Tag Archives: fitness

Battle Ground JKD invites community to free Fitness in the Park event June 26

Battle Ground owner Reggie Macon leads a fitness class at a local park (Courtesy, Reggie Macon)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


Local business, Battle Ground JKD LLC, is offering a free Fitness in the Park event on Wednesday, June 26 at Boston Square Community Parklet.

Reggie Macon (right) leads a a Battle Ground fitness event (Courtesy, Reggie Macon)

“I think it’s very important for us to be as active as possible,” said Reggie Macon, Founder and CEO of Battle Ground JKD. “The healthier we are, the better we are.”

From 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., participants can enjoy light fitness activities, learn self-defense skills and observe demonstrations from Battle Ground staff, teens and trained MMA fighters. A healthy snack and water will be provided for event attendees.

Fitness in the Park is free to attend and all ages are welcome.

Macon said the Fitness in the Park event is a way to give those interested in starting a fitness journey a safe, controlled environment to learn, have fun and bring families together.

“If [families] work out together, have fun together, you tend to create a habit a bit more than you would if you were by yourself,” said Macon.

A passion for helping others

Reggie Macon with daughters Leilani (left) and Kailani (Courtesy, Reggie Macon)

Macon trains often with his wife and three children. In fact, Macon’s passion for teaching martial arts and fitness began with his two daughters.

“One of the main reasons for starting in the martial arts world is having two daughters and wanting them to be safe because we’re not always around them as parents,” said Macon. “Giving them the knowledge and know-how to protect themselves to make it back home.”

Macon himself has over a decade of experience in Jeet Kune Do. He has also learned additional styles within the martial arts industry including: Kali, Savate, Panantukan and boxing.

“My purpose is to use my experience in fitness and martial arts to help people have a better quality of life,” says Macon on the Battle Ground website. “Sharing my love of training and teaching has been a blessing and a dream come true.”

A one-stop shop to fitness

Battle Ground offers a variety of classes and programs for all ages, and personalized experience to fit the needs of each individual.

Whether looking to get in shape, build self-discipline, defend against an attacker, or become the next boxer or MMA fighter, individuals can reach their goals through Battle Ground JKD.

“My goal with Battle Ground is I want to be a one-stop shop,” said Macon, adding that many fitness centers only specialize in one area of fitness. “It takes driving from place to place out of the picture.

“By offering options, having a passion for developing and helping a person become one percent better every day, and being blessed to have different talents and knowledge, I said, why not? If not me, then who?”

Impacting others through community programs

Macon is currently in the process of registering Battle Ground Impact, a nonprofit fitness organization. He hopes to offer even more options to the public through community events.

A local youth learns self-defense techniques with Reggie Macon (Courtesy, Deborah Reed)

“I want to take the whole concept of not having financial backing to do a class out of the picture,” said Macon, adding that finances are a large part of why people do not begin a fitness journey.

“If I can take that off the table, then that leaves no excuse for people starting a fitness journey – or anything else when it comes to being active.”

Macon also hopes the nonprofit will help open doors to partnerships with other organizations.

“People see the LLC and all of a sudden they think of price,” said Macon. “It’s not about that all the time.

“I’m different. I want to make sure everybody gets the quality, but I don’t want money to be an issue, or that they’re thinking I’m just there for the money. My whole passion is to make sure people are able to protect themselves.”

Look for Battle Ground Impact updates and launch information on the Battle Ground JKD website.

Bring family and friends! 

Macon encourages the community to try out Fitness in the Park – and to bring family and friends.

“Come out to have a good time – it’s going to be fun,” said Macon. “Bring family. It’s good for people to show up by themselves, but I want people to actually have someone there with them so they can go through it together.”

Make Moves Dance & Fitness is making big “moves” among local residents

Make Moves Dance & Fitness (Courtesy, Ashten Duncan)



By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


Make Moves Dance & Fitness classes are making big “moves” among local residents.

Ashten Duncan, dancer and Make Moves founder, has combined her passion for dance and fitness, providing co-ed classes that have become increasingly popular within the community.

“I have always loved [dance],” Duncan told WKTV. “I love watching people dance and seeing it make them happy.”

Dance + Fitness = FUN

Having danced her entire life, Duncan began consistently training in dance at age 16. While her favorite types of dance are Hip Hop and African Dance, Duncan doesn’t shy away from trying other genres of dance as well – or combining her joy of lyrical movement with fitness.

“I used to always take dance fitness classes on YouTube, or in-person Zumba classes,” said Duncan. “They are always so fun to me and don’t feel like an actual workout.”

