Westchester County

Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

 All Bedford Hills Listings10507, history of bedford, bedford station, police department, history, about bedford hills, ward pound ridge reservation, local parks, kids, bedford hills park, rosaforte park, playground, swimming pools, winter activities, ice skating  featured listings  

 Bedford Hills Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

Apogee Pilates and Wellness Center

914-244-1606
 
 All Bedford Village Listings10506, hamlets, bedford hills, bedford village, katonah, history of bedford, about bedford village, bedford village memorial park, biking, hiking, fishing, ward pound ridge reservation,  largest park, fun day, out with the kids, historic sites  featured listings  

 Bedford Village Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

Bedford Pilates & Fitness

914-234-4634
 
 All Briarcliff Manor Listings10510, history, about briarcliff, village of briarcliff manor, activities, attractions, things to do, hudson river, golf at westchester golf courses, best golf courses in the country, antique shops, antique dealers, outdoor activities, fishing, picnic  featured listings  

 Briarcliff Manor Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

Club Fit - Briarcliff

914-762-3444
 
 All Bronxville Listings10708, history, about bronxville, around bronxville, activities, attractions, places to go, things to do this weekend, parks near bronxville, golf courses bronxville, antique shops, bronxville, biking at bronx river pathway, hiking westchester  featured listings  

 Bronxville Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

Balanced Martial Arts

914-663-8342
 

Martial Arts Center

914-337-3339
 
 All Chappaqua Listings  featured listings  

 Chappaqua Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

10514, Gymnastics, Chappaqua, NY, gymnasts, USAG, child's physical well being, Children's Birthday Parties, Gymnastics, about gymnastics, toddler birthday parties | Westchester World Cup Gymnastics

914-238-4967
  World Cup Gymnastics is a 19,000 square foot facility located at 170 Hunts Lane, Chappaqua, NY 10514. Our staff is made up of professional instructors, former competitive gymnasts and award winning coaches who are all USAG and CPR certified. Gymnastics not only promotes a child's physical well being and social skills, but developes maturity, discipline, confidence and strength. World Cup Gymnastics | Westchester  website and more . . .
 All Cross River Listings  featured listings  

 Cross River Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

Bodyfit Personal Training

914-763-1204
 
 All Croton-on-Hudson Listings10520, village of croton-on-hudson, history, croton landing, croton and new croton dams, new croton aqueduct, croton dam, about croton-on-hudson, activities, attractions, things to do, places to go, fishing, children, kids, picnic at a croton-on-hudson  featured listings  

 Croton-on-Hudson Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

10520, Fitness Center Address, Croton-on-Hudson, NY, Northern Westchester County | Westchester New York Sports Clubs - Croton-on-Hudson

914-271-8909
  Fitness Center Address
420 South Riverside Avenue
Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520
northern Westchester County New York Sports Clubs - Croton-on-Hudson | Westchester  more . . .
 All Dobbs Ferry Listings10522, history, river towns, river town, hudson river, hudson river valley, south, southern, southwest, southwestern, hudson river, hudson river valley  featured listings  

 Dobbs Ferry Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

10522, Fitness Center Address, Dobbs Ferry, NY, Southern Westchester County | Westchester New York Sports Clubs - Dobbs Ferry

914-478-0944
  Fitness Center Address
50 Livingstone Ave
Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
southern Westchester County New York Sports Clubs - Dobbs Ferry | Westchester  more . . .
 All Elmsford Listings10523, history of elmsford, about elmsford, things to do, about activities, attractions, places to go, parks in elmsford, something to do this weekend, kids, picnic, golf courses around elmsford, antiquing, antique stores, restaurants in elmsford  featured listings  

 Elmsford Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

Family Health and Sports

914-592-3005
 
 All Harrison Listings10528, 10577, purchase, northeastern, history, about purchase, purchase college suny, manhattanville college, cultural attractions, performing arts center at purchase college, neuberger museum of art, sculpture gardens at pepsico, mta to harrison  featured listings  

 Harrison Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

Bruce Chung's - Tae Kwon Do

914-835-0665
 
 All Hartsdale Listings10530, southwestern, hamlet of hartsdale, history, historical information, about hartsdale, things to do, around hartsdale, activities, attractions, places to go, golf course in hartsdale, parks around greenburgh, time to eat, restaurants in hartsdale  featured listings  

 Hartsdale Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

10530, Fitness Center, Address, Hartsdale, NY,  Westchester County | Westchester New York Sports Clubs - Hartsdale

