It’s already 2:00 pm and I have not yet made it to the gym. The way this day is going, I might not make it there until midnight! Okay, midnight is a stretch (pun intended), but actually going later might not be so bad. I usually go in the morning or at lunch, and I can tell there are a lot of New Year’s resolutions motivating people to start 2012 healthy.
In July of last year, the Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation rated Colorado the least obese state in the nation. Fortunately this is not a new rating for us, but let me be the first to tell you, the pounds don’t just drop with high altitude! I think of it as more of a lifestyle. When you are surrounded by people who take care of themselves physically, spiritually and emotionally, it’s only natural to follow suit.
This was precisely my experience when I entered DU as an undergraduate. The Coors Fitness Center is a remarkable gym, home to an array of cardiovascular, weight-lifting, and core-building equipment. Need a little guidance in getting started? Hire a trainer! Looking for low-impact activity? Practice your Individual Medley (IM) in our beautiful El Pomar Natatorium. Lest I forget, there are studios for classes like Spinning and Yoga, courts for racquetball and squash, and a two-story rock-climbing wall for those days you cannot make it to the mountains.
One of the best parts about living in Colorado is the geographical gym (or playground as it is often referred to) you have as soon as you set foot outside. Beautiful weather, varying terrain and a lifestyle of fitness make it hard to not stay active in this state. If you don’t believe me, take a look at our staff. Every year, a group of 5-10 coworkers runs the Bolder Boulder. Earlier in the fall, one of my colleagues participated in her first half-marathon. Another captured the state weight-lifting record for her weight class (!). I have twice completed the AIDS/Lifecycle, a fundraising, 7-day, 545-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Training at a mile high for those rides helped a lot!
Regardless of your athletic background, let DU be the starting line to a healthier you. Not only will you feel better physically, the mental break from class will have you sharper for the next day! Cheers to a happy and healthy 2012!
Andy Losier, Associate Director - Coordinator of Ammi Hyde Interview and Volunteer Programs
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