See What’s Shaping Up in 2012

The list is long and the statistics are startling.

Nearly two out of every three Americans are overweight or obese, according to the Surgeon General.  One out of every eight deaths in America is caused by an illness directly related to being overweight.

The good news is, it doesn’t have to be this way.  Our overall health and fitness is largely in our control. More often than not, it’s our mental attitude and approach to the perspective on our physical health that is the stumbling block.

Mark Vance, one of our “shaping up” essayists looks at it this way.  “Don’t think of it as something that you do if or when you have time.  Think of it like brushing your teeth or getting a good night’s sleep.  Think of it as part of your day. Daily exercise should be the rule not the exception.”

In this edition of PADUCAH LIFE Magazine, we’ve asked a few people to give us their personal approach to living a LIFE of health and wellness. There are many ways to protect and preserve your overall health in terms of mind, body, and soul. We’re merely touching on a few, but these few can be the catalysts that change your LIFE forever.

Go for it and live LIFE to the fullest!

Nathan Rowton
Tennis Instructor
Rowton Indoor Tennis Center

Has exercise always been a part of your life?
Sad to say and to answer honestly, no.  Before getting back into tennis, I had a career where I was at my desk or in the car a great deal. I entertained clients both on the golf course and in restaurants which added to the waist line. With young kids, a wife that I was trying to spend time with, and a demanding career that I was heavily into, I didn’t think there was any time left for exercise. Looking back, I just didn't make it a priority. 

When were you first introduced to tennis?
I was introduced to tennis when I was about 2 1/2 by my father, Paul. After he became the teaching professional at the Country Club of Paducah, I played every day as long as the weather was good.  We didn't have an indoor tennis center in Paducah then.

When did you realize this was something you might like to do full time?
I taught while in college at Murray State University, private lessons as well as in Bennie Purcell's tennis camps.  I had fun with it, but never thought I had the patience to do it full time. I didn’t realize I wanted to do this until I was almost 36 years old . . . in 2002. I have never regretted my decision.  I'm having more fun than I’ve ever had in my life!

What do you think are the primarybenefits of tennis to most players?
1.) Tennis is a sport for the entire family. With many families where both mom and dad work, and an activities calendar overrun, quality family time can be spent together on the tennis court.
2.) Tennis is a great way to meet people and socialize.
3.) Exercising can be boring.  It’s a fun way to exercise and burn calories. During competitive tennis you can burn more calories than aerobics or cycling (spinning).
4.) It’s fun, relieves stress, lowers depression and anxiety, helps improve self esteem and optimism.

Is diet/nutrition a strong element in your own personal fitness/training?
It’s certainly tougher to say yes during the holidays of November and December, however over the last few years diet and nutrition have played a much more important role in my life. As a result I feel better and have more energy than I used to. Since my schedule is full, like most people, I try to make sure my body gets the vitamins and nutrients it needs to perform at my best.

What do you eat that might surprise people? Something you indulge in?
I don't think it would surprise anyone but some of my favorites are pizza and Mexican food. And as for indulging, I love chocolate!  When I decided to get more serious about my diet I had to work harder to stay away from candy (the quick fixes when I’m busy) and eat more fruit instead.

Do you have advice for someone coming to tennis for the first time?
Studies show that people that get into organized tennis instruction whether it’s in group sessions or private instruction by a teaching professional enjoy tennis more and stick with playing the game. Those that do not tend to get frustrated with chasing balls out of the fence or four courts down and soon give up the game. 

Do you have a personal fitness motto or philosophy?
Live strong, fit, and sexy well through your 80’s. I borrowed that from Chris Crowley and Dr. Henry Lodge (authors of Younger Next Year), but they made a believer out of me. Make your workouts, tennis, and the gym, a part of your schedule, just like going to work and DON’T call in sick! If you don’t treat it with that type of importance, something will always come up and you will be the person that always thinks your schedule is much more demanding than everyone else and YOU just don’t have time. And if you are the person that says I’m just too tired today, it’s probably because you are not exercising enough.  Exercising will actually give you MORE energy and make you feel better to thrive through each day in your busy LIFE!

Shannon McGee
Yoga Instructor
True North Yoga

Has exercise always been a part of your life?
Yes. I started gymnastics when I was three years old and was a competitive gymnast from nine to sixteen. It was my life. I worked out sevens day a week and it was really my passion. I didn’t have a normal life. I even left school every  day at noon to go to practice. Eventually, I left gymnastics and joined a competitive cheerleading squad.

