By Rakeah Glass
Special to the AFRO
(February 5, 2009) - Now that the New Year is here and all the holiday leftovers are no longer around (either via human consumption or the trash bin), many are contemplating how to lose the unwelcome weight that has been packed on over the last few months.
According to Dwayne “Mo-Show” Molock, a certified local life guard and personal trainer, getting in shape – and staying there -- doesn’t have to feel so much like work. In fact, it can be more fun than you think.
“There are lots of activities such as swimming, dancing and skating that can get individuals off the couch and having fun,” said Molock, who instructs water aerobics at Chick Webb Recreation Facility and aerobics (body toning) and water aerobics at The League for People with Disabilities.
He says that his programs are just a few of the options available to people looking for a non-traditional option to a very traditional issue.
“There are aerobics that you can incorporate in the water which sustains a good cardio routine and, unlike floor exercises, is less stressful on the body,” said Molock. The benefit of water aerobics is “building better abs and body toning.”
The easiest and, possibly, the most manageable exercise to implement is walking. Increasing the steps you take per day is a sure-fire way to better health. Molock recommends beginning your day with a brisk, 30- to 35-minute walk in which you plug in your headphones and take time to focus on exercising your mind, body and soul.
Not sure where to start? Start with fun at any of the following places and go from there.
Chick Webb, 623 N. Eden St., Baltimore, 443-765-5950
Water Aerobics
Monday – Thursday
6 to 7 p.m.
The League, 1111 E. Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, 410-323-0500
“Mo-Show” Aerobics & Abs
Monday and Wednesday
6:30 to 7:30 a.m.
“Mo-Show” Cardio Aqua
Tuesday and Thursday
8 to 9 p.m.
Latin Palace, 509 S. Broadway St., Baltimore, 410-522-6700, www.latinpalace.com
Salsa lessons for beginners and intermediate-level performers from 8 – 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. $10 per class and no cover charge before 9 p.m. Visit the Web site for upcoming events and additional information.
Shake and Bake Family Fun Center, 1601 Pennsylvania Ave., Baltimore, 410-669-9100,
www.snbskating.com
Learn how to skate while moving to the latest music at Shake and Bake. You not only have the option to skate but to bowl as well. Make it a fun time with friends and family as you get a good work-out in without feeling like you’re doing any “work” at all. Please check the Web site for schedule, pricing and discount information.
Final Tip: Remember to hydrate yourself by drinking plenty of water before and after doing any kind of exercise. Have fun while building a better you one exercise at a time.