Cool Off and Get Fit in the Amber Chase Swimming Pool!

Hey Amber Chase! It just seems like these hot days will never end, right? Most days, all I want to do is laze away in the beautitful Amber Chase swimming pool, but that won’t pay the bills. The one good thing that I can say about the summer is that it gives me the opportunity to go swimming at the apartments just about everyday. It also gives me the exercise that I need without having to be in the gym for 20 to 30 minutes.

Swimming can be great exercise, and it’s so much fun! I just love the feel of the rush of waves as they flow past my body. It’s also very theraputic and relaxing after a stressful week or long day at work. Did you know that swimming is so much easier on your body than ‘regular’ exercises? Water cushions stiff joints or fragile bones that might be injured by the impact of land exercises. When immersed to the waist, your body bears just 50% of its weight; immersed to the chest, it’s 25%-35%; and to the neck, 10%.

Swimming is also great for people with exercise induced asthma. The warm air surrounding the pool causes less stress to the airways. So if you’re looking for a more fun way to exercise than running on the treadmill, swim a couple of laps. You’ll be able to see the change in no time.

Do you swim often?

Stay Safe, Give Your Confidence a Boost w/Self Defense Classes

Hey Amber Chase! This post goes out to all the ladies. Have you ever been walking alone at night anywhere and felt an anxious feeling settle over your body? That, or have you listened to stories of attacks on the news and wondered what you would do if you were ever faced with that situation? If so, then a women’s self defense class may be just what the doctor ordered.

The Women’s Self Defense Program through the Henry County Police Department is dedicated to empowering women with knowledge to reduce the occurrence of sexual assault crimes. It also helps to give you self confidence and a new feeling of power.

Classes begin with risk awareness, risk reduction, crime prevention strategies, and defensive concept instruction, followed by hands on defensive training. This way you get a well rounded course without being sent out without a plan.

The class is open to women ages 18 and up; men are not permitted, except for those teaching the class.  These classes are offered several times throughout the year by the Police Department. Classes meet 3 times for one week and are held on Thursday and Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 to 12:00 a.m.

Contact the Henry County Police Department for more details at (770) 288- 8200.

Remember, it’s best to be prepared for anything.

photo credit: superwebdeveloper

Get Fit for Summer!

Hey Amber Chase! Are you looking to get fit for the summer? Do you thrive in a class environment rather than going to a gym or fitness center to work out by yourself? Well, you’re in luck, because classes are available through Henry County Parks and Recreation. Whether you’re looking for Yoga, Pilates, ab workouts, strengh training, or just dancing the carbs away, they have it all just for you!

Most classes are only $3 per class, and last about an hour. Classes vary from locations including the J.P. Moseley Recreation Center and Heritage Park. So if you’re looking for a way to get fit while having fun with a group of people, this is the way to go!

What’s your favorite way to work out?

Workout Myths Dispelled!

There are so many weight loss tips out there that I don’t know what to do or who to believe! And with the tips come the myths that we all know and are afraid of: “Don’t eat after 8 pm! Carbs are evil! It’s not a workout if you don’t sweat!” Now, I REALLY don’t believe that last one. With as much as I’m breathing heavily after a run and feeling like my lungs will never receive enough oxygen again, all without breaking a sweat, I KNOW I’ve burned some calories.

That being said, the common myths that we all know turn out to be just that: myths. And I’m here to let you know why. Here are the top three myths:

Myth Buster #1: Carbs are the enemy: Experts suggest that carbohydrates play a star role in keep you energized and your organs functioning properly. The carb bad rap should rest squarely on the shoulders of “white carbs” like white bread, white rice, and sugar. Stick to whole grains for a healthier diet.

Myth Buster #2: Don’t eat after 8 pm: The habit of under-eating all day only to overdo it at dinner time is likely where this myth came from. Eating excess calories at any hour of the day will lead to weight gain. Just remember: It’s not when you eat, it’s what you eat. However, don’t think that you can eat any kind of meal and just go to sleep. The body doesn’t have a way to burn off the extra fat that you’ve stored. So to be safe, eat at least an hour before bed.

Myth Buster #3: It’s not a workout unless you sweat: A cardio workout that gets you huffing and puffing is vital for a healthy ticker, but that’s only half the picture. Low-impact workouts, like weight-lifting and yoga, might not leave you drenched in sweat, but they’re equally important to keeping your muscles strong and your body burning calories all day long. Work cardio and resistance training into your exercise regimen and you’ll be seeing the full picture of health.

Do you know of any other weight loss myths?

Okay, I’ll start working out…tomorrow

Have you ever made a New Year’s Resolution where you promise yourself that you’re going to work out more? How many have actually stuck to that promise? I know I’ve been promising myself for years that I would join a gym, but have never had the time, nor gathered enough energy to actually go!

Well, I heard of a way to motivate yourself to get up and go. Why not place something that you definitely need in your gym bag that’s not too compromising, and leave it in your gym/gym locker before running off to work or school in the morning? That way, you’d be compelled to stop by on the way home. You may as well work out while you’re already there!

 It worked for them. Can you think of any motivational ways to get yourself to the gym?