By Joyce Hodgson

We are our own worst critics. I know I judge myself harshly; picking on my faults and failures. Thinking I am never good enough, thin enough, smart enough, tough enough. Some days I really believe those words.

Im in training to hike the Appalachian Trail and no matter how much I train for it, I feel like it wont really happen. Something will stop me.

One obstacle that could prevent me from hiking the trail is my physical condition. Ive read stories about how some hikers never hiked a day in their life before completing the trail. Ive also read about middle-aged women hiking the trail and breaking a leg! So, to err on the side of caution, I decided to jump out of my comfort zone and join some exercise classes.

I dont exercise. Ill happily hike and walk outside all day. Joining an exercise class with a teacher in the front and strangers all around me while my fat bounces up and down is not what I would sign up for, but I did.

Our town has a community education program that offers a 20/20/20 class 20 minutes of aerobics, 20 minutes of weight training and 20 minutes of stretching and a yoga class.

Well, I missed the first 20/20/20 class because I had to go to the dentist. I was glad to go to the dentist because then I didnt have to exercise!

However, there was no dentist appointment or other good excuse for me to miss yoga class the next night.

So imagine my delighted surprise when I arrived and tried to open the doors at the school and found they were locked. I tried a side door. Also locked. Secretly, I was rejoicing that I could go home. But as I was walking back to my car, I heard a woman tell me that the door was now open. I guess I was going to yoga.

My self-criticism kicked into high gear. My clothes werent yoga clothes, my mat was too thin and I was too fat to bend the way I thought I should.

Then the instructor told us to breathe, so I did. I no longer thought about my T-shirt exposing my fat stomach. I doubled up my mat when my knees hurt and I just bent over as far as my body would let me.

Yoga is so peaceful. After class, I knew that practicing yoga would increase my flexibility, stamina and balance, all things I will need when hiking the Appalachian Trail.

The second week approached and yes, I admit it here, I actually called the woman running the program asking how I could get out of the 20/20/20 class.

She offered different locations and days, but advised me to go since my insurance covered the cost. So I went.

As the instructor began explaining the aerobic steps, I was swearing in my head. I was telling myself that I hate aerobics, I hate dancing, I hate the music shes playing and I hate the lighting in the gym. I was tired, hungry and getting a headache.

Then, to my surprise, I did it. I was doing aerobics, and dancing to the music I hated under bright lights with energy I didnt know I had while suffering from hunger and a headache.

Was I comfortable at the classes? Heck, no. My comfort zone was two time zones away!

As the class progressed, I laughed at myself when I was facing front instead of facing back and raising my left leg instead of my right leg. I made up my own steps instead of doing a step ball change. I was learning.

But learning to not be so hard on myself is tough. I doubt Ill ever succeed at that.

Joyce Hodgson lives in Alden with her husband and two golden retrievers. She intends to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail in 2020.

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My View: It's good to jump out of your comfort zone - Buffalo News

NEW YORK -- The trendy Meatpacking district on Manhattan's west side was buzzing last Saturday afternoon at dusk, the cramped streets jammed with locals and tourists flocking to the many bars and restaurants.

New York Jets cornerback Buster Skrine was in the middle of the mayhem, surrounded by 40 or so people in a crowded, pulsating room with flashing lights and loud music.

Early clubbing? Hardly.

Skrine was leading a high-intensity aerobics class at Kore New York on West 13th Street.

Welcome to his offseason.

Instead of working out on his own in preparation for April 17, the start of the Jets' offseason program, Skrine is staying in shape among mostly strangers and helping them do the same.

He decided to teach aerobics, in large part, to satisfy his charitable spirit. The proceeds go to a handful of charities, including his own foundation, Path Mentorship, which helps single mothers and children in need.

"We're giving back to people health-wise and they're giving to us in a way of serving the community," Skrine, covered in sweat, said after a 60-minute class. "It's a win-win. You can benefit and help other people."

Skrine said the idea was hatched last year while home in Atlanta. One day he visited the Atlanta Children's Shelter, where he got a chance to sit down with the kids. He did a lot of listening.

"Hearing the kids' stories and meeting the moms that were abused, I felt bad because I wasn't really doing anything," he said. "I said to myself, 'I have to do something.'"

Always into conditioning, Skrine figured aerobics would be a fun way to raise money. Essentially, he's sweating so those less fortunate don't have to. He taught himself how to be an instructor by watching videos on YouTube, practicing his routines in his home studio. With only 2.7 percent body fat on his 5-foot-9, 185-pound frame, Skrine can be a poster boy for excellent fitness.

