Find the exercise that you like Question: I have a hard time motivating myself to get to the gym on @ regular basis, what Should I do to overcome the pro- crastination factor? Answer: The first step towards being motivated to exercise regularly is to find the right type of exercise for you. A healthy lifestyle is achieved by incorporating, re exercise . into your scheuule, so it is important to perform exercises that you enjoy. A routine that you to perform will usu- ally be short-lived. Try a com- bination of different activities, you can workout at the gym on Mondays and Fridays, go on an outaoor bike ride or to your focal pool for a swim on Wednesdays and finish the week off with a few rounds of golf on the weekend. The key is to find a balance __Of activities that you enjoy. -’ Tt is also: motivating to change four workouts ona regular . Try altering your - Foutine cvery four to six weeks. | This will not only prevent -- boredom, but you will. find Sce Fitness page 19 SPORTING LIFE ai core ie matters are f tra i] : i : a Bei You're never too old to increase your strength NO matter how old you are, your body can still increase its strength and muscle mass. And muscles are more important than you may real- ize. For diabetics, more mus- cle means better control of blood sugar. If osteoporosis is a concern, strength training will not only preserve bone density, it will increase it. If your health problems are made more serious by excess weight, adding lean muscle to your body will increase the number of calories your body burns, even while you are resting, and will make it less convenient for you to store body fat. That’s just a sample of the reasons why strength training should be at the foundation of any exercise program. ere are many different types of exercise programs available for older adults, and as with any type of service, you'll find a big range in quality and price. Higher price does not always guarantee higher quality. Here are some important iguestions that you can ask to increase the likelihood that the class or pro- gram will meet your needs. Let’s assume that the program fits your schedule and is in a convenient location. What else do you need to know? First, ask if the instructors or staff are cer- tified in fieiess instruction and if they have special training in older adult exercise pro- gramming. That special training may be through attending workshops, completing correspondence courses, or studying under someone else within the facility. Second, ask if the instructor /staff belongs to any professional organizations. This will help you determine if the instructor is staying current on the fatest research to plan a safe and effective exercise program. Finally, all staff should be current in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Ask if you can try out the exercise pro- gram or take a class to see if you will like it. Most reputable facilites will be happy to accommodate you. In some facilities, you may have to pay a minimal guest fee, but most will give you a class at no charge. Here are a few things to look for during your evaluation of the class: @ Does the instructor ask about your current level of fitness? @ Does the instructor provide alternative exer- cises for students with varying fitness levels or special limitations? An instructor should encourage you to go at your own pace or stop and rest if you experience pain or fatigue. The instructor should let you know which muscles you are working and how to exercise using proper teciinique. The pace of the class should be one at which the majority of participants can main- tain. If the class or program includes cardiovas- cular exercise (walking, biking, aerobic dance, etc.), the instructor should explain the importance of heart rate monitoring and per- ceived exertion. At a minimum, heart rate or perceived exertion should be taken at the end of the cardiovascular segment and after the cool-down. If you are in a group exercise class, the instructor should move around the rocm to give individual instruction, check for proper technique and get to know you. A good instructor wiil make an attempt to Jearn your name and genuinely care avout your well- being. ercise programs available for older adults include waiking, aqua acrobics, low- impact aerobics, senior step classes, and ton- ing/swetching programs. More and more facilities are now offering yoga and tai chi. Now is a great ume to try something a lit- tle different — you might find an entirely new activity that you enjoy! Helen Kelesi, a personal trainer and professional tennis player, writes here on Fridays. Her e-mail address is . 25 suggested retail prices Everything at feast 15% OFF Swim Suits Goggles s Swin'tEaining & Aquatic Exercise Equipment 101-1305 Welch St. North Vancouver § (just off Pemberton) A North Shore Rescue volunteer practises at Mount Seymour in Canadian Geographic's latest issue. Canadian Geographic looks at North Shore VANCOUVER’S perilous playground, a.k.2. the _ North Shore mountains, is profited in the March/April edition of Canadian Geagraphic. Vancouver writer Shawn Blore recounts the Jan. 27, 1999 Grouse Grind avalanche and the drama that unfolded on the fateful day. The cover story is as much about the challenges faced by the underfunded and underappreciated. North Shore Rescue team as it is zbout the incident that killed Ontario hiker Rory Manning. mo it’s a cautionary tale of the dangers that exist in our own ~ ‘The issue includes a map showing Vancouver has clear skies 11.5% of the time (com with Edmonton at 10.3% and St: John’s with 4.6%) a fold-out guide to understanding - BG Canadian Geagrapbic is $4.95. Check out the Web site at . . i FOR ONE REASON They understand the paperwork and the. evidence to be collected They have the knowledge and- : experience to assess the value of the claim: - They have the ability to collect a fair settlement THERE IS ONLY ONE REASON TO SEE A LAWYER...YOU NEED ONE ARDAGH HUNTER . TURNER oe 986-4366 3 -» AFTER - HOURS 926-3181 — Bob Muckia: