FITNESS STATION Fitness for all

Part of my advocacy has always been to promote fitness as a means for better health and well-being. Just last Thursday on my weekly run, I saw something that encouraged me, a group of teenagers dancing at Cempark as their form of exercise. With a plethora of gyms offering group exercise, it was refreshing to see a group of kids dancing under the lights of lamps, as their way of getting fit and healthy. As more and more people are seeing the value of fitness, and actually spending for it, it’s also great to see people enjoying fitness for fitness’ sake at no cost.

Go out for a walk in the mall.

As long as you’re not bingeing after, walking in the mall might serve as a convenient form of exercise. Walking is one of the most underrated forms of exercise. Try putting on a pedometer and exceed 10,000 steps. And don’t eat anything unhealthy after.

Run outside.

Put on your shoes, identify a route and see where you want to go. I’m happy to see people running around Cebu IT Park, Camp Lapu-Lapu in Lahug, Cebu City, going up the hills in Busay, or running in the area of Cebu Business Park. Dance to a YouTube video. There are plenty of different videos to choose from. Just pick a genre, and play it on your laptop or phone. Do your best to follow the dance moves. The perk? You can do this by yourself or with a group if you want.

See the mountains.

I’m a sucker for long walks up the hills and trails. You train your balance, get your fresh air and have fun while doing it. Check out Foressa’s Hiking Trails in Balamban. Although not for free, the cost is very minimal and the view makes the trip worthwhile.

Do this simple circuit at home.

I call this the up-down circuit. It’s all about using your body weight. Try and see how many rounds you can do in 20 minutes. 10 squats 10 push-ups 10 lunges a 30-second plank