914-725-8447
  Fitness Center Address
208 East Hartsdale Ave
Hartsdale, NY 10530
Westchester County New York Sports Clubs - Hartsdale | Westchester  more . . .
 All Hawthorne Listings  featured listings  

 Hawthorne Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

10532, Fitness Center Address, Hawthorne, NY, Westchester County | Westchester New York Sports Clubs - Hawthorne

914- 347-2248
  Fitness Center Address
24 Saw Mill River Road
Hawthorne, NY 10532
Westchester County New York Sports Clubs - Hawthorne | Westchester  more . . .
 All Irvington-on-Hudson Listings10533, irvington-on-hudson, about irvington, things to do, about activities, attractions, matthiessen park in irvington, golfer, play golf, restaurants in irvington, southwestern, history of irvington, washington irvington  featured listings  

 Irvington-on-Hudson Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

YogaWorks

914-591-9642
 
 All Jefferson Valley - Yorktown Listings  featured listings  

 Jefferson Valley - Yorktown Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

Club Fit - Jefferson Valley

914-245-4040
 
 All Katonah Listings10536, history, town history, about katonah, activities, attractions, things to do, hamlets, katonah, biking, hiking, fishing, katonah memorial park, antiquing, antique shops in katonah, historic sites, john jay homestead, historic site, children  featured listings  

 Katonah Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

Golden Temple Yoga Studio

914-232-3473
  Golden Temple, offering Kundalini Yoga, is located at 223 Katonah Ave., Katonah, NY 10536in Westchester County.

From Golden Temple: "Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan is a 5,000-year old sacred system of yoga exercise and meditation that promotes health, happiness and awareness. Combining breathing, movement, stretching and sound, Kundalini Yoga is a safe, comprehensive technology that can be practiced by anyone. Golden Temple Yoga Studio | Westchester  website and more . . .

Shawn's Personal Fitness

914-232-4462
 
 All Larchmont Listings10538, history of larchmont, history, things to do, places to visit, activities, attractions, dining,  parks in larchmont, golf courses, antique stores, concerts in flint park, larchmont restaurants, buying a home in larchmont, mta larchmont train  featured listings  

 Larchmont Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

10583, Fitness Center Address, Larchmont, NY, Westchester County | Westchester New York Sports Clubs - Larchmont

914-834-7700
  Fitness Center Address
15 Madison Ave
Larchmont, NY 10538
Westchester County New York Sports Clubs - Larchmont | Westchester  more . . .
 All Mamaroneck Listings10543, history of mamaroneck, about mamaroneck, history, interesting facts, about westchester county, things to do, about activities, attractions, places to go, great theatre, emelin theatre in mamaroneck, for children, restaurants in mamaroneck  featured listings  

 Mamaroneck Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

Equinox Fitness - Mamaroneck

914-777-1919
 

Fiore Pilates

914-381-3201
 

Healthy Fit for Women

914-670-0600
 

10543, Fitness Center Address, Mamaroneck, NY, Westchester County | Westchester New York Sports Clubs - Mamaroneck

914-381-3282
  Fitness Center Address
124 Palmer Ave
Mamaroneck, NY 10543
Westchester County New York Sports Clubs - Mamaroneck | Westchester  more . . .
 All Mount Kisco Listings  featured listings  

 Mount Kisco Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

Lexington Avenue Gym

914-241-2657
 

10549 personal training neuro fitness center mind & body weight training sculpting physique upscale spa hardcore gym acoustic therapy reduce stress lower heart rate complete workout training session warm-up cardio conditioning | Westchester ProBody

914-244-0075
  ProBody, Mind & Body Fitness, is located at 740 Bedford Road, Bedford Hills, NY 10507 in Westchester County.

From ProBody: "The Ultimate Personal Training Experience for EVERY Body.ProBody's unique environment blends upscale spa with hardcore gym in a private and personal setting. We work with a broad range of clients from those trying to lose weight and shape up, to serious athletes training for their next event. Each training program is custom designed to meet our client's goals. Our other specialties include; youth sport specific training, senior wellness, pre/post natal fitness, and on-site corporate wellness programs. ProBody | Westchester  website and more . . .

10549 | Westchester Saw Mill Club

914-241-0797
 

Saw Mill Club East

914-242-9760
 

Skinny Buddha Fitness Center

914 666 9646
 
 All Mount Vernon Listings  featured listings  

 Mount Vernon Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

Flex Appeal Fitness

914-665-2811
 
 All City of New Rochelle Listings10801, history, about new rochelle, things to do, places to visit, activities, attractions, restaurants, dining, buying a home in new rochelle, concert, golf course, antique stores, children, park, kids, parks in new rochelle, playground, movies, shopping  featured listings  

 City of New Rochelle Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

10801, Fitness Center Address, New Rochelle, NY, Westchester County | Westchester New York Sports Clubs - New Rochelle

914-636-2455
  Fitness Center Address
175 Huguenot Street
New Rochelle, NY 10801
Westchester County New York Sports Clubs - New Rochelle | Westchester  more . . .

