Cache Valley offers dozens of opportunities for fitness and better health

By Abby Davis

March 3, 2008 | Summer is right around the corner and for a lot of people that means one thing: eating healthy and having a fit body. Whatever happened to staying fit during the other three seasons? Do they matter? Can somebody still be healthy, yet have poor eating habits and lack exercise 75 percent of the year?

Many professionals in Cache Valley are disagreeing with dieting, as it is traditionally viewed, and are suggesting lifestyle changes. These changes occur year-round and become ingrained into ones daily life style.

"Lack of exercise and poor eating habits are sad because it causes obesity, which can lead to diabetes and heart disease, starting a nasty cycle that can latter cause kidney and eye problems that will decrease the quality of life," said Terelyn Anderson, a licensed dietitian at Logan Regional Hospital.

The types of food and portion sizes one eats are the most influential factor in diet control.

"A higher energy level is achieved by making the right food choices," said Caroline Shugart, Wellness Coordinator at Utah State University. Anything can be worked into a diet if portion control is used.

"We should be eating on plates not platters," said Anderson. Whole grains, protein, fruit, veggies, low-fat dairy products and water are the main categories that should make up the daily caloric intake.

With a faster metabolism more calories are burned efficiently and less fat is stored.

"One proven way to increase metabolism is to drink a cold glass of water every two hours," said Bret Al-Imari, personal trainer at Anytime Fitness.

It isn't just fitness professionals who are trying to promote healthy living. There are several businesses and USU who are encouraging their students and employees to make healthier choices.

Best Buy had a weight loss challenge; requiring a $20 entrance fee and the winner received the pot. Bear Lake Community Health stocks their break room with only healthy snacks and provides a dietitian and personal trainer for their employees. USU recently began a new program called Wellness. One of the aspects of this program is the Be Well menu in the Hub. Students and facullty can now buy the healthier food choice at a 10 percent discount. A punch card is also available. After 10 purchases of a Be Well menu item, the 11th meal is free.

In Cache Valley there are many opportunities to get fit. Logan Canyon, Bear Lake and Hyrum Dam are all close enough that most extreme sports can be found, such as kayaking, skiing, boating and rock climbing. USU, alone, offers more than 50 physical education classes. There are over 15 gyms to join and 10 different dance groups.

Al's Sporting Goods has one of the biggest clubs for cycling in northern Utah. There is also Logan Race Club that consists of four teams; the Junior Team lets children as young as 10 participate. The Northern Utah Pioneer League is set up for anybody to create a team and play baseball, usually about three games a week and two practices. Weight Watchers and Logan Regional Hospital just developed a new 12-week exercise and nutrition program. There are also three annual races to train for (LoToJa, Top of Utah and Bear Lake Marathon).

When beginning a new workout routine consistency is more important than how long, often or the intensity level.

"I try and get all my clients to start with three days for six weeks before they come for four days a week," said Al-Imari.

Variety in caloric intake and exercise is important to keep challenging different muscle groups. Resting for 48 hours in between workouts is recommend by Shape magazine for toning up and maintaining ones weight. "Each day brings a different workout, and this change-it-up strategy puts your body on the fast track to firm," stated Selene Yeager in an article in Shape .

Exercise is important because it can reduce stress levels, decrease chances of cancer, and increase bone density. Womens' bone density begins to decrease in their late twenties. According to the American Cancer Society one third of cancer deaths in the U.S. are attributed to poor nutrition, physical activity, and being overweight.

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