His first class at Kore drew only six people, five of whom were acquaintances. Now he's packing the place, even luring teammates to class. Fellow cornerbacks Marcus Williams and Darryl Roberts have participated. Defensive end Sheldon Richardson also stopped by.

"He just watched," Skrine said with a laugh.

Skrine teaches three classes a week and he has a big event on Saturday, Pros versus Joes at Life Athletic at Sky in Manhattan. Several teammates will be on hand, and proceeds go to Path Mentorship and Eternally Cherished, a non-profit organization that helps women.

"I'm probably in the best shape of my life," he said.

Sound body, big heart.

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Jets' Buster Skrine leads aerobics class to raise money and heart rates - ESPN (blog)

New York Times

A Dance Troupe Adds Fresh Faces. The Youngest Is 66. New York Times Yackez is a family project if you think of the originators, husband and wife and they're my dance family, she said over coffee with Mr. Velez-Jackson recently, referring to her aerobics students at the West Side Y.M.C.A., the 92nd Street Y and ...

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A Dance Troupe Adds Fresh Faces. The Youngest Is 66. - New York Times

Following their favoriteactors and pop icons, the people here in Chandigarh are also sweating out in gyms and aerobics classes to look fab and fit like them. But how may of you know the fitness centre you are going daily to is the best place for you and the workout you are following is correct and a per your body type.

Well, after a thorough research we have got an answer to your dilemma. Read on the below listed 7 best aerobics classes in Chandigarh that are the masters of the trade and will do equalhard work with you to bring your body and mind in perfect shape.

Fitnovatives tops the chart in our list of aerobics class at Chandigarh as it has some unique cardio exercising techniques that are certified and taught by experienced trainers. The ambience at Fitnovatives is very peppy and the aerobics classes are well choreographed to make you sweat out extra calories. This aerobics centre in Chandigarh is equipped with good exercising instruments and good music system for contemporary aerobics workout.

Fees: Rs 1600 per month (approx).

Address: SCO 3013, Level 1, Sector 22 D, Chandigarh.

Timings: 6 am 10 am, 5 pm 9:45 pm

Located in the posh sectors of the city beautiful, Danceworkz is known for more lively and amazing Zumbastyled aerobics classes in Chandigarh. Run by Indias Got Talent season 7 and Jhalak dikhlajaseason 9 fame Sumit Kumar, it is a great fitness studio for all age groups. He and his partner in the show, Borhan Reza are the perfect trainers of aerobics in Chandigarh who will make your sweltry cardiosessions, fun. The studio is spacious and swanky with ample moving area. The friendly atmosphere and young smiling faces fill you with positivity as and when you step in the studio. The aerobics classes are well choreographed and the trainers are very dedicated at their work.

Fees: Rs 1500 per month (approx)

Address: SCO 37, Top Floor, sector 18D, Chandigarh.

Timings: 7 am to 9 pm.

Boasting to offer result oriented fitness regime, Bodyzone Fitness is yet another studio providing aerobics classes in Chandigarh. Perfect infrastructure and highly trained professionals are the USP of this fitness centre. Bodyzone Fitness performs physical assessments on their members regularly to achieve 100% results. With great cardio exercisingroutine, you will be committed to experience fun, fitness and confidence.

Fees: Rs 2000 per month (approx)

Address: SCO 180-187, Second Floor, Madhya Marg, Sector 9-C, Chandigarh.

Timings: 6 am to 10 pm.

If you are looking for an enthusiastic and positive aura for aerobics classes in Chandigarh, then Neha Aerobic Classes is the place to be. It is Chandigarhs finest fitness studio that delivers aerobics, yoga, weight loss programs and other cardio exercises. Students experience great workout sessions as aerobics, zumba, Bhangra, yoga and spa is available all under one roof. The trainer, Neha even treats its students on weekends.

Fees: Rs 1600 per month (approx)

Address: House Number 604 First Floor, Sector 33b, Chandigarh.

Timings: Mon-Fri 6 am to 9: 30 am, Sat- sun 5:30 am only.

Nestled in the busiest Piccadilly Mall in sector 34, Chandigarh, E fit is a fair option for strength, weight training and cardioworkouts. They also offer aerobics classes at their studio in Chandigarh. This is an apt destination for fitness freaks as they offer both holistic and high intensity workout options.

Fees: Rs 2000 per month approx.

Address: Piccadilly mall, ground floor, sector 34, Chandigarh.