Planet Fitness - New Rochelle

914-509-1271
 

Retro Fitness Clubs

914-235-3300
 
 All Ossining Listingscentral mid west western hudson river sing sing osining osinsing  featured listings  

 Ossining Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

10562, Fitness, Ossining, NY, most popular fitness class, cardio workout, Zumba,  challenging workout, merengue, salsa, cumbia, reggaeton, Fitness Philosophy, about Logrea Fitness | Westchester Logrea Fitness, LLC

914-419-7712
  Logrea Fitness is located at 2 Dale Ave., Ossining, NY 10562 in Westchester County. Zumba is the most popular fitness class at Logrea Fitness and growing with high demand! An invigorating cardio workout, Zumba combines Latin rhythms with interval training, creating a fun and challenging workout. You will learn rhythms such as merengue, salsa, cumbia and reggaeton, all while sculpting your body, and improving your stamina, strength and overall health. Logrea Fitness, LLC | Westchester  more . . .
 All City of Peekskill Listings10566, history, american revolution, activities, underground railroad, art district, artist studios, galleries, peekskill art lofts, about peekskill, things to do, places to visit, activities, attractions, dining, restaurants, buying a home  featured listings  

 City of Peekskill Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

Pilates On Hudson

914-739-1178
 

Planet Fitness - Peekskill

914-930-1200
 
 All Pleasantville Listings  featured listings  

 Pleasantville Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

Curves Health Club - Pleasantville

914-769-5555
 

Kapatid Martial Arts

914-741-5550
 

Pilates Connection

914-747-4711
 
 All Rye Brook Listingssouth southern southeast southeatern ryebrook  featured listings  

 Rye Brook Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

Club @ 800 Squash & Fitness

914-251-1567
 
 All City of Rye Listings10580, history of the city of rye, new york, schools, rye school districts, historical landmarks, about rye, hiking, golf courses in rye, antique stores, birding in rye, place for children, kids, time to eat, rye restaurants, buying a home in rye  featured listings  

 City of Rye Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

Rye WMCA

914-967-6363
 

10580, Rye, YMCA, family-oriented, Improving the nation’s health,  health and well-being, good health, fitness, sports, fun, achieve greater health, mind and body | Westchester Rye YMCA

914-967-6363
  Rye YMCA is located at 21 Locust Ave., Rye, NY 10580 in Westchester County. The Rye YMCA is a family-oriented community service organization that welcomes all people and promotes positive values through programs that build spirit, mind, and body. Rye YMCA | Westchester  website and more . . .
 All Scarsdale Listingssoutheast southeastern south southern  featured listings  

 Scarsdale Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

Equinox Fitness - Scarsdale

914-472-9000
 

JCC Dance School

914-472-7037
  The JCC Dance School is located at at 999 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583, Westchester County. There’s a place for everyone at the JCC Dance School, one of Westchester’s most respected programs. Kids, teens and adults at all levels of training can take classes in ballet, pointe, jazz/hiphop, tap, and more, most to live musical accompaniment. JCC Dance School | Westchester  website and more . . .

10583, Jewish Community Center, Scarsdale, NY, educational, fitness programs, swim programs, gymnastics program, pre-school gymnastics, recreational gymnastics, Westchester Theatre of Dance, (WTD), JCC Dance School, Art School, Children's Birthday Parties | Westchester JCC of Mid-Westchester

914-472-3300
  Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Mid-Westchester is located at 999 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583, Westchester County. The Jewish Community Center of Mid-Westchester is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the community by providing cultural, social, educational and recreational/fitness programs, human services and Jewish identity-building opportunities to people of all ages and backgrounds. JCC of Mid-Westchester | Westchester  website and more . . .

10583, Fitness Center Address, Scarsdale, NY, Westchester County | Westchester New York Sports Clubs - Scarsdale

914-472-2800
  Fitness Center Address
696 White Plains Road
Scarsdale, NY 10583
Westchester County New York Sports Clubs - Scarsdale | Westchester  more . . .

