Social media is full of people posting about how much weight they have gained over the past year due to inactivity and lots of snacking brought on by the COVID-19 stay-at-home blues.
Well, with spring here and the hope that the vaccinations provide, it might just be time to get back in the swing of things and put some pep in your step by getting back into shape.
And Rockdale has the places to do just that and even enjoy a relaxing massage or sauna to boot.
The newest gym on the Rockdale workout block is Di-Hard Fitness Studio on Josie Lane.
Owner and personal trainer Diana Perry says her two-story facility has something for everyone from the lightweight lifters to the heavy duty gym enthusiasts.
On the first floor are free weights and an array of plate-loaded and cable equipment.
There is also a sauna.
“It heats your core temperature rather than heating the room,” she said of the walk-in sauna.”It soothes the body by reducing stress and quiets the mind.”
The gym is also a welcoming place for the older crowd.
“We have such a wide variety for seniors here,” she said of classes in cardio exercises. “It is as therapeutic as it is for fitness. Also it is social.”
But, of course, the classes upstairs in yoga, Zumba and cardio-weight resistance are for anyone who wants to join in.
People don’t have to be members of the gym to attend a class as day passes are offered, she said.
Xtreme Hit & Fit in downtown Rockdale offers relaxing massages that can ease muscle soreness, reduce stress and offers other benefits.
Erin Hairston is a licensed massage therapist and offers massages Monday through Friday by appointment at 979-255-8830.
Xtreme Hit & Fit also has batting cages that can be rented by those wanting to work on the old batting stance or just have some fun hitting the ball.
In fact, Lucas Hairston gives batting lessons to boys and girls interested in improving their performance at the plate in baseball and softball games.
“We have Little League players and travel ball players that play for select teams,” he said.
There are also plans to open a free weight and universal gym weight room for strength and muscle building in the next year or so, he said.
Snap Fitness specializes in wellness and fitness, said manager Cheryl Wyble.
“Gyms are essential elements to the society for fitness and wellness. It is so important as you age to work out because as you age everybody loses some bone and muscle,” she said. “I wish everyone would go to the gym.”
Wyble emphasized that Snap is a good place for families.
“They can come into a safe environment where children (13 and older) can practice wellness,” she said.
The gym also counts many seniors in its ranks, she added.
Vermel Bland, 83, is one of them and she is an advocate of keeping fit.
“It makes you feel younger,” Bland said. “When I was 75 I had to have help getting up out of my chair. Now at 83 I can do it myself. That’s what gyms do for you.”
Bland works out following her own routine 30 minutes to one hour a day, six days a week.
She has lost 75 pounds and kept it off, she said.
“It is worth it,” she said before starting her workout.
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.