Member of the Month - 05/2010

The AggieFit Member of the Month for May is Sylvia Beuhler who has been a staff member at NMSU for over eight years and consistent AggieFit patron. While working within the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business, Sylvia explains her methods of time utilization regarding her exercise sessions as well the importance of longevity supported by an active lifestyle.

What are the various activities/services that you take advantage of at the Activity Center?

Right now I come to the AC three to five times a week to use the machines and weights in the cardio room and take part in the Pilates and the Noon Ride classes. I started using the AC five years ago and began with the circuit training program through the Wellness Center. Shon Meyer talked me into trying the Indoor Cycling class (I never thought I would like it, but I am HOOKED!). I took advantage of the Personal Training which really taught me HOW to maximize my workouts. I've also participated in various aerobic classes like Buns-n-Abs, 20-20-20, Aquatic Fitness, and my all-time favorite Power Pump. There is such a wide variety to choose from, I never get bored. The instructors are great, they really make the classes fun. Another plus is that I've made a whole new set of friends at the AC.

What other fitness/recreational activities do you perform outside the AC?

I walk with my husband and dogs just about every day.  We try to get in a two mile walk in the evenings.

What do you like the most about staying active and exercise? In other words, what motivates you to be so consistent and to conduct workouts at the AC?

Working out during my lunch hour makes me feel great!!! It is a great stress-reducer and mood-enhancer. I've increased my energy level along with increasing my strength and endurance. I have muscle instead of flab, I sleep well at night, and best of all, I have virtually stopped the bone loss I was experiencing... without prescription drugs.

I basically sit in front a computer all day, and if I don't get a workout in during the day I feel really sluggish. The AC is so convenient, I love being able to walk over to do my workout instead of driving all over town.

What motivational advice would you give anybody of the general public, regardless of age, in regards to the importance of incorporating physical activity within one's lifestyle?

Get out there and do it, the benefits are incredible. It doesn't matter when you start, but you've got to do it if you want to stay healthier as you   age. "Exercise is better than any drug or anything else we have for aging.  There's no downside.  If this were a drug, it would be the safest, most effective drug in the universe." Dr. James O. Hill, Director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of Colorado at Denver

What advice would you give, based on your own personal experience and workouts, to someone who is just starting an exercise program (a beginner)?

You've got to "start where you are," and be willing to modify exercises if you need to. It has been helpful for me to take a class so that I'm with a group, but there were and still are a lot of things that I can't do, so I do what I can. The important thing is to keep it up, it gets easier the longer you do it. The benefits will come, and then you're hooked.

Have you been active your entire life? If there was a specific time you began working out consistently, when was that?

I've been a walker my entire life and sometimes I took an aerobics class if it was convenient, but never really did what I would call a hard workout. I started working out consistently when I turned 50 and could see what my future would look like if I didn't push myself. I've been playing catch-up ever since!

Know someone who deserves to be recognized? If you would like to nominate an individual affiliated with the NMSU community for the AggieFit "member of the month", please contact: smeyer@nmsu.edu or 646-5178