Planet Fitness - Scarsdale

914-713-1500
 

Susan Marlowe Fitness Club For Women

914-472-3335
 
 All Somers Listingsnorthern, historical society, history, antiquities, north, state parks, golfing, antique shops, hiking, biking, kids, picnic, gardens, lasdon park arboretum, somers, amawalk, baldwin place, granite springs,  lincolndale, shenorock  featured listings  

 Somers Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

10505, Fitness Center Address, Somers Commons, Somers, NY, Northern Westchester County | Westchester New York Sports Clubs - Somers

914-628-5600
  Fitness Center Address
Somers Commons
80 Route 6
Somers, NY 10505
northern Westchester County New York Sports Clubs - Somers | Westchester  more . . .
 All Thornwood Listings  featured listings  

 Thornwood Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

Curves Health Club - Thornwood

914-769-5555
 
 All Tuckahoe Listingssoutheast southeastern south southern  featured listings  

 Tuckahoe Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

Yoga Haven

914-337-1437
 
 All Valhalla Listings  featured listings  

 Valhalla Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

Cliffs at Valhalla - Indoor Climbing & Fitness

914-328-7625
 
 All West Harrison Listings  featured listings  

 West Harrison Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

West Harrison Fitness Center

914-946-3233
 
 All City of White Plains Listingscentral mid south southern southeast southeastern central mid whiteplains  featured listings  

 City of White Plains Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

10605, Fitness Center, fitness, cardio, strength training, Cybex cardio machines, bikes, cross trainers, treadmills, resistance-training equipment, aerobics, Yoga, Tai Chi, adult exercise, rehabilitative therapy, Adult Fitness Center | Westchester Burke Adult Fitness Center @ Rehab Hospital

914-597-2500
  The Burke Adult Fitness Center is located at 785 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, NY 10605 in Westchester County. This public facility offers a more inviting approach to everyday fitness, with everything you need for cardio and strength training. Burke Adult Fitness Center @ Rehab Hospital | Westchester  website and more . . .

Fitness Center, White Plains City Center, White Plains, NY  10601 | Westchester New York Sports Clubs - White Plains

914-428-2020
  Fitness Center Address
White Plains City Center
4 City Place
White Plains, NY 10601
Westchester County New York Sports Clubs - White Plains | Westchester  more . . .

Planet Fitness - White Plains

914-390-3488
 

10605, WYCA, Westchester community, exercise, fitness goals, beginner exerciser, serious fitness enthusiast, exercise | Westchester YWCA of White Plains and Central Westchester

914-949-6227
  The WYCA (Young Women’s Christian Association of the United States of America) is located at 515 North Street, White Plains NY 10605 in Westchester County.

From WYCA: "Are you looking for a quiet and friendly place to get your exercise and reach your fitness goals? The YWCA offers a friendly and low-key atmosphere where everyone can feel comfortable, from the beginner exerciser to the serious fitness enthusiast. Our staff is always available to answer any questions about the equipment, help you with a particular exercise or guide you through the different exercise options available." YWCA of White Plains and Central Westchester | Westchester  website and more . . .
 All City of Yonkers Listingssouth southern southwest southwestern hudson river valley  featured listings  

 City of Yonkers Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

24 Hour Fitness

914-793-3100
 

Lucille Roberts Health Club

914-793-2020
 

Planet Fitness - Yonkers

914-376-3831
 

Yonkers Sport

914-793-3100
 
 All Yorktown Heights Listingsnorthwest northwestern north northern hudson river valley yorktownheights yorktownheight height  featured listings  

 Yorktown Heights Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise

Curves Health Club - Yorktown East

914-455-2654
 

 More Hudson Valley  Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise


Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise | Albany Albany County
      [31 listings over 7 locations]


Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise | Columbia Columbia County
      [2 listings over 1 location]


Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise | Dutchess Dutchess County
      [12 listings over 8 locations]


Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise | Greene Greene County
      [1 listing over 1 location]


Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise | Orange Orange County
      [3 listings over 3 locations]


Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise | Putnam Putnam County
      [3 listings over 3 locations]


Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise | Rockland Rockland County
      [10 listings over 8 locations]


Fitness Centers | Health Clubs | Gyms | Exercise | Ulster Ulster County
      [2 listings over 2 locations]



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Fitness Centers | Health Clubs |Gyms
A Place to Exercise
Westchester County

Visit this up-to-date list of fitness centers, health clubs, and gyms in Westchester. Find a place to exercise in lower, mid, and upper Westchester, offering a wide range of facilities to help strengthen your body and your mind.

Fitness Centers, Health Clubs, and gyms offer a place where you can improve your self-image, strengthen your body, and improve your overall health. Mental health benefits include a place to unwind, relieve stress, and have fun in the process; especially when you're taking a Zumba dance class at your local fitness center.

