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Getting svelte for the summer months

Advice on working out, health and safety

T-R FILE PHOTO Yoga in the Park is one of several outdoor fitness activities available in Marshalltown during the summer.

With the gloom and cold of winter and early spring (mostly) gone, many Central Iowans are planning their summer activities, including new exercise programs and fun things to do in the area.

“Anybody can throw on a pair of tennis shoes and go for a walk or go for a run,” said Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA Health and Wellness Director Angie Paxson. “Biking is also very popular here in Marshalltown.”

She said Marshalltown-area residents have a plethora of fun outdoor activities available this summer.

“There’s also Yoga in the Park, which is on 13th Street, and that is free of charge,” Paxson said, adding the yoga practice takes place in front of the Echo sculpture on North 13th Street. Yoga is very beneficial, no matter where you’re at in your life. It helps to increase muscle tone [by] holding poses for an extended period of time, increases flexibility, it can help decrease blood pressure.”

Yoga can also help with the connection between body and mind, as well as breathing, she Paxson said.

The Marshalltown Family Aquatic Center, which opens first on Memorial Day and then for the summer on June 3, was another place recommended for outside activity. Until Aug. 20, open swim hours are 1-7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 1-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

“Our water-walking is extremely popular,” said Becky Baedke of Marshalltown Parks and Recreation. “They (participants) walk through the Lazy River, so instead of riding a tube, everyone is walking through, the water flow is turned off, so it is the energy of the walker going through at their pace.”

Water walking and lap swimming will also be available Memorial Day, and will be open from June 3-Aug. 27.

Swimming lessons will also be provided by Parks and Rec.

“We want all [children] to be able to swim, and you can enjoy the water and be safe,” Baedke said.

Day camps for a variety of ages will also be available this summer.

“For the younger ones we offer morning day camps, for the 6-8-year-olds, we offer afternoon day camps,” Baedke said. “Summer Blast is our day camp for kids entering first through sixth grade, and it is extremely popular.”

Staying healthy

While getting outside and having fun is a quintessential part of summer, there are health factors to keep in mind.

“One thing is sun exposure — protect yourself from the sun,” said Marshall County Public Health Nurse Pat Thompson. “If you’re going to be outside, even if you think you’re going to be out for just a short time, put on sun protection.”

Over-exposure to heat can be another hazard during the year’s hottest months.

“Drink plenty of fluids, don’t work during the hottest part of the day, seek shade,” Thompson said.

Keeping hot food hot and cold food cold was another health tip, as well as keeping children away from grills during cookouts.

Also important to keep in mind, Thompson said, are ticks and mosquitos, which can spread illnesses like Lyme Disease and West Nile Virus, respectively.

“Ticks climb up,” she said. “You’re supposed to tuck you’re long pants into your socks so they won’t get to your body … check yourself for ticks at the end of the day.”

Bug repellent was also recommended to fight of such creepy-crawlies.

On exercise, Thompson said one safety tip would be to talk to an expert before beginning any new workout program.

“Don’t hesitate to consult your health care provider if you’re wanting to get back into shape,” she said, adding that proper stretching and hydration are key during exercise.

Paxson said being healthy and happy in the summer is possible for anyone.

“‘You’re only one workout away from a good mood’ is a popular saying,” she said. “Doing any type of exercise, especially being outside and being in nature and doing exercise, really does help to enhance mood.”

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