Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, December 9, 2011 PAGE FIVE
Health & Wellness
by Kelly Waterhouse FERGUS - In households all over Centre Wellington, the Winter 2012 community guide is about to become a much sought after booklet. It contains registration information for a host of team sports, art workshops, fitness classes and events for everyone. Because my co-workers are cruel, they thought it would be entertaining to treat me to a spin class on my first week on the job, so I could write about the health benefits of exercise from a personal perspective. Because I was curious, I decided to go. The spin class was called the Long Ride. Regrettably, I found that out afterward. The spinning instructor was Wendy Armstrong. When I contacted her, my questions were simple: what time is the least busy class and do you have a defibrillator on site, because I may need it? Reassuring me she knew CPR and could have the paddles ready on demand, Armstrong suggested a 6:30am class. Ugh. Entering the gym at the
Putting a healthy spin on exercise
Cruel intentions - Kelly Waterhouse braved her first spinning class at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex during a 6:15am class. Despite exhaustion, she finished the class and is determined to do it again. submitted photo sportsplex for the first time, I was impressed. It was bright, clean and the equipment was in great shape. Two things caused me immediate alarm. First, the pedals had straps. Was I going to be trapped? I had planned to fake a cramp and now I wasn’t
sure I could get free and bolt if the class was too hard. That wasn’t the worst of it. The bike had a tension knob with the words “Push Stop” on it. I had visions of me accidentally pushing that and launching myself over the handle bars of my stationary bike, skidding
face-first across the wooden floor. I decided that was my sign to flee. It was at that moment the music started for class and I had to face the mirrored wall and the image of me, at 6:15am, on an exercise bike. Scary. Armstrong was a tiny, fit woman who exuded enthusiasm. She led the class with a great balance of being motivating and encouraging without making me cry. But when she said, “I expect there to be a puddle of sweat on the floor when you leave,” you knew she was not kidding. Off we went, imaginary biking until my legs were like jelly and the only thing spinning was my head. When Armstrong announced we were going to increase our tension knob and go up an imaginary hill, I was determined to keep up. I gave it a good try, until I looked in the mirror and realized I had that facial expression previously reserved for childbirth. The sweat puddle was growing and my layers of clothing were shedding. I confess, I could not keep
up with the class. I stayed within my limits, like Armstrong suggested, yet I never quit. Spin class was fun (no, really) and the desire to push myself kept me peddling. As strange as it sounds, it was addictive. This was far more fun than riding a stationary exercise bike and for me, much safer than riding a bike on pavement. Spin class came to an end after 45 minutes and I gingerly stepped off my bike. I was exhausted. Surprisingly, I heard myself say, “next time I am bringing padding for my seat.” Yes, next time. I would definitely do it again. The rest of
Filling Your Health Care Needs Renshi Bill Stimpson Head Instructor, 5th Dan 61 Price Street Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (519) 846-9002 GorgeKarate@hotmail.com www.CNGK.ca
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I’ll be at
The Prescription Shoppe
in Palmerston
December 17
with goodie bags for the children
• 15% Seniors Discount on Wednesdays • Compliance Packaging • Medication Consultation • Hormone Replacement Therapies • Refill Reminder Service • Ostomy Supplies • Local delivery to Palmerston, Listowel, Mount Forest & surrounding areas.
519-343-3912
Now Available Products Food For Life:
• Earth Balance • Mary’s • Lundberg • Kinnikinnick • O’doughs • Kettle Brand • Nature’s Path
We will make special orders!
DRAYTON
FOOD MARKET 80 Wellington St., Drayton
(519) 638-2041
ARTHUR & AREA-HEARING CLINICS!! STEFFLER HEARING AID SERVICE Will Be At Walsh’s Pharmacy (IDA) Tuesday December 13th 2011 From 10:30-11:30am
All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth... and maybe my cavity filled.
If You Have Problems With Your Hearing Aid If You Have Questions or Want A Consultation If You Just Need A Cleaning Come Down!
Do you know someone who needs dental help for their kids?
Phone: 519 823-8235 Email: jensteffler@hotmail.com
is proud to welcome
Dr. Tom Costigane the newest member of our dental team Whether you are new to the neighbourhood or looking for a new dentist Dr. Tom Costigane would like to extend a warm welcome to you and your family. We are confident that his 30 years experience will be an asset to our team.
They may qualify for FREE dental care. Call the Dental Line at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 2661
new spin classes we’ve put a new spin on things!
Spin Classes ... they’re here and they’re hot! Instructor Wendy Armstrong
Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex For information call: 519.843.2800
New patients and Emergency’s always welcome.
New Times Effective Jan. 2nd
* most insurance plans accepted including ODSP and Ontario Works
Thursday 8:00 p.m.
445 St. Andrew Street West, Fergus On
grandriver@cdmg.ca
my day I had energy and I felt positive. For the whole class, I forgot my worries and focused on nothing more than pushing myself up that imaginary hill. Nothing else mattered. That alone was refreshing. Like many of you, when I go to the sportsplex I am usually lugging the heavy hockey bag of a young child and thus, I am not looking around at all the opportunities there, like the full gym room with a complete workout area. That has changed. Maybe it’s time I spin out of control once a week, for the sake of my health. Maybe I’ll bring a few coworkers with me.
Tuesday 9:15 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Friday
6:15 a.m. & 9:15 a.m.