Timings: 6:30 am to 10 pm

This is a dance academy that is thronged more by aerobics enthusiasts than the dance lovers. Their testimonials on their facebook page and on the digital directory for local searches speaks about their followers across Chandigarh. You give your 10% and the trainers at The Engine Roomknow how to extract 100% out of you. Every cardio session goes groovier than the previous one and their aerobics classes in Chandigarh are the ones to be tried.

Fees: Rs 2000 per month (approx)

Address: Sco 62-63, Sector 8 C, Madhya Marg, Chandigarh.

Timings: Mon 12 am to 8 pm/ Tues- Fri7 am to 8 pm/ Sat 4 pm to 8 am/ Sun 4 pm to 12 am

Planet Fitness in sector 8 is yet another destination for aerobics course in Chandigarh. Great energy and rigorous cardio workout sessions will bring you in shape within few months. Trust me if you are looking for an aerobics studio on Madhya Marg that is not there to only mint money but to provide results oriented and goal achieving fitness classes, then..this is the one!

Fees: Rs 2000 per month approx.

Address: SCO 62-63, Madhya Marg, Sector 8, Chandigarh.

Timings: 5:30 am to 10: 30 pm

Earlier, Leena Mogres Fitness also offered great aerobics classes in Chandigarh but unfortunately, it has closed down the operations in the city.

Enough research has been doneto provide you with the list of studios offering aerobics classes in Chandigarh. the fee mentioned above is just for an idea and the actual fee may vary from season to season or from person to person. We request our readers to get in touch with the fitness studio in Chandigarh and enquire about the details of aerobics classes.

All the best!

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Top 7 Aerobics Classes in Chandigarh with Fee & Details (Exclusive List) - Chandigarh Metro (blog)

A FITNESS instructor with 19 years of experience has made the leap from aerobics to attire with a new store in Nailsworth.

Mum-of-two Sam Cairns, from Dursley, will shop-share with The Dressing Room to house her sports-wear and sports-bra company Bosom Buddies.

All of her products are British made, of the highest quality and durable even after many washes.

She said: I spotted the sports-wear at an aerobics convention a couple of years after leaving my sales admin job at Lister Petter in 1996 to become an aerobics instructor whilst pregnant with my daughter Meredith.

The quality of the items were far superior to the high street brands my friends and I were all wearing at that time.

As a mum with a part time job this worked for me, I got the best of both worlds. My class members and friends loved the kit and I gained a lot of repeat orders just on the quality alone.

I reached a point where my kids were more independent, I had a product that was good and had been tried and tested for many years by me and my class participants so then came the decision in 2015 to launch the clothing under my own brand and spend more time pushing it.

The main focus of the company is to have a product designed to take all the strains of frequent exercise combined with comfort, quality, style and value for money.

She has two children, Meredith, 20 and 16-year-old Theo.

All the stages involved with making a Bosom Buddies products from dying to manufacturing are completed in Britain and designed by Sam, something she is very proud of.

Sam said: A lot of the time in this industry it seems to be all about the name and appearance rather than the quality and capability of the clothing.

There is definitely a place for Bosom Buddies in and around Nailsworth.

There is little choice for womens sports and leisurewear without traveling further afield or buying online.

I love our product and at the moment I just want it to do well in our local area.

All of her products allow for people of all shapes and sizes which can be made to measure together with a choice of waistbands, leg lengths and colour combinations.

Her shop opens at 14 Millyard in George Street, Nailsworth this Saturday at 11am, all are invited to enjoy prosecco, nibbles, and browse the products.

For more information visit http://www.bosombuddiessportsbras.co.uk or http://www.facebook.com/bosombuddiessportsbras

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Fitness instructor leaps from aerobics to attire with new store in Nailsworth - Stroud News and Journal

Dr. Lyon has spent 31 years in public education, the last four at the helm of Frisco Independent School District, which saw unprecedented growth and achievement during that time. Beginning his career as a high school science teacher, Dr. Lyon carried his passion for health and wellness as he rose through the ranks as one of the nation's top administrators. "Education is a calling, and when you have the opportunity to join a storied organization whose mission allows you to continue to answer that call, it's one you just have to take," said Dr. Jeremy Lyon. "I look forward to this next chapter as the first president of Cooper Youth at The Cooper Institute, and advancing the vision of Dr. Kenneth Cooper, the "father of aerobics", by working to build a healthier, stronger generation in not only Texas, but across the United States."