When were you first introduced to yoga?
After college, I started practicing Bikram yoga, which is a very intense form of yoga in a heated room. I was hooked immediately and started going every day.

When did you realize this was something you might like to do full time?
It was really driven by necessity. When my family and I moved to Paducah, I was looking for a flow yoga class. Flow yoga is more dynamic flowing sequences linking the breath to each pose. Most of the classes in town focused on relaxation. I thought there might be a real interest in that kind of class here.

Tim Whitaker, the owner of True North, offered me an opportunity to teach so I went to a teacher intensive training and got my certification. When I first started out, I was so intimidated by teaching. I probably only had two to five regular students but I’ve been able to grow my practice and people have really responded. My attendance has tripled in the past two years.

What do you think are the primary benefits of yoga?
I think the first thing people notice is the affect on their stress level. Yoga is a great stress reducer because of all the deep breathing and meditation at the end of every class. It’s also a total body workout. Most people experience a real increase in flexibility, endurance, and strength.

Is diet/nutrition a strong element in your own personal fitness/training?
Of course. The more you practice the more aware you are of what’s happening in your own body and want to start treating it better. I started realizing a pretty basic truth which is when I eat better I feel better.

What do you eat that might surprise people? Something you indulge in?
Well, I’m not a vegetarian, which most people assume. I like meat! I also love french fries!

Do you have advice for someone coming to yoga for the first time?
People are so worried about what other people in the class are thinking. So, I always advise first time students to not be so self-conscious. After all, everybody is focused on their own practice and probably just as worried about what others are thinking! Plus, yogis are very accepting so it’s a safe environment to try new things.

Do you have a personal fitness motto or philosophy?
I always start class with this great song called “Open Happiness,” which pretty much sums up my philosophy. You have to open yourself up to new experiences and happiness often follows.

Shannon McGee was featured in the September 2011 issue of Yoga Journal. Yoga Journal held a Reader’s Choice Talent Search that Shannon entered only after her husband encouraged her to submit a photo. After a month of friends and family voting for her on Facebook, Shannon was one of the top five finalists. She was then chosen by Yoga Journal as the winner and flown to San Francisco for a photo shoot for her feature in the magazine. “I felt like I was living someone else’s life! Everyone at the magazine was so wonderful and it was great to see the behind-the-scenes component of how everything works,” she remembers.

Aaron Klope
Energy Fitness Personal Trainer
AFAA Certified

Has exercise always been a part of your life?
I was always active in sports growing up. I played basketball all the way through high school. After graduating from high school, I wanted to stay active so I began working out at Energy Fitness and started competing in bodybuilding as a hobby. Exercise became a big part of my life. I’ve enjoyed working out since I very first started, so it was never an issue to keep this up.

When were you first introduced to fitness?
I was first introduced to working out by my cousin, Eric.  Being much bigger than me, he really inspired me to do something more. We originally started working out in my garage but were very limited in equipment, so I joined Energy Fitness when I was 16 and really began a dedicated exercise routine.

When did you realize this was something you might like to do full time?
I had worked in customer service at Energy Fitness for a couple of years before I realized I wanted to become a personal trainer. I have always had a passion for helping others with their workout routines and diets but never pursued it professionally. Then, I had the opportunity to become certified through AFAA at MSU. Energy Fitness then allowed me to start training professionally.

What do you think are the primary benefits of fitness?
I believe having good health is the number one benefit of fitness. Heart problems and diabetes can be caused due to a sedentary lifestyle lacking in exercise. Exercise will also increase your daily energy, and allow you to lose unwanted weight resulting in better self-esteem! Being active is a good hobby and maintaining a routine will always be a positive benefit for any person.

How important is diet to your fitness regime?
Diet is very important to me. The right nutrients make workouts more efficient. I believe everyone should have a set diet, whether you work out or not, to help teach discipline and to help achieve a healthy lifestyle.

What do you eat that might surprise people? Something you indulge in?
I LOVE Chic-Fil-A! I sometimes cheat a couple of times a week and go there as a treat.

Do you have any advice for someone coming to the gym for the first time?
My advice is to always have an orientation with a personal trainer. If you have never worked out, it is crucial to learn the correct ways to exercise. Because it can be discouraging if you try beginning this new lifestyle on your own. Energy Fitness offers a free orientation and fitness evaluation to every new member.

Do you have a personal fitness motto or philosophy?
“If you always do what you’ve always done, you will get what you always have gotten.”