Exercise and Physical Fitness
It is generally accepted that exercise improves health and well-being.Physical activity is defined as any movement that spends energy. Exercise is a subset of physical activity. It can be part of your daily routine, or can be structured and planned. Physical activity doesn't need to be strenuous for a person to enjoy health benefits. However, by sensibly increasing physical activity, you will almost certainly improve your health. Exercise is believed to increase endorphins, a protein in the brain that acts as the body's natural pain reliever.

    Benefits of Exercise
  • Better Sleep
  • Improves sense of well-being
  • Increased Flexibility
  • Lower Blood Pressure
  • Relieves Anxiety and Stress
  • Renews Energy
  • Strengthen the Heart
  • Strengthening Muscles
  • Stronger Bones
Fitness centers typically offer programs for the whole family as well as the individual. You can find activities that are fun for children, men, and women. Or, you can engage in exercises, such as swimming, that the whole family can enjoy together.

Obesity, Food, and the Gym
Current science have affirmed that the number one reason that we become overweight is because of the food we eat. However, we have also learned that in addition to learning how to eat to stay healthy; we also need to exercise to keep our muscles, our heart, and our bones strong. Exercise is an excellent way to support our weight loss goals. Exercise coupled with eating healthful foods, go hand in hand. You must do both to stay fit and healthy.

    Childhood Obesity and the Gym According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) "Childhood obesity is a serious problem in the United States. Despite recent declines in the prevalence among preschool-aged children, obesity among children is still too high. For children and adolescents aged 2-19 years, the prevalence of obesity has remained fairly stable at about 17% and affects about 12.7 million children and adolescents for the past decade."

    To help your child maintain a healthy weight, balance the calories your child consumes from foods and beverages with the calories your child uses through physical activity and normal growth. With child obesity at epidemic levels, many parents are considering a fitness center for the kids. Everyone, including children need to be active. The gym provides many opportunities for healthy play and your local health club or gym may be the answer.

    Many Westchester health clubs and fitness centers offer weight-loss programs for kids. If your child is overweight, this is an excellent way to introduce your child to healthy play. Health clubs for kids offer wonderful activities for children of all ages. Visit a few fitness centers and health clubs to evaluate which place offers the best fitness program for you child.

Fitness Centers
Most fitness centers have personal trainers available to offer guidance in one or more disciplines such as aerobics, gyrotonic exercises, Pilates, yoga classes, weight lifting, or general strength training. Westchester offers many excellent gyms and health clubs offering a variety of fitness exercises and disciplines.

Fitness Centers offering Yoga
Many people find yoga effective by increasing flexibility, building muscle strength, improving posture, protecting your spine, improving bone density and bone health, lowering blood pressure, improving sleep, and boosting your immune system. In addition, yoga is known to have excellent meditative benefits that can reduce stress and calm your nervous system.

Whether you are searching for a beginner’s yoga class or an advanced yoga center, you can find yoga classes that will fit your needs. If you're thinking about a yoga beginner's class, review basic information and requirements before deciding if this is the appropriate discipline for you. For yoga beginner's classes or moderate to advanced yoga, see this list of yoga classes in Westchester.

Fitness Centers offering Dance Exercise
If you love to Zumba or enjoy dance aerobics, many fitness centers in Westchester offer these forms of exercise. What's better than having fun when you exercise. Zumba and dance aerobics are great activities that help to keep your body strong.

Pilates and Gyrotonic Exercise
Thinking about joining a gym for weight loss benefits and getting in shape? Are you a fan of Pilates and gyrotonic exercise? However you exercise, working out will promote weight loss and a healthy body. Visit a few fitness centers in Westchester and learn about the various programs available. Exercise is one of the most important factors toward improving your health.

Fitness centers and health clubs offering personal trainers, healthy workouts, and discount membership options are available in most health clubs. Many centers offer trial memberships and discounts rates.

Activity is for Everyone
Healthy living and physical fitness are closely connected. Being physically fit not only helps people live healthy lives; it also helps people enjoy a better quality of life for longer. People who make physical activity and exercise a part of their daily lives when they are young are more likely to continue to exercise as they grow older.

Virtually everyone benefits from physical activity and exercise. However, every few years, surveys confirm the well-known fact that most people aren't active enough. While many children engage in physical activity, the amount of physical activity and exercise they get as they grow into adolescents usually declines. In fact, many researchers believe that physical inactivity is a national health problem that can increase the risk of illness and disease.