Duncan enjoyed those classes so much that she decided to make a big move of her own, founding Make Moves Dance & Fitness in 2018.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Duncan combined dance and workout moves for 20  minutes each day with her mother.

“She started telling me she felt stronger and could feel results in her body,” said Duncan.

After the pandemic, the local dancer had a new passion – and a new goal.

“When I started back teaching classes at the studio, I proposed a dance fitness class that I taught for a few months,” said Duncan, adding that she feels the form and technique she learned through her own personal dance and fitness training is something she can share with others.

Enjoying the movement of dance while becoming fit

Make Moves Dance & Fitness is co-ed, with most classes geared toward adults at beginner and intermediate levels. However, as classes become increasingly popular, Duncan aspires to provide classes for all ages and fitness levels.

Above all, Duncan’s hope is to help class participants enjoy the art of dance and movement – while also burning a lot of calories!

Make Moves Dance & Fitness (Courtesy, Ashten Duncan)

“I’m hoping that if anyone wanted to dance, deep down, and never got to experience it, they can learn some foundation dance moves in my dance classes that can also be used for cardio and strength fitness,” said Duncan.

“I have always wanted to learn how to dance, but am horribly uncoordinated,” said a Make Moves class participant who wishes to remain anonymous. “Ashten has created an atmosphere that is welcoming and nonjudgmental, making it comfortable for me to try something I have always wanted to do.

“And her teaching style makes it easy to follow along so class members don’t get frustrated trying to keep up.”

Details you should know!

Make Move’s next scheduled class is Friday, May 24 at 7:30 p.m., and will be held at the Brown-Hutcherson Ministries Fellowship Hall. Cost for all classes is $10 per person.

To keep up to date on Making Moves classes, recaps and giveaways, follow Make Moves Dance & Fitness on Facebook and Instagram.

Make Moves Dance & Fitness (Courtesy, Ashten Duncan)

Pandemic provides reminder of importance of recognizing signs of stroke

Because of limited contact with family due to COVID, more people fell victim to strokes, a leading cause of death and disability. (Pxhere.com)

By Jamie Allen
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health


When COVID-19 kept families apart, it meant fewer opportunities for loved ones to notice the signs of stroke. And so, more people fell victim to one of the leading causes of death and disability.

The pandemic contributed in several ways to an increase in fatal strokes in the United States last year, said Dr. Jeffrey Fletcher, who specializes in neurocritical care, neurology and vascular neurology for Metro Health – University of Michigan Health.

Despite the complications of COVID-19, the most important aspect of stroke treatment has never changed, he said: Every second counts to limit the risk of brain damage and death.

“It is essential to recognize the signs of stroke and call 911 to get to the hospital as soon as possible,” he said, “because time is still brain.”

May is Stroke Awareness Month, an appropriate time to emphasize the importance of recognizing the signs, which can be memorized by the acronym B.E. F.A.S.T.:

  • B-Balance (Is the person having trouble with balance?)
  • E-Eyes (Does the person have blurred or double vision?)
  • F-Face (Does the face look uneven?)
  • A-Arm (Is one arm or leg suddenly weak?)
  • S-Speech (Does speech sound strange?)
  • T-Time (It’s time to call 911)With early data showing a significant increase in stroke deaths in 2020, stroke remains a leading cause of death in the United States, bumped down to No. 4 only because of COVID- 19. But Fletcher noted that, even among survivors, stroke takes a huge toll as the leading cause of disability.The devastating effects of stroke are another argument to be vaccinated for COVID-19, he said. There is moderate evidence that contracting COVID-19 increases the risk of stroke – and strong evidence it can contribute to more severe stroke outcomes.“In terms of stroke prevention, there’s a lot you can do by limiting risk factors and leading a healthy life,” Fletcher said. “That would include things that mitigate the chance of getting COVID, such as following public health measures, including immunization.”Acknowledging recent concerns about very rare blood clots among people who received vaccines, Fletcher said, “the risk of stroke with COVID is 1,000 times greater.”

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Fletcher remains optimistic about the future of stroke care. Technological advances mean doctors are able to treat more strokes than ever. But for that to be possible, patients must arrive as soon as possible at a comprehensive stroke center like the one at Metro Health – University of Michigan Health.

“It gets back to recognizing what B.E. F.A.S.T. means,” he said. “Calling 911 can be the difference between death, severe disability and recovery.”

To learn more about recognizing the signs of stroke, plus the resources for stroke survivors and their caregivers, visit the Metro Health – University of Michigan Health website.

