August Senior Potluck

Monthly senior potluck at noon on Tuesday, August 25. All seniors are invited to bring a side dish and their own table service and join in the fun. Fried chicken and drinks are provided. Musical entertainment will be provided by Gary Seeling.   

Saturday Morning Group Exercise Rotation Schedule

Join a different group exercise instructor each Saturday morning from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. in the Aerobics Studio on the second floor to participate in a rotation of classes. "This gives the instructors a chance to showcase their classes and gives the participants the opportunity to try something different each Saturday," said Liz Thorp, Fitness Manager.

Aug 8	RIP	Raquel Herron
Aug 15	Body Shaping	Laura Kelly
Aug 22	Zumba	Sarah Rupiper
Aug 29	Strength Training	Michelle Manjack
Sep 5	Zumba	James Haywood
Sep 12	Yoga	Amanda Beadles
Sep 19	Strength Training	Michelle Manjack
Sep 26	Strength Training	Michelle Manjack

Additional Saturday classes include Spinning from 7:15 to 8:15 a.m.; Aqua Aerobics from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.; Cardio Mixer from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m.; Spinning from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m.; and Pilates from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m.

Quilting Class

Fall quilting class meets Tuesday, September 1, 8, and 15 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. 

This quilting class is designed to help beginners learn; help quilters improve technique, and allow advanced quilters to share the best practices they have learned. Bring a sewing machine and supplies. The supply list will be provided at registration.

The cost for the class is $27 for Pearce Foundation members; $30 for Pearce members; and $40 for non-members.

Back to School Bash

Back to School Bash, Friday, August 28, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for students in grades fourth, fifth, and sixth.

Pearce’s own DJ will be playing the hottest tunes to celebrate. Dodge ball, concessions, and other games will also be available. Admission is $7 at the door.  

Exercise Myths Part 2

By Megan Rupiper, MS, Certified Personal Trainer

Megan Rupiper

Myth #4 - Doing crunches will give me a flat stomach.

The idea of doing hundreds of crunches to flatten or define your stomach is called "spot reducing" and pertains to any area of the body you wish to tone up.

Unfortunately, when it comes to losing weight we don't get to pick and choose where the weight comes off first, for example, the stomach area.  If there is a layer of fat over your abdominal muscles, you will not see any definition until that layer of fat is gone. 

The best way to accomplish a flatter stomach or any other specific body part is with a full-body workout regime that consists of cardiovascular exercise and weight training. The cardiovascular exercise will help you burn lots of calories and the weight training will help tone your muscles. Completing a full body workout will help you see toned muscles everywhere, not just one particular location.  Again, just because we focus on one particular area, does not necessarily mean we will see the results in that area. 

If you find yourself not seeing results from your exercise routine then your focus should become nutrition along with the exercise regime. It is very difficult to lose excess belly fat if you are taking in too many calories and/or making poor food choices. Even if you are taking in fewer calories than you are burning throughout the day, it will be challenging to see definition in your muscles if those calories come from donuts, soda, and chips. Clean eating that consists of less processed sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats will help in the process of losing pesky body fat. 

Myth #5 - Lactic acid causes sore muscles.

Many people have thought over the years that the sore muscles resulting from a workout were caused by the build-up of lactic acid in the muscles.The belief was that the energy used to produce muscle contractions during an anaerobic workout, such as weight training, produces lactic acid in the muscles and that is why your muscles were sore.  The truth is the lactic acid produced during a workout actually dissipates shortly after the workout has been completed. 

So where does the soreness come from? Many people experience sore muscles 24-48 hours after their workout. Muscle soreness is called "DOMS", delayed onset muscle soreness. DOMS is a result of microscopic