The best way to keep physical activity and exercise a permanent part of one's life is to make it fun and enjoyable. If people are given different options of what they can do and have easy access to those options, they are more likely to participate in physical activity and exercise. This allows people to have a positive attitude toward physical fitness. It's also helpful if people are knowledgeable about the rewards of physical activity and exercise.

It is widely accepted by the health community that doing some kind of physical activity or exercise on a regular basis helps to increase strength and flexibility, improve endurance, control weight, increase bone mass, and improve self-esteem. Exercise also reduces stress, anxiety, depression, and the risk of developing high blood pressure.

Why go to the Gym?
    Cardiovascular Fitness
    Cardiovascular fitness is improved by aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise improves cardiovascular health as it typically uses the body's largest groups of muscles (the legs) continually which makes a person need more oxygen. Exercise increases the amount of oxygen in the blood and improves the efficiency of the cardiovascular system. Examples of aerobic exercise include running, walking fast, biking, and dancing. Cardiovascular or aerobic activity strengthens both the heart and lungs.

    Regular physical activity and exercise make for a healthier heart. A healthy heart enhances the efficiency of circulating blood throughout the body. The heart pumps blood, which carries oxygen to muscles and carries away waste. How well the heart performs is a good indication of a person's cardiovascular system.

    Endurance
    Endurance refers to a person's ability to continue stressful activity for an extended period of time. This is sometimes called stamina. What this means is that a person with good endurance or stamina can bike, jog, play, or run for a long time without getting tired. Having a healthy endurance level means that a person has a healthy level of cardiovascular fitness. Cardiovascular fitness refers to how efficiently the heart and lungs can pump blood (which holds oxygen) to muscles that are being worked. The more efficiently the heart works, the more energy the body has to continue working without strain or difficulty.

    Activity and exercise
    Activity and exercise help the cardiovascular system by improving circulation. This improves heart function; more blood flow to the muscles, meaning more oxygen is carried to the muscles. Exercise and activity also help reduce a person's chances of developing high blood pressure, or hypertension. Physical fitness can reduce the risk of suffering serious health consequences, such as a stroke.

    Gain Strength
    Strength is the ability to resist force. Muscles constantly resist force. The more strength a person has, the easier it is for muscles to resist greater force. For instance, someone who can lift one hundred pounds of weight once is stronger than someone who can lift fifty pounds of weight twice. Just as regular physical activity builds strength, it also builds muscle endurance. Similar to cardiovascular endurance, muscle endurance means that muscles are able to work for longer periods of time.

    Stronger Bones May Prevent Illness
    Stronger muscles go hand in hand with stronger bones and healthy joints. And, as the body builds muscle, it tends to lose fat, which results in a leaner, healthier body. Weight-bearing activities build better bones.

    There are several reasons why weight-bearing activities build better bones. First, these activities seem to actually stimulate the formation of bone. Also, with physical activity comes muscle strength, which means that the muscles that are exerted, grow stronger; this, in turn, benefits the bones. Finally, with improved strength, balance, and coordination, the risk of falls and bone injuries is greatly reduced.

    Exercise to build more dense, healthier bones and combats osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that gradually weakens bones, making them so fragile that they can fracture easily doing everyday activities. Although osteoporosis mainly strikes older people, it is during childhood and adolescence that bones are forming. Building stronger bones during adolescence will help combat diseases such as osteoporosis later in life. However, it is never too late to improve bone strength. In addition to working with weights, brisk walking is a great exercise for building strong bones and a healthier heart.

    Strengthen Lung Capacity
    As people grow older, their lung capacity (how much air the lungs hold) typically reduces. Cardiovascular activity and exercise can combat this because aerobic activities actually increase lung capacity. So while lung capacity may diminish with age, with regular activity - especially aerobic activity - improves lung capacity and function.

    Immune System
    The immune system also benefits from regular physical activity. A healthy immune system helps fight colds, cancer, and other diseases, and speeds recovery from all kinds of injuries.

    Sleep
    Sleep is a normal and essential part of our lives. The human body needs sleep. Good quality sleep is critical to a healthy lifestyle. Sleep helps us to solidify and consolidate memories, grow muscle, repair tissue, synthesize hormones; and sleep benefits the heart, weight, mind, and mood.

    Improve Flexibility
    Young people are usually quite flexible. However, as with lung capacity, flexibility may diminish as people grow older. Activities and exercises that increase flexibility such as: gymnastics, martial arts, and yoga, are helpful in preventing injuries. The more flexible a person is, the less likely he or she is to suffer a sprain or strain a muscle.

