Staying active in the cold

MT. PLEASANT — Staying active in cold Iowa winters can be difficult, but is important for physical and mental well-being.

According to the nation Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Physical activity can help you sleep better and reduce anxiety. Regular physical activity also helps you feel better, improve your balance, lower your risk of Type 2 diabetes and may kinds of cancer, strengthen bones and muscles, lower blood pressure, maintain or lose weight, and keep your mind sharp as you get older.”

The CDC recommends children 6-17 years old are active at least 60 minutes three days a week and Adults are active at least 150 minutes per week.

Fitness centers, like Mt. Pleasant REC Center, help a variety of people maintain their health despite the challenges of the frosty season.

“It is the mission of the REC Center to promote quality living and well-being for people of all ages through fitness, recreation and wellness opportunities,” the REC Center website states.

Many students from the Iowa Wesleyan University take advantage of their membership to the REC center, which is included in their enrollment at IW.

“I use the REC Center during the off-season from football,” IW student-athlete Matthew Olugboji said as he utilized a biceps curl machine in the weight lifting section of the facility.

Olugoboji’s workout mates, Derrick Atuahene and Andrew Huhuyana, agreed that they use the REC Center most during their off-season from soccer.

“It keeps me active because I play an outdoor sport,” another IW soccer player, Ainsleigh Perez said.

“We have Iron Panther which is a middle school weight training program before and after school,” Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach, Austin McBeth said.

“We also offer one on one baseball lessons on Tuesdays and Thursdays with coaches at night,” he said. “it is mainly for the wintertime when it is cold and you can’t really get outside.”

The baseball training generally lasts until spring.

More than athletes utilize the workout floor, though.

“Working out at the REC Center keeps me on top of everything because winter can make you lazy,” IW student Liberty Lawton said.

Devin Lybarger, an employee with a global health company, likes to run year-round, but brings it inside to the REC Center when it begins to get too cold.

He finds running is essential for not only his physical well-being, but his mental health as well.

“The gym is the best way to deal with things,” Lybarger said as he took a breather from running on a treadmill. “You come and workout to clear your mind. You leave, and your day is better.”

According to the CDC, “Some benefits of physical activity on brain health happen right after a session of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. ”

“Benefits include improved thinking or cognition for children 6 to 13 years of age and reduced short-term feelings of anxiety for adults,” the CDC says. “Regular physical activity can help keep your thinking, learning, and judgment skills sharp as you age. It can also reduce your risk of depression and anxiety and help you sleep better.”

“We have a track, too,” McBeth said. “12 laps equal a mile.”

“A lot of people use the track in the winter,” he said. “A lot of walkers, actually use the track and the treadmills.”

Younger students consistently use the REC Center even when they are not in athletic programs.

“A lot of middle schoolers come in right after school,” McBeth said. “They go into the gym and play basketball for two, three, sometimes four hours. After school hours, it gets pretty packed, especially in the winter.”

Additionally, the REC Center offers classes for seniors like Pathway to Fitness and Chair Yoga.

They offer other options to stay active indoors such as their new golf simulator, Zumba classes, pickle ball courts and aquatic fitness classes.

“We try to not be a one-trick pony,” McBeth said. “We want to open horizons and allow kids and adults to find a variety of ways to stay active.”

“Whether indoors or outdoors, be as active as you can — and have fun!” the CDC website encourages.

The REC Center is open 5 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, and 1-6 p.m. Sunday.

The whole facility and classes are free of charge to members, but non-members can pay to participate in chosen classes, or purchase day passes.

Anyone is welcome to apply for a REC Center membership, and financial aid applications are available for those in need.

“The REC believes that access to healthy living, recreation and fitness should be available to all in our community,” the REC Center website states. “To make this possible, we offer all prospective and current members the opportunity to apply for Financial Assistance. This can help to reduce costs for you and your family.”

Additionally, the REC Center has many corporate membership partnerships to provide discounts for individuals and families.

The REC Center lists 10 local company partners like Hearth & Home, Iowa Wesleyan, and Continental that participate in this program. They do welcome other corporations to reach out for additional information on partnership to help their employees maintain healthy lifestyles, as well.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com