Founded in 1970 as a non-profit research organization, one of The Institute's primary objectives was to focus on youth health and improving the effectiveness of physical education programs in schools. Today, The Institute's principal youth program, FitnessGram, is implemented in over 20,000 schools affecting 10 million students annually. In practice for 35 years, FitnessGram serves as a foundation for many interventional programs like the Healthy Zone School Recognition Program and the NFL Play 60 FitnessGram Project.

"The future is incredibly bright for The Cooper Institute and I could not be more pleased to welcome Dr. Jeremy Lyon, Troy Aikman, and my son, Dr. Tyler Cooper," said founder Dr. Kenneth Cooper. "Dr. Lyon brings an incredible depth of knowledge to advance our youth education initiatives to new heights. Having both Troy and Tyler join the Board of Trustees will continue to provide unparalleled leadership, guidance and support of The Institute's mission to promote lifelong health and wellness through research and education."

About The Cooper InstituteThe Cooper Institute (CI), established in 1970, is a 501.c.3. non-profit dedicated to promoting life-long health and wellness through research and education. Founded by Dr. Kenneth Cooper, The Institute translates the latest scientific findings into proactive solutions that improve population health. Key areas of focus are research, youth education, and advocacy. The Cooper Institute is home to the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study, the world's largest and longest running observational study on measured fitness, and FitnessGram, the most widely used youth physical fitness assessment, education and reporting tool in the world. For more information on The Cooper Institute, visit http://www.CooperInstitute.org.

Press Contact: Claire Kinzy 972.716.7002 (direct) or 214.907.0618 (cell) ckinzy@cooperinst.org

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dallas-cowboys-legend-troy-aikman-cooper-aerobics-president-and-ceo-dr-tyler-cooper-and-retiring-frisco-independent-school-district-superintendent-dr-jeremy-lyon-to-join-the-cooper-institute-300426946.html

SOURCE The Cooper Institute

http://www.cooperinstitute.org

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Dallas Cowboys Legend, Troy Aikman, Cooper Aerobics President ... - PR Newswire (press release)

BTW

Internships are more competitive than ever, so one person vying to work for Jimmy Fallon put himself at the center of a Tonight Show classic to stand out from the crowd.

Along with his application for a Tonight Show internship, Jake Sirianni include a video of his own to make his case. He took one of Fallons most popular viral videosDaniel Radcliffes performance of Blackalicious Alphabet Aerobicsand edited himself into the video as he pitched why he would make a good intern. What makes it even more impressive is that he rewrote the entire song to cater specifically to Fallon and company. Heres one snippet of Sirianni moving from B to C:

Studio 6B, with Jimmy Fallon next to me Do you need an intern? Cause Im gettin a degree in this Communication. NBCs the station to view content creation from the Comcast corporation

Hes got the editing skills, and hes already got the beginning of a viral hit on his hands after a friend posted it to Reddit.

Sirianni,a student Washington State University whos also studied comedy at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre Training Center, is really putting himself out there. His YouTube summary links to his cover letter, which includes a full bio, his LinkedIn profile, and his email address.

Imitation is the highest form of flattery, so even if you dont find the rap funny, chances are the people who its supposed to impress might: Fallon and his staff.

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Student Rewrites 'Alphabet Aerobics' For 'Tonight Show' Intern ... - The Daily Dot

You know exercise is good for you, but if you're over 65, which is best? A study from Mayo Clinic found that high-intensity aerobic exercise can actually reverse aging on a cellular level.

High-intensity aerobic exercise or cardio includes running.

Mayo researchers compared high-intensity interval training (HIIT), resistance training and combined training in a 12-week study. They monitored molecular and metabolic changes in adults divided into age groups of between 18 and 30 and between 65 and 80.

All types of training improved lean body mass and insulin sensitivity, but only high-intensity and combined training improved aerobic capacity and mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle.

Mitochondria are tiny energy-producing structures inside cells. They change with age and activity, and tend to decrease, both in content and function, as we grow older. One result is we have less energy.

In the study, high-intensity interval training also improved muscle protein content that not only allowed cells to create more energy, but to also cause muscles to get bigger, especially in older adults.

The ability of the mitrochondria to generate energy was increased by 69 percent among the seniors and by 49 percent in the younger group.

"We encourage everyone to exercise regularly, but the take-home message for aging adults that supervised high-intensity training is probably best, because, both metabolically and at the molecular level, it confers the most benefits," says Dr. K. Sreekumaran Nair, a Mayo Clinic endocrinologist and senior researcher on the study.

