talked about the exercise one should avoid at the gym. The answers will surprise you.
(Also Read | Ranbir Kapoor ‘decides to clap’ in between his pullups. Guess how Alia Bhatt reacted?)
Avoid doing these gym exercises now!
In the clip shared on The Ranveer Show Podcast Instagram page, with the caption, “Dr Venkatesh on Which Exercises you should Avoid in Gym?”, Ranveer asks Dr Movva which exercises he would recommend gymgoers to avoid as an orthopaedic doctor. He suggested three exercises which are quite popular among gymgoers aiming to get fit, lose weight or stay healthy. According to him, one should not do overhead exercises, deadlifts, and crunches.
Dr Movva stated in the clip, “Overhead, heavy [exercise]. I mean, you can go stretch, but no military press, number one. Number two crunches; avoid them. Number three, deadlifts. (sic)” To this, Ranveer replied, “So, I’d replace the military press because it’s for the anterior delts with just front raises.” As an alternative, Dr Movva suggested people to ‘bend down’ during such exercises. “You can go bend down, raise it [weights], rather than overhead (sic),” he said.
While Ranveer, a fitness enthusiast himself, said that he would replace crunches with planks, Dr Movva suggested ‘planks and bridges’.
Lastly, for why one should avoid deadlifts, an exercise you must have seen many celebrities doing at the gym and fitness influencers pushing their followers to include in their routine, the orthopaedic doctor said, “I see more injuries than benefits with the deadlifts. If you are really well-trained and have a good muscle balance, do it. But if you are trying to get better, that’s one thing you may want to avoid. Because the risk of injury is very high. There are so many other exercises that you can compensate without doing these things.”
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Fitness
Woman who shed 54 kg shares 7 back and bicep exercises that helped transform her body
Carrying excess fat in your back and arms can cause health concerns for many. Sorting out this issue is important, not just for how you look, but also for your general health and ability to move around easily. If you are on a weight loss journey and looking for exercises to help you target these areas, worry not. We have found seven exercises to help you develop and tone your back and bicep muscles. The routine was shared on Instagram by Meredith Hutson, who shed 120 lbs (approximately 54 kg) naturally. Check out the exercise that helped her transform her body.
(Also Read | Avoid doing these gym exercises now! Orthopaedic doctor reveals exercises that do more harm; the answers may shock you)
Back and bicep workouts to try
In the video, Meredith suggested exercises like the Smith machine or barbell mid-grip rows, outer curl into Zottman curl, cable rear delt fly, straight arm pulldowns, reverse seated rows, cable hammer curls, and cable lat pulldowns. She also demonstrated how to do each exercise in the clip and showcased modifications she added to make the routine effective.
The fitness influencer also had an inspiring message for those trying to lose weight or tone their muscles. She said, “Nobody saw my potential the way that I did…” Check out the exercises.
According to Meredith’s video, each exercise targets different areas in your back and biceps. Talking about the Smith machine or barbell mid-grip rows, she said that the exercise targets your ‘middle back for a balanced development’. For the Zottman curl, she modified the exercise by adding an outer curl, which helped her target the long head of her biceps and forearms.
While the cable rear delt fly exercise (a personal favourite of the fitness coach) targets the real delts, upper back muscles, traps and rhomboid, the straight arm pulldown helps work out the rhomboid and ‘big muscles’ on the back, thus helping create the V shape.
As per Meredith, the reverse seated rows also target the rhomboid along with the traps, biceps, rear delts, and the ‘main muscle in our backs that helps us in doing pulling movements’. Lastly, the cable hammer curls work the entire upper arms ‘focusing on the front of the arms and the outside of the forearm’, while the cable lat pulldowns target ‘lats, rhomboid, traps, and biceps’.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Fitness
Manayunk gym aims to provide source of physical and mental wellness
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — GoalsFit, nestled in Philadelphia’s Manayunk neighborhood, has been a community staple for 16 years.
Kasey Manwaring-Loos, who is at the helm, has created an environment that gets people coming back for their fitness fix.
“Kasey has a superpower, she has a lot of them,” said Dan Leinhauser, who’s been a client at Goals for eight years. “But one of them is she can take old guys like me, and young, very fit people, and somehow everybody gets an incredible workout out of it. No one is made to feel less than the other person.”
When COVID-19 hit in 2020, Manwaring-Loos realized the impact her gym had on her clients. It was an outlet for their physical and mental wellness. So, she felt the push. She decided to enroll in a master’s program at her alma mater, Saint Joseph’s University, to pursue a degree in mental health counseling. Her hope was to provide her clients with more tools in the future.
“I happen to have a client who was in eighth grade, and after six sessions I just saw how good she was feeling,” Manwaring-Loos reflected. “I remember one session saying, ‘You look so strong.’ And she was like, ‘I just feel so good.’ So, I thought it was the perfect spot to start with because I think it will be so impactful.”
So “Generation Move” was born. It’s a program launching in the New Year for 7th and 8th graders who may experience anxiety surrounding sports, exercise, and movement.
Manwaring-Loos said it will be a combination of exercise and “chit-chat.”
“One week will be called ‘Lifting to Feel Empowered,’ one week will be ‘Moving for a Clearer Mind,’ one week will be ‘Teamwork Makes Dreamwork.’”
At a time when professional athletes like Eagles tackle Lane Johnson have spoken out about the intersection between sports and mental health, people like Manwaring-Loos are doing the work in our communities.
“When it comes down to it, I want to do this because at least they will leave feeling in a good mood,” Manwaring-Loos shared. “Sure, there will always be struggles, sadness, problems, but at least they will find a tool that will put them in a better mood.”
Generation Move is set to begin its six-week program on January 15. You can learn more about the various offerings at GoalsFit at goalsfit.com.
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