Attack of the dad bod

If your cute and cuddly physique is an improvement from a year ago, then you’re on the right track. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Shawn Foucher, Spectrum Health Beat


For the sake of illustration, let’s pretend a man’s picture of good health falls someplace on a horizontal line.


On one end, you’ve got the late John Candy; on the other, you’ve got the very much alive Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.


For the average guy, there’s probably going to be a comfortable middle somewhere along that vast spectrum.


You may, for instance, be content with a body type more akin to the one Leonardo DiCaprio had on display one recent summer when he was photographed vacationing someplace warm and expensive.


Always the picture of prepossessing boyishness, the Oscar winner looked, in this instance, more like a cuddly dad from Des Moines and less like a toned Titan of Tinseltown.


And if the Internet’s collective brilliance has the last word on the matter, that’s perfectly OK.


Sometime in recent years, folks began dubbing this look the “dad bod.”


Countless celebrities have been photographed unabashedly displaying their dad bods—an online search bears infinite entertaining results—and millions of fathers have been consigned to this body type ever since the developed world became less agrarian and more sedentary.


One college newspaper writer gained some notoriety for suggesting that the dad bod maintains, perhaps, a certain kind of appeal.


It’s a fleshy-but-not-obese physique that suggests, “Let’s skip the gym this weekend, because I’m down for DiGiorno and a Game of Thrones binge.”


Who could say no to that?


But here on the cusp of another summer, an important question lingers: Apart from the cringe-worthy moniker, is the dad bod an acceptable standard of health? Not aesthetically, but medically?


It all depends on you.


If you’ve got a body like Leo, Seth Rogan or Adam Sandler, a discerning doctor is likely to be less concerned with how you look today and more concerned with how you looked five years ago.


What matters is where you’ve been and where you’re headed, said Harland Holman, MD, of the Spectrum Health Family Medicine Residency Center.

BMI, waist circumference

To assess a guy’s overall level of fitness, you have to account for how his body has changed from past to present, Dr. Holman said.


“You can’t just assume from one single picture what their lifestyle is,” he said.


You need context.


Explained Holman: “So, if Leonardo had a six pack and all of a sudden he’s looking like that?”

Not so good.


“But somebody who looks like that—who had a BMI that was 50, and obviously over the last year they’ve made some pretty big changes?”


Pretty good.


Body Mass Index, or BMI, is a decent indicator of a person’s fitness.


“First thing is, we’d see where your BMI is,” Dr. Holman said. “We shoot for a BMI of between 20 and 25.”


Many online sites will calculate your BMI, which is your weight, in kilograms, divided by the square of height in meters. (A 6-foot-1 man who weighs 215 pounds, for instance, has a BMI of about 29—slightly over the recommended cutoff of 25.)


But BMI is not the Holy Grail.


“Depending on your BMI, another indicator could be your waist circumference,” Dr. Holman said.


A man of average height should have a waist circumference of less than 40 inches. Anything over that, Dr. Holman said, and it’s an indication of a possible risk for metabolic syndrome.


You could make the argument that a dad bod that’s heavy in the middle is simply cuddlier and more lovable, but that’d be the only argument you’ve got.


Excess fat around the waist indicates a higher risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes, Dr. Holman said.


“Obviously that extra fat around the abdomen … if celebrities or media are promoting that, that’s a little concerning,” he said.

Genetics, circumstance

Substantial physical change may prove frustratingly elusive for some fellas, but that’s only because their genes are tight—so tight, they’re never letting go.


“To be honest with you, there are genetics behind weight,” Dr. Holman said.


“You don’t really have control over that,” he said. “Focus on what you have control over. What do you put in your mouth every day? What do you do every day?”


If you’re eating healthy and you’re exercising, there’s a fair chance, bad genes or good, your body will reap the benefits.


And, dad bod or not, be leery of any message that says beer and pizza are acceptable regular components of any diet.

“When people start saying that’s cool, maybe we’ve gone too much the other way,” Dr. Holman said.


Here he’s alluding to those opposing ends on that John Candy-Dwayne Johnson spectrum. There really is a happy middle. (You can have a piece of pizza and a beer once in a while; just don’t make them fixtures of your diet.)


“When everyone needed a six-pack, some people gave up trying for that,” he said. “Hopefully they would, in the media, kind of promote more healthy living instead of focusing on what the picture of the abs looks like.”

Write your history—and your child’s

There’s a good reason they call it the “dad bod.”


Once men and women procreate, those little people called children commandeer every aspect of their lives, leaving precious few moments for time-intensive exercise regimens.


“There is that weight gain that dads get,” Dr. Holman said. “It often goes along with moms gaining weight, too. You become more focused on caring for your kids than yourself sometimes.”


