Health: More couch potatoes than ever in the USA

Posted on April 3, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Backcountry golf, anyone?

Survey says 68 million people are ‘completely inactive’

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — You’d never know it living in in the Colorado high country, but there are more American couch potatoes than ever. According to the latest figures released by the Physical Activity Council, about 19 percent of all Americans don’t participate in any physical activities at all.

The coalition of leisure, spots and fitness trade groups last week released results from its latest national survey showing the number of “inactive” persons in the U.S. grew by 1 million, to 68.2 million in 2011. Inactivity levels are greatest in the South and lowest in the North and West, with a nationwide average of 18.8 percent.

One bright spot is that the number of inactive children (ages six to 12) fell slightly, suggesting that efforts engage youth in sports, recreation and other related physical activities are starting to have a slight impact on America’s youngest generation. (more…)

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Summit County: Pilates explained

Posted on July 23, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

Marjorie Biggs challenges Summit to unite mind and body

Marjorie Biggs shows proper Pilates form at Body Essentials in Dillon.

By Jennifer Brancaccio

SUMMIT COUNTY — Walking into the Body Essentials Pilates studio in Dillon,  I was reminded of drawings of a medieval torture chamber. Rack-like apparatuses with straps were lined up in one area, while thick wooden chairs and medicine balls were stacked along another wall. It seemed pretty intimidating as I entered for a short class and interview with the instructor, Marjorie Biggs. What I didn’t know was that my first impressions would be far from accurate.

Joseph Pilates invented the practice in the early 1900s. His various exercises were originally called Contrology because he believed that his method allowed the mind to control the muscles. Through uniting body, mind and spirit, the benefits of Pilates included increased core strength, flexibility, balance, coordination and body awareness.

In 2005, 11 million people were practicing Pilates and there were more than 14 thousand instructors. Pilates focuses on breathing, engaging the core muscles of the abdomen, back, hips and buttocks. Concentrating on flowing movements during Pilates builds uniform development and strengthens instabilities. (more…)

Filed under: Colorado, Dillon, Summit County Colorado | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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