Home » Resolution 2015: Fremont-Inspired Fitness

Resolution 2015: Fremont-Inspired Fitness

by Kirby Lindsay, posted 2 January 2015

 

Reflecting on Fremont, and the past, can reveal the best ways to move forward.  Photo by K. Lindsay, Aug '09
Reflecting on Fremont, and the past, can reveal the best ways to move forward. Photo by K. Lindsay, Aug ’09

I love these times of the year when we take a moment (provided it is only a moment, please) to take stock and a look at where we were, where we are, and where we are going.

It is easy for me to get so caught up writing about Fremont, and its related stories, that I forget to read and, perhaps more importantly, think about what the stories say.  When it came time to consider my resolution for 2015, I thought back on the past year and noticed a theme.

Fitness.

They Can’t All Be Wrong

Fremont is full of beer, greasy fries and many other oh-so-decadent vices, but Fremont also has a plentiful supply of gyms, recreational options and health care providers.

All year 'round, Fremonsters know how to indulge!  Particularly at Fremont Oktoberfest...  Photo by Patrick Lennox Wright Photography
All year ’round, Fremonsters know how to indulge! Particularly at Fremont Oktoberfest… Photo by Patrick Lennox Wright Photography

Fremocentrist.com occasionally features advice from our health care providers, who offer solutions to common health concerns.  This year, over and over, I’ve heard the professionals emphasize the importance of exercise.

It surprised me when, during an interview with Dr. Brian Riedesel, on stress and good health (October 3, 2014,) the licensed psychologist gave sleep and exercise as his first two suggestions for beating the negative effects of stress.  When stressed, particularly before that interview took place, I’d cut back on my workouts to create more time to write and attempt the ever-elusive ‘catch up.’  I knew that time on the treadmill, and/or during the monotonous abdominal crunches, often gave my brain down time, and allowed for inspiration, but I’d never valued that form of ‘relaxation.’

Regular exercise can help alleviate the negative effects of stress - and take us to beautiful places as well.  Photo of the Burke-Gilman Trail by K. Lindsay, Oct '11
Regular exercise can help alleviate the negative effects of stress – and take us to beautiful places as well. Photo of the Burke-Gilman Trail by K. Lindsay, Oct ’11

Dr. Riedesel’s advice echoed in my mind, recalling Dr. Katherine Raymer and her advice on naturally treating ADHD and ADD (January 17, 2014.)  I don’t have either disorder, thankfully, but I remembered that she mentioned that regular exercise can provide some relief from related disorders, including anxiety and depression, in adults and children.  This also came up with Dr. Kathleen Lumiere, and talking about getting relief from seasonal allergies with Chinese medicine, in a March 7, 2014 column, when she mentioned exercise as a ‘pillar of health,’ and a panacea for allergies.

When Dr. Emily Lesnak gave advice about fighting fatigue and suggested exercise, the echo grew louder.  “Patients who do regular exercise,” she said for a December 12, 2014 Fremocentrist.com column, “they sleep better, stress is lower, they can deal with their emotions better and they are making better food choices.”  Her advice actually sounded like a big ‘duh-oh’ by that point.

Regular exercise can build brain cells, and help with general mental health, plus it can be fun - like at the Fremont Chamber Wiffle Ball Tournament.  Photo by Adrian Laney, Sep '14
Regular exercise can build brain cells, and help with general mental health, plus it can be fun – like at the Fremont Chamber Wiffle Ball Tournament. Photo by Adrian Laney, Sep ’14

Good Advice From Sources Far And Near

Of course, I already had the knowledge, before I came to Fremocentrist.com, but it is the way the research is piling up around us.  “Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed,” according to a piece by the Mayo Clinic Staff.  In The Wall Street Journal, a 2010 article quoted Dr. Robert Sallis of the Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center, “Exercise can be used like a vaccine to prevent disease and a medication to treat disease.  If there were a drug with the same benefits as exercise, it would instantly be the standard of care.”