Dr. Holman’s advice to patients, and parents: Focus less on looks and more on healthy activities and healthy meals.

And promote the same things in your kids.


Because apart from genetics, how you look today has something to do with how you grew up.


“A lot of weight depends on what you were early on,” Dr. Holman said. “Your body kind of sets a standard weight by the time you’re a teenager.”


If a poor diet and sedentary lifestyle were hallmarks of your childhood, your journey to health in adulthood may be fraught with more pain and slower gains.


If, however, you were active as a kid—youth sports, a love of outdoors and the like—you may find it easier to bounce back as an adult, even in your later years.


“Some people feel like it’s always going to be hard work to get under that weight that your body has set as its baseline weight,” Dr. Holman said. “It’s not that you can’t overcome it. It’s just that it gets a little bit harder to overcome.”

Mind your body

So, really, do looks matter? To a degree, yes. More accurately, what matters is the measurement of your looks. Your BMI and waist circumference will play roles in what your doctor has to say about your health and fitness needs.


But your health history—your weight today versus a year ago, or two years ago—is just as important. You should celebrate steps toward better health, no matter how small, and also recognize when your health is slipping.


“If the BMI is above 30, usually I will order a blood test,” Dr. Holman said. “A common blood test checks cholesterol, diabetes and thyroid.”


That’s the introductory assessment.


“That shows how urgent it is for them to make some lifestyle changes,” he said.


If your BMI is 30 but your cholesterol level is great and you’re not diabetic, “it’s not nearly as urgent as someone whose BMI is 30 but they’re starting to get pre-diabetes,” he said.


A normal blood sugar level is typically lower than 100. Anything greater than 125 is considered diabetes. Pre-diabetes is the range in the middle.


“There’s that gray zone between 100 and 125,” Dr. Holman said, “when people can make a huge lifestyle change and prevent getting diabetes.”


And who knows—you might also prevent the complete onset of a dad bod.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



4 Tips for Active Senior Living During Winter

Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

 

By Vista Springs Assisted Living

 

Regardless of whether you love or hate winter weather, sometimes going outside for some exercise is impossible during the colder months. But even when it’s chilly, staying active is a must for health and happiness. Here are four great tips for active senior living when snow, ice, and freezing temperatures have you stuck inside:

1. Do simple exercises any time, anywhere

Who needs equipment? There are a variety of strength, flexibility, and balance exercises that don’t require anything but a stable floor. Be sure to stretch before working out, and talk to a doctor about which exercises are best for you.

Strength

  • Squats: With your arms straight in front of you for balance, bend your knees slightly and hold for a few breaths.
  • Push-ups: Try keeping your knees on the floor as you press your body up slowly.

Flexibility

  • Seated toe-touch: Don’t worry if you can’t reach your toes right away. Go slow!
  • Arm lifts: From a standing or seated position, lift your arm to shoulder height, then next to your ear, then bring it down to your side with control.

Balance

  • One-legged stand: Use supports, and don’t lift your leg higher than it wants to go.
  • Stair step-ups: No need for speed as you step onto a stair or low stool one foot at a time, then back down. Hold on one leg for a few breaths if possible.

Use walls, sturdy chairs, and handrails for support.

2. Hit the gym

Getting your cardio in is harder and less fun when you can’t head outside for a walk, run, or swim. Gym equipment like treadmills, stationary bikes, and ellipticals, as well as indoor pools, tennis courts, and more are great ways to keep your body moving when the outdoors isn’t an option. In an assisted living community, check out gym spaces and workout rooms; otherwise, check around local gyms to find an affordable option that works with your schedule.

3. Check out a fitness class

New fitness classes are springing up everywhere! Check out community boards, websites, and local gyms for senior-friendly courses. Try different variations of yoga, tai chi, low-impact barre, or dance classes like ballroom or Zumba. These fitness trends are exciting and get you motivated to exercise. The best part is that there’s a class for everyone!

4. Get active with gaming

Gaming isn’t just for couch potatoes any more. There are lots of fun games designed to get people interested in exercising. Take a look at Wii Fitness for the Nintendo Wii, which has a variety of mini-games, including yoga and strength training, stretches, and some silly exercises. You won’t even believe you’re working out!

 

A more recent development in gaming technology is virtual reality headsets. With these types of systems, you control the games with your body. These games get you moving, and they’re also great with family and friends. Try something new, and who knows? You might love it.

 

When exercising, always remember to not push yourself too far. Healthy, active senior living is about taking care of your mind and body all the time. Staying fit, limber, and strong contributes to overall wellness, so even when the weather outside is frightful, keep yourself moving!

