Summertime Shape-Up

With the summer months right around the corner, the topic of bathing suits and shorts are on everyone’s mind. In order to look your best in those summer clothes, working out regularly should be part of your daily routine.

If you don’t already have a routine established, here are some fitness ideas to keep you busy.

Located across the street from Al’s Café is Jezioro’s Fitness Center. Jezioro’s Gym is owned by Frank Jezioro, a resident of Peters Township.

The gym is equipped with everything from weight machines, treadmills and ellipticals to resistance bands, medicine balls and punching bags. Personal trainers are available as well. They can establish a meal plan and goals with you to achieve what you want with a healthier approach. Not only do they offer memberships and private training, they have classes such as Zumba on Wednesday nights in the upper part of the gym. The class is only $10 and starts at 6:30 p.m. The Zumba class is great for beginners, and higher levels, because every step is ran through before it gets faster. There are also other classes offered by trained professionals. If you are interested, the gym's phone number is 412-854-9822.

Zumba is a great way to get fit for the summer.

Zumba is a “latin-inspired dance-fitness program” that incorporates international music. It burns major calories while being fun at the same time. The great thing about Zumba is you can make it as modified or as difficult as you would like. You can add moves or you can keep it simple, and follow the instructor. It's for people of all ages.

As you drive around Peters Township, you will see the international Zumba sign, shown in the picture above, hanging in gym windows and at dance studios. That sign signifies that in that particular place, Zumba is offered.

Although it is a little bit of a drive, Alexander’s Gym in Canonsburg offers a Zumba class taught by Caitlin Degnan, a Spanish teacher at Peters Township High School.

The class is $10 on Monday nights at 7:30 p.m. It runs about an hour long.

If you are on a budget or don’t have the time to join a gym (or attend Zumba classes), you can create your own workout.

Running tones every muscle of your body, so dedicating 30 minutes to an hour of your day to it, you can cut down on fat and build muscle.

Also, P90X workout DVDs are great for at-home workouts. They are like being in a gym with a personal trainer. There are different types of videos, such as plyometrics, cardio, yoga and more. Each video differs in length, but leaves you feeling great after its over.  

Happy fitness!