In a March 2013 Huffington Post column by Sophia Breene, “While exercise and a healthy diet can’t ‘cure’ Alzheimer’s, they can shore up the brain against cognitive decline that begins after age 45.  Working out, especially between ages 25 and 45, boosts the chemicals in the brain that support and prevent degeneration of the hippocampus, an important part of the brain for memory and learning.”  Breene also wrote, “Various studies on mice and men have shown that cardiovascular exercise can create new brain cells (a.k.a. neurogenesis) and improve overall brain performance.”

Outdoor exercise has the same benefits as an indoor workout, plus exposure to natural light and Vitamin D.  Photo of the Brooks Trail Run by Adrian Laney, Oct '14
Outdoor exercise has the same benefits as an indoor workout, plus exposure to natural light and Vitamin D. Photo of the Brooks Trail Run by Adrian Laney, Oct ’14

Looking farther back on Fremocentrist, the foundation also came into focus.  In a November 2012 column, Dr. Debra Brammer gave advice on how to get better sleep – and suggested regular exercise.  In a November 2011 column, Dr. Brad Lichtenstein gave advice on surviving dark, wet Northwest winters and recommended exercise to help with blood flow, attitude, hormonal levels and, if you walk outside (rather than relying on the treadmill) in the winter, you get the benefits of the natural light and Vitamin D.

Abundant Opportunities Nearby

The reasons for working out, or just getting regular exercise, seemed endless, when I listened.  The options, in Fremont, for exercise are also endless, at least they are when I look around.

A great way to get back into working out is by working with a personal trainer.  Photo of Dawn Johnson and Todd 'Oly' Olsen at Anytime Fitness by K. Lindsay, Jan '13
A great way to get back into working out is by working with a personal trainer. Photo of Dawn Johnson and Todd ‘Oly’ Olsen at Anytime Fitness by K. Lindsay, Jan ’13

Fremont has a great selection of gyms, and personal trainers ready to help develop a routine that works.  (Check out a January 2014 Fremocentrist.com column by local trainer Todd ‘Oly’ Olsen on how to keep fitness resolutions.) However, we also have the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team In Training, and now Brooks Sports, which both organize group runs.  We have weekly classes, like the open dance classes (and social dance) at Salsa Con Todo on Fridays, and the beginner Capoeira classes at Balance Studio on Wednesdays, that give a very different feel to the idea of ‘exercise.’  Not to mention the Tango Social Dance at The Barrel Thief on 1st & 3rd Sundays from 8p – 11p.

We are also a great neighborhood to walk, with art to discover on nearly every corner and staircases that cut through the area like hidden shortcuts that can turn an otherwise boring walk into a French Connection-inspired foot race.  Have you checked out the view at Fremont Peak ParkHazel Heights P-PatchThe 41st Street Pedestrian OverpassFremont Canal Park?  Or simply walked to enjoy a delicious meal at Swingside Café, before it closes, or to the newly opened Manolin restaurant (on Stone Way) or Tray Kitchen (on Leary Way)?

And, of course, we have the Burke-Gilman Trail!

Exercise does not need to be a workout.  Fremont offers activities year ‘round to get you up and out.  In February, join the Cupid’s Undie Run, on Valentine’s Day, to benefit the Children’s Tumor Foundation.  In March, get moving by being a Moisture Festival volunteer, or help at an upcoming Fremont Peak Park work party.

Exercise can be almost too much fun - like at the annual Cupid's Undie Run, in February.  Photo provided by Cupid's Undie Run Seattle, Feb '13
Exercise can be almost too much fun – like at the annual Cupid’s Undie Run, in February. Photo provided by Cupid’s Undie Run Seattle, Feb ’13

This year, I resolve to get moving, and give more time to fitness.  I resolve to make fitness, if not a top priority (I do love to write, after all,) at least one of the top five.  I resolve to get out and get going…

Will I see you out there?

 

 

 

 


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©2015 Kirby Lindsay.  This column is protected by intellectual property laws, including U.S. copyright laws.  Reproduction, adaptation or distribution without permission is prohibited.

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