 

Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Assisted Living.

Enjoy these FREE events in July 2017!

By Brittany Schlacter, The Rapid

 

We’ve entered one of Michigan’s most magical seasons. Michigan summers are the perfect time for exploration, new activities and, most importantly, fun! Fortunately for Grand Rapidians and those living in surrounding transit-friendly suburbs, there are a number of outdoor events to ensure you’re able to embrace the sunshine and warmth promised in July. The best part is that all of these events are free to the public.

 

Whether it’s watching your favorite local band or musician in the park, catching a movie or exploring your local farmer’s market, there are so many reasons to hop on board the bus and let us do the driving to these fun summer events. If you’re looking for the best deal and aren’t a frequent Rapid rider, purchase a 10-Ride Card to use for riding to these events.

 

The Mainstays play July 13

Enjoy Concerts in Kentwood
On July 13, and 27, ride Routes 2 and 44 to Kentwood City Hall for live music from 7 – 8:30 p.m for the Kentwood City Summer Entertainment Series. The Mainstays will play on the 13th; Look Out Lincoln will be on the 20th; and The Tomas Esparza Blues Band plays on the 27th. This event also features food trucks and more! Grab your blanket or a chair for some Thursday evening fun.

 

Route 2, 44

 

Get fit

Every Monday through Thursday, you can find a variety of fitness classes taking place throughout downtown Grand Rapids thanks to the Stay Fit Downtown Class Series. This 9-week program is a joint effort through Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. and the City of Grand Rapids Parks & Recreation Department. Free, no-registration classes include Zumba, ballroom dancing, kickboxing and more. Classes take place at Rosa Parks Circle, the Blue Bridge and the JW Marriott Lobby.

 

Routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6+

 

Listen to Music in Walker

The Standale Summer Concert Series takes place July 13 with Strumble Head and July 27 with Brena Band at Walker Community Park. Music starts playing at 6:30 p.m. and the fun lasts until 8:30 p.m. Ride Routes 12 and 50 to get there, pack a picnic and enjoy a beautiful evening with local tunes!

 

Route 12, 50

 

Explore the Market with your Kids
Grab your children and get on board the Silver Line or Routes 1 and 2 to head to the Downtown Market for free fun for kids every week in July. You can expect crafts, educational activities and more! Each week, Kids at the Market has a new theme that your children will love. While you’re there, grab lunch or a snack and do a bit of shopping.

 

Routes 1, 2, SL

 

Experience Hands-On Learning at the Museum

Grand Rapids Public Museum is opening their doors for a day of free admission on July 16 from 12–5 pm. Explore all three floors of exhibits and dive into hands-on fun for the whole family. Make a day out of it by riding Routes 7 and 9 and enjoying lunch or dinner at a downtown Grand Rapids eatery.

 

Routes 1, 2, SL

 

Groove to Jazz in the Park

Every Monday, ride Routes 7 and 9 to Ah-Nab-Awen Park to enjoy an evening of jazz presented by the West Michigan Jazz Society. Some of this month’s upcoming acts include Metro Jazz Voices, Kevin Jones Band and The Lakeshore Big Band.

 

Routes 7, 9

 

Fulton Street Farmers Market

Stock up at Local Farmers Market

How close is your nearest farmers market? There are so many that are transit-friendly throughout Grand Rapids, Grandville, Wyoming and Kentwood! Grab your reusable shopping bags, hop on board the bus and ride to your favorite farmers market to enjoy local produce and goods. You can even ride Route 14 straight to the Fulton Street Farmers Market every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday!

 

Route 14

 

 

Summer brochure now available at the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department

Soccer coaches still needed for the spring youth soccer program.

Although spring has just arrived, the Wyoming Parks & Recreation Department is already thinking about summer.

With the release of the summer brochure, registration for summer programs has begun. To see what opportunities are available, take a look at the summer brochure online or pick one up at the Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW. There are summer concerts, participate in a fitness class (or two), or sign your child up for one of the camps. There are many more offerings. Don’t forget, registration is also open for fall soccer and football programs.

 

Register for any of these programs online or by phone at 616-530-3164.

Also, for the spring season, the Wyoming Parks and Recreation is still in need of a few volunteer coaches, head and assistant, for the spring youth soccer program. If you or someone you know would be interested, please contact the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department ASAP at parks_info@wyomingmi.gov or 616-530-3164.

 

Do you like what you see? Do you have an idea for a new program? The Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department invites residents to send feedback to parks_info@wyomingmi.gov.