Physical Activity and Exercise Benefit the Mind
Physical activity and exercise are beneficial to the mind as well as the body. They help improve a person's health and overall outlook on life. The great thing about physical activity and exercise is that it doesn't matter what a person does as long as it raises the heart rate for a certain period of time (twenty to thirty minutes). You can bike, run, swim, walk, garden, etc. - all healthy activity benefits the mind. People experience a natural high thereby developing the ability to better handle emotional stress and the challenges of life.
    Endorphins - Our Natural High
    When a person is physically active or exercises for a certain period of time—about 20 minutes or longer—the body releases endorphins, proteins in the brain that act as the body's natural pain reliever. When endorphins are released, a person may experience a feeling of euphoria.

    Exercise Helps Relieve Depression and Anxiety
    Many people suffer from depression and anxiety. A person may feel just depressed or anxious or experience both depression and anxiety at the same time. Depression can cause people to feel sad, tired, and hopeless. Researchers have found that in mild cases, physical activity and exercise can help relieve feelings of depression and reduce a person's anxiety level.

    Handle Stress Better
    Stress is a normal part of every person's life. However, too much stress can cause health problems. Some symptoms of stress include anxiety, high blood pressure, irritability, tense muscles, headaches, stomach aches, and lower resistance to illness. Physical activity and exercise, especially noncompetitive activity, can help to manage stress. They give a person the opportunity to feel calmer and more alert, which can help a person work through the issues that are causing the stress. They also boost the immune system.

    Improve Concentration
    Concentration is important for learning and understanding new concepts. Being physically active and exercising can help improve concentration. Staying physically fit has also been found to help people maintain memory longer. As people get older, their memory skills can deteriorate. However, physical activity and exercise can help ward off this effect.

    Feel Calmer and Sleep Soundly
    While physical activity and exercise can make people feel more alert during the day, they also allow people to feel calmer and sleep more soundly. When people are active, their body temperature rises and warms their insides. This soothes the body, like a warm bath, and causes a person to feel calmer. This feeling, along with the lower anxiety and stress and physical benefits of physical activity and exercise, helps a person to sleep soundly at night.

Activity Promotes Fitness
There are many types of activities that improve a person's physical fitness. The options range from traditional aerobics to alternative practices such as yoga, Pilates, and martial arts. Each activity has its own specific benefits. There are many options and choosing the best activities for you involves finding the activities that are the most pleasurable and fun. The most important thing is doing some kind of physical activity on a regular basis.

Most of the following activities can be achieved in a good fitness center such as biking in place, boxing, dance, gymnastics, running/walking around a track, swimming, and yoga.
    Aerobic Exercise
    Aerobic exercise strengthens the heart and lungs and tones the body. There are two basic types of aerobics: high-impact and low-impact. Both involve moving the body for at least twenty minutes in order to increase the heart rate to a point where the body is burning fat. High-impact aerobics involves dance combinations and jumping movements, while low-impact aerobics uses similar movements without the jumping. Low-impact aerobics is gentler to the joints because one foot is always touching the floor and therefore it is less likely to cause injury.

    Biking
    Biking is another fun activity that builds strength and balance. Riding for twenty minutes will make the heart strong and help the body burn fat. Most people learn to ride bikes as children, so all it takes to participate is a bicycle and road to ride it on. Some people choose to ride on the road, while others buy a mountain bike that allows them to ride on dirt roads and trails in the woods or in the mountains. In addition to having a bike, people need to wear helmets and have reflectors attached to the bike. Many people ride with friends or even join a cycling club to meet others who like to use their pedals to get their hearts pumping.

    Boxing
    Boxing tones and strengthens the whole body. Whether a person is just punching the air, called shadow boxing, or punching a bag, boxing helps burn fat, relieve stress, and increase endurance and confidence. People interested in boxing usually take classes at a local gym or learn boxing moves from a video. With boxing gloves and loose, comfortable workout clothing, boxing can be done at a gym, a recreation center, or at home. It's also possible to learn how to kick box, which uses the legs and the arms to punch the air or a bag.

    Children, Kids, Preteens
    Physical activity and exercise are not the same. And while both are good, most experts recommend that kids and preteens focus more on being physically active (such as playing or bike-riding) than on actually doing structured exercise. Playing is simple and fun. The options are endless and the benefits are great. Playing increases strength, flexibility, coordination, and muscle tone and, because it increases the heart rate, it burns fat as well. In addition to the physical benefits, playing relieves stress and imparts a positive attitude about life and physical fitness. Playing activities include: Catch (throw and catch a ball) frisbee, tag, hide-and-seek, playing with a pet, gardening, and hopscotch.