Study results are published in Cell Metabolism.

2017 NewsmaxHealth. All rights reserved.

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High-Intensity Aerobics Can Reverse Aging Process - Newsmax

You know exercise is good for you, but if you're over 65, which is best? A study from Mayo Clinic found that high-intensity aerobic exercise can actually reverse aging on a cellular level.

High-intensity aerobic exercise or cardio includes running.

Mayo researchers compared high-intensity interval training (HIIT), resistance training and combined training in a 12-week study. They monitored molecular and metabolic changes in adults divided into age groups of between 18 and 30 and between 65 and 80.

All types of training improved lean body mass and insulin sensitivity, but only high-intensity training improved aerobic capacity and mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle.

Mitochondria are tiny energy-producing structures inside cells. They change with age and activity, and tend to decrease, both in content and function, as we grow older. One result is we have less energy.

In the study, high-intensity interval training also improved muscle protein content that not only allowed cells to create more energy, but to also cause muscles to get bigger, especially in older adults.

The ability of the mitrochondria to generate energy was increased by 69 percent among the seniors and by 49 percent in the younger group.

"We encourage everyone to exercise regularly, but the take-home message for aging adults that supervised high-intensity training is probably best, because, both metabolically and at the molecular level, it confers the most benefits," says Dr. K. Sreekumaran Nair, a Mayo Clinic endocrinologist and senior researcher on the study.

Study results are published in Cell Metabolism.

2017 NewsmaxHealth. All rights reserved.

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High-Intensity Aerobics Can Reverse Aging Process - Newsmax.com - Newsmax

Zumba was born in Colombia in the 1990s, quite by accident. A fitness instructor forgot to bring his usual workout music to class, so he grabbed some Latin albums from his car, ditched the constraints of a traditional workout and danced just like he would at a club. His class followed along, sweating to the salsa and rumba beats, and loving it.

Since then, Zumba has pitched itself as more of a party than a workout. Indeed, some research suggests it may be the very best workout for people who hate to exercise.

A Zumba class is like any other instructor-led workout, but with simple dance moves heavy on the hips and step counts. Those moves add up to a decent sweat, says John Porcari, a professor of exercise and sport science at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse. He and his colleagues analyzed a group of women who were Zumba regulars and found that a 40-minute class burns about 370 calories, a little more than nine calories per minute. Thats roughly the same amount youd work off if you ran at a slow-ish pace or biked at 15 miles per hour for the same amount of time.

People worked hard in the class, too. We found that they exercised at about 80% of maximum heart rate, and 60% V02 max, which is a measure of oxygen used during exercise, he says. We found its a pretty good workoutsimilar to moderately intense exercises like step aerobics or cardio kickboxing.

But the most impressive part of Zumba is how much it appeals to people who stay away from exercise. A study in the American Journal of Health Behavior showed that when women with type 2 diabetes and obesity did Zumba three times a week for 16 weeks, they lost an average of 2.5 pounds and lowered their percentage of body fat by 1%. More importantly, the women enjoyed the class so much that they made it a habitvery unusual for an aerobic exercise program. After the study had ended, most the participants continued going, says study coauthor Jamie Cooper, an associate professor at the University of Georgia. It seems like most of them had fun, made friends and didnt see Zumba as hard work."

The workout-in-disguise has unique physical and mental health benefits. Another study linked Zumbas hip-swinging, stomach-gyrating movements to increased core and trunk strength and better balance in older overweight women. After just eight weeks, the womens quality-of-life scores jumped 9% and their self-esteem increased 16%. A related study on Zumbas psychological benefits found that people who practice it feel more independent and said that their lives seemed more purposeful.

Its not hard to see why the activity would be invigorating and freeing. You have to let go and have fun during Zumba, Cooper says. Just as some people with anxiety take improv classes to relieve their social skittishness, dancing around other people may help Zumba-goers feel less shy or self-conscious about their bodies.

The workout may be especially helpful for older adults who can't run or do more intense workouts (or for those who don't want to). One 2015 study found that even scaled-back versions of Zumba can help older adults keep up their cardiovascular fitness. More broadly, plenty of evidence suggests that dancing can help seniors maintain balance and coordination, lowering their risk for falls.

Zumba is never going to compete with workouts like CrossFit or high-intensity interval training when it comes to physical fitness gains. But not everyone is the type to sign up for CrossFit, Cooper says. Theres still a place for Zumba, because people really enjoy it.

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Why Zumba Is Insanely Good Exercise - TIME