Let's reframe the word exercise

Published: Wednesday, January 2, 2019

By KIM HORTON
Times-News Columnist

January is well known for folks making heartfelt resolutions to improve finances, spend more time with kids or spend less time on social media to name a few examples. I suggest dropping the resolution list this year and instead consider reframing the way we think about improving our health.

Typically, the word “exercise” does not conjure up pleasant thoughts. I know it’s important for my health, but it’s usually difficult for me to find the motivation to move. If I do make it out the door for a long walk, I default to the same comfortable 2.4-mile route close to my house. There’s nothing wrong with that. After all, I’m outside and moving and doing good things for myself.

But if I reframe exercise to the word “fun,” I might be more likely to move my body and be open to trying something different. How about a new park trail to walk or a hike up a “first for me” mountain preferably with a view as the reward? But how would I go about finding places for new adventures and experiences that are easily accessible within our county?

The answer is GoHendo.org, a website dedicated to being a one-stop shop for locals interested in learning about places and events in Henderson County where they can be active. Whether you are looking for something to do inside or outside or are searching for one-time low-cost to free fun events, GoHendo.org is your source.

Please take a moment to visit the website where you’ll find links to parks and trails, playgrounds, places for walking and biking, water activities, historical sites, dog parks, and tennis courts. If the weather is not cooperating, the site lists plenty of places for rainy day activities such as museums or activity centers. And if that’s not enough, the Food link takes you to apple orchards and information about farmers’ markets as well as an index of simple healthy recipes to try.

The focus is on local for GoHendo.org. This is a website by our community for our community. Organizations and individuals are always welcome to submit events that meet the website’s guidelines as well as healthy recipes to share.

One event you’ll find on GoHendo.org is the 10th Annual Be Active Day. This year, the free gathering will be held on Saturday, January 26, at the Blue Ridge Mall in Hendersonville, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Department of Public Health sponsors Be Active Day each year as a way to bring together information, activities and demonstrations to inspire children to move more each day. In other words—new ways to have fun while being active.

“We believe that finding a new physical activity that’s fun and enjoyable is the first step in getting and keeping you moving,” said Beverly Clark, health promotion coordinator. “It’s also a great opportunity to be active inside during our typical cold January weather.”

Mark your calendar now to take advantage of this one-stop source for information about ways for kids to be active in our community. Enjoy the demonstrations of various groups. Ask the vendors questions. Sign up for a new activity. And be sure to visit the GoHendo.org table to view your new resource for fun activities.

Center court demonstrations begin at 11 a.m. and will continue throughout the day. These include: interactive Tai Chi and self defense by the Traditional Martial Arts Center; Nerf tennis by Western NC and Henderson County Tennis Association; kids’ activity by the Hendersonville YMCA; children’s warm up exercise by Baby Boot Camp; acting out a story by Smart Start Partnership for Children, bicycle helmet fitting by Active Routes to School.

Other participants include: The Free Clinics “Health is Contagious” program, Girls on the Run, Carol’s Broadway Dance, WIC, Henderson County Parks & Recreation, Blue Ridge Health, Blue Ridge Humane Society, Launch Trampolines, Oklawaha Greenways, and others.

For more information about Be Active Day, call 828-694-6065 or visit hendersoncountync.gov/health or GoHendo.org.

Kim Horton is the communications manager for the Henderson County Department of Public Health. She can be reached at khorton@hendersoncountync.gov.

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