    Dance
    Dance is great exercise for the whole body. It not only tones the body and burns fat, but it also improves balance and coordination. There are many different types of dance, including ballet, tap, modern, country-western, jazz, and hip-hop. Some people choose to take classes to learn or refine their technique. This can be especially important for tap and ballet. Others may rent or buy a video that teaches them the right moves. However, dance doesn't have to be structured. Dancing to a song on the radio or to a favorite CD is enough for some people. Dancing in any form is a fun way to become physically fit.

    Gymnastics
    Gymnastics is an intense activity that strengthens every muscle in the body. It also improves coordination and flexibility. However, it can be risky since many of the moves include flips and jumps that can cause injury. Practicing gymnastics requires classes at a gym with special equipment, a training camp, or a gymnastics clinic. It also requires a qualified instructor, as gymnastic moves are difficult and cannot be learned without proper instruction.

    Hiking
    One of the best things about hiking is being surrounded by nature. Hiking trails can be found everywhere, giving hikers many choices of trails that differ in difficulty and scenery. Although there are many great places to hike in Westchester, if the weather is not cooperating, go to a local fitness center and hike around the indoor track.

    Ice Skating
    Ice skating works the lower body, including thighs, hips, and buttocks. It also strengthens the heart, burns fat, and improves balance and coordination. Individual and group lessons are available at local rinks. It's also possible to learn how to figure skate, which involves doing spins, jumps, and dance moves on the ice. Having a supportive pair of skates is essential. If there's nowhere to ice skate, but the activity is appealing, in-line skating is a great alternative.

    In-Line Skating
    In-line skating is similar to ice-skating but it's done on concrete, not ice. It works the lower body and strengthens the heart. In-line skating has grown in popularity over recent years and many people consider it to be one of the most fun activities to do.

    Martial Arts
    The martial arts are a combination of physical activity and mental strength and development. The practice of the arts goes back thousands of years; they work to improve the body's strength, power, speed, endurance, control, balance, awareness, and timing. In addition to physical training, martial arts benefit the mind through meditation that brings peace of mind in daily life.

    Running
    Running is an intense exercise. It's great for increasing heart rate, burning fat, and relieving stress. The muscles in the legs and stomach become stronger through running, and many runners talk of a "runner's high," which can be attributed to the release of endorphins, or the body's natural pain reliever, into the bloodstream.

    Skiing and Snowboarding
    Downhill skiing improves muscle tone for the whole body, as well as increasing balance and endurance. Cross-country skiing means constantly moving the arms and legs in a rhythmic fashion, which keeps the heart pumping fast. Snowboarding increases muscle tone in the lower body, while also improving balance and coordination.

    Sports
    Participation in sports and other healthy physical activities are a great way of staying active. Sports offer wonderful rewards for both physical and mental health. Being involved in sports has been proven to help people learn valuable skills for dealing with life's ups and downs. They teach people how to interact with others and work as a team. Sports also help people become more independent and feel better about themselves.

    Swimming
    Swimming is a great activity that is easy on the body's joints because the water cushions the body while it moves. Swimming tones the whole body and increases the heart rate. It can be structured or unstructured. Doing laps with different types of strokes is a possibility, as is just playing around in the water with friends or participating in a water volleyball game. Swimming tones the whole body and increases the heart rate.

    Team Sports
    Team sports offer a variety of benefits that are unique to each sport. Hockey, basketball, and soccer, for example, require constant movement and therefore are great for increasing heart rate, burning fat, and toning muscle. They also improve coordination and endurance. Softball, baseball, football, and volleyball increase muscle strength and coordination. Track and field benefits the whole body as it can involve running, sprinting, jumping, and throwing. All team sports usually require the participant to train for the playing season.

    Tennis
    Tennis can be played with two or four people (singles or doubles). Although singles tennis provides a better workout than doubles, tennis provides a good workout; increasing strength in the arms and the legs, as well as improving eye-hand coordination.

    Walking
    Walking is one of the most simple and accessible activities. Most people do some walking every day. Going for a fast, long walk, sometimes called power walking, will increase heart rate and burn fat, while also improving endurance. Walking uphill will increase muscle tone in the legs, back, stomach, and buttocks. Pumping the arms while walking will tone the arms and shoulders.

    Yoga
    Yoga includes exercises that incorporate regulated breathing, concentration, and flexibility. Yoga is a way of life that connects the mind, body, and spirit. Through different poses, or postures, yoga improves flexibility, strength, circulation, and relieves stress while helping a person achieve peace of mind. Yoga will also improve the body's alignment, which means all the body's parts are in the optimal position for good health.




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