Group Fitness and Why It Works, Like at the West Roxbury YMCA

Exercising in a group can be fun, challenging and personally motivating.

  We all know the benefits of exercise—both body and mind. But did you know group exercise often leads to better results? Experts from AOL Health and www.everydayhealth.com agree that group exercise provides support, structure and accountability. Exercising in a group can be fun, challenging and personally motivating. Patient information in the Journal of American Academy of Physician Assistants recommends that people exercise with either a group or a partner because they “are more likely to stay on track.” As outlined by the American College of Sports Medicine, benefits of group fitness include a “social environment, safe and productive design, consistent schedule, accountability for participation and beginner-friendly experience.” These …

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So Says Seth

No One Wants to Go Running and End Up in an Ambulance

Just as runners need to be aware of vehicles, drivers need to be aware of runners.

As I went for my usual morning run the other day I was nearly hit by three vehicles as I ran my route. All were making right turns from side streets. For the record, I am an alert runner. I don’t listen to an iPod.  I don’t get so “in the zone” that I’m unaware of where I am or that there are vehicles, other runners or people in general out and about. You have to be if you're running in a busy area. It wasn't the first time I was almost struck by a car making a right turn off a side street. It happens, unfortunately, quite frequently. The most harrowing was the morning a car flew down Willowdean Avenue, barely stopping as the driver made the right turn onto the VFW Parkway. The driver never noticed me until I hit the trunk of his car with …

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