The unusually warm weather lately has encouraged some to enjoy lunch or coffee outside, but a recent survey in Men's Fitness magazine showed Memphians should put down that fried chicken and do something active in the sunshine.
Memphis was ranked the fourth fattest city in America in 2005, up from number 20 in 2004, according to a survey by Men's Fitness magazine that examined the 50 chubbiest cities in the U.S.
With only 38 listings for health clubs and a metro population of over 1 million, lack of resources might play a role in the high poundage and large waists. In addition, the Men's Fitness survey found that Memphis had the fourth-lowest ratio of city parks to residents.
Even if Memphians venture out to play in one of the few parks or take a stroll on the treadmill, the junk food restaurants that line the streets pack those few burned calories back on.
Many students at The University of Memphis, however, do not contribute to Memphis's negative rating. They take advantage of the facilities offered by The U of M Student Recreation and Fitness Center.Cameron McCarthy exercises everyday. The freshman management major said he has been working out since he was 11.
"It's fun to me," he said.
McCarthy does not have a routine when he goes to the gym, he varies his workout according to what he feels needs work, but he advises newcomers, "Just don't quit. Almost any workout plan you can find will work if you just stick to it."
One reason people often quit an exercise program is that they shock their system by attempting drastic changes in diet and exercise, according to Eddie Ellsworth, assistant professor, human movement sciences and education.
He recommends increasing the effects of an aerobics workout, "increase duration, not intensity."
"With aerobics, your heart rate doesn't have to be as high if you are running for a longer distance," he said. He advised students to concentrate on the tripod of health -- cardiovascular, resistance training and flexibility.
Ellsworth compared diet and exercise to juggling. Start with one ball and when you are comfortable with that, add another. Come up with a plan to lose weight and then implement it slowly in small increments, he said.
Sticking to an exercise program is mostly a mental thing, according to David Skonhovd, a junior economics major who has participated in more than 40 runs and two marathons.
"Instead of worrying about 'I'm going to do a mile in a certain amount of time,' focus on how long you are on the treadmill," he said.Skonhovd said, in his experience, if you set a five-minute goal, most people will do the five minutes and then stop even if they could do more.
With such devout athletes running on the next treadmill or benching the equivalent of a third-grader, it is easy for students to be nervous about working out.
"It's kind of intimidating over there," said Ben Cornelius, freshman. Cornelius works out three times a week, despite the crowds.Freshman Kelcey Torres said she decided to take an aerobics class three times a week at the SRFC to avoid the awkward first time workout woes. Her class does everything from weight training to step aerobics.
"Now that I have taken the class, I know that I can get people to go with me to work out," Torres said.McCarthy, who spends much of his time at the SRFC, said no one should feel inadequate.
"There's always someone that's going to be better than you," he said. "You just have to get over it."
