When it’s cold or rainy outside, heading to the Mike’s Fitness JP to take a class with a friend might be a good idea, but it doesn’t have to be the only answer all the time. That old, dusty equipment probably isn’t the best solution either. What’s really needed is to put on some running shoes and head outdoors.

Contrary to most peoples’ beliefs, running isn’t just for “real” athletes or potential marathoners. It is a great workout for the entire body. Regardless of age or level of fitness, running can be a great activity for almost anyone. Although, anyone who hasn’t worked out for some time, or maybe never has, should always consult their physician first and should begin at a slow, comfortable pace.

Running has so many benefits, there are almost too many to list. But one of the greatest health benefits of running is that it increases cardiovascular health. This means it really targets the heart and lungs. While it’s true, most people seek out exercise programs to control what they consider to be problems with their outward appearance, such as stomach fat or flabby arms, they may be overlooking the importance of good cardiovascular health.

Good cardiovascular health can help avoid feeling tired or out of breath when performing simple everyday tasks, such as running after the kids or taking the dog out for a walk. This is because having a healthy heart and lungs allows for greater oxygen intake. Endurance also improves with good cardiovascular health, so exercising may seem less difficult and may be more enjoyable.

Because there is no need to rush to the fitness center before it closes, and no worry that others in the home will be bothered by noisy old equipment, heading outdoors for a quick run will seem like a well-deserved escape. Relaxing and really enjoying a fitness activity is probably one of the most important parts of finding a routine that’s easy to do everyday. This is yet another important quality that running has to offer.

Running outdoors while being able to take in the scenery of a neighborhood or a local park, is an excellent workout for the entire body. But another unexpected benefit is the mental relaxation that can be achieved by running. Just being outdoors, either alone or with a friend, is relaxing enough. But when a slow to moderate run is added in, it may actually elevate neurochemicals in the brain, which are mood enhancers and can act as natural antidepressants.

In addition to convenience, cardiovascular improvement, and mood-elevating benefits, running is also an excellent activity for burning fat and building muscle. It is truly a full body workout and targets just about every muscle without having to switch activities or change equipment. Just by varying speed or by choosing a hilly area over a flatter area, different muscles can be called into action, making that short run around the neighborhood just as good or better than a trip to the fitness center.

You can find a review of the benefits of performing cardio workouts and details about the things to consider before choosing a full body workout routine, now.

Tricep and leg workouts are variable. Exercising is a great way to look and feel better, and there are plenty of ways to ensure that routines are never boring. Including a variety of different moves at the gym is one way to get the best results too. Changing the number of reps that are done and the amount of weight that is lifted are just two ways to ensure that a person always challenges their muscles.

The back of the arms are where the triceps are located. These muscles account for nearly 2/3 of the size of the arm. Developing large triceps helps to improve the overall appearance of arms and makes them look bigger. There are plenty of ways to target these muscles at the gym, and working the chest also provides a triceps burn.

The push down is one of the best exercises for the triceps. This is an exercise that is performed on a machine with pulleys. An over hand grip is used on a straight bar. The bar is held at chest level, and the arms are then extended down. This is a great exercise that will pump up the arms.

Another great move to work the back arms is the skull crusher. This exercise is done while laying down and is best performed with a partner. The spotter can hand the weight and remove it after the exercise is finished. A bar is grabbed and held about the nose. The arms are then extended, and the bar should end in the air.

Legs are another essential part of the physique, and they are often neglected. Including a number of exercises in the routine helps to make the legs stronger and will also boost the body’s testosterone levels. One of the most popular moves is the squat.

Squats are one of the best all around moves to build larger stronger legs. This move is done with a bar that is balanced across the shoulders and upper back. A squat rack is used to hold the weights about head level before and after an exercise is performed. The basic move relies on putting the weights on the shoulders and squatting as low as comfortable. The depth of the squat is an area of controversy, and there are plenty of variations on the leg stance as well.

Machines also provide plenty of ways for exercisers to focus on building bigger legs as well. The leg press is one of the most popular machines and focuses on the muscles of the upper thighs. The hamstrings and quads are two core muscles that are activated during this move. Exercisers sit down and place their legs against the platform. The legs are then extended against the resistance the machine provides.

Tricep and leg workouts are variable. Making the most of a day in the gym requires the use of specialized moves that help focus on various groups of muscles. There are plenty of choices for people to target their back arms and thighs when they hit their favorite gym. Changing routines helps overcome plateaus and ensures growth.

Triceps

Mike’s Fitness is having a party and you’re all invited! We’re excited to be celebrating our 6th year anniversary at the Samuel Adams Brewery and we are proud of our wonderful community. The Party is Monday, February 13, 2012 so mark your calendars for the celebration! We’re going to have all our personal trainers on hand to answer any questions about your fitness training, fitness goals and more. The Trainers will also be offering unique specials for their services! Not to be missed!

But the BIG SURPRISE of the party is our ONE DAY ONLY unique special! AND… this special is for EVERYONE.. Members and non-members. We’re rolling out the big guns with this one with Mike’s Match! For every month you buy, you GET ONE FREE! That’s right, every month gets you a month free and the month is on us! We’ll match every month you buy, NO LIMIT! This special is not to be missed as it only comes once a year.

So, bring your gym attire and take a FREE class, workout with a friend or take a tour! We’ll have refreshments and give-aways   and our friendly staff will be able to answer any of your questions. As always, there are NEVER any contracts or START-UP FEES (like other gyms). We’ve never believed in the “ball and chain” methodology. We just believe in keeping people fit and healthy.

We’ll see you soon! 

All of the Toy’s received at Mike’s Fitness will be going to local children ranging from grade levels, Kindergarten through Fifth grade, therefore all toys must be appropriate for age levels 5  to 10. Please no stuffed animals, guns or used toys.

Please keep in mind that our toys are going to children in need, many of whom may not be getting another toy this Christmas. Consider giving at the level you would provide for a child of your own.

Doors open promptly at 6:00am.

GYM HOURS

• Thursday, November 24, Thanksgiving – 8am – 2pm
• Friday, November 25th – 8am – 8pm
• Saturday, November 26th – 8am – 8pm
• Sunday, November 27th – 8am – 8pm

- The Mike’s Fitness Staff

Even though this weekend signifies that “end of summer”, we are at Mike’s Fitness are excited about the fall line-up we will be offering. We hope to see each of you at several of the upcoming events planned for this fall including: Open House, Halloween Party and a Pie in the Sky Event.

We have some changes in our hours for this Holiday weekend. They are:

Saturday, September 4th – 8:00am – 8:00pm
Sunday, September 5th - 8:00am – 8:00pm
Monday, September 6th – Closed

As a note: Tykes Fitness will be closed starting today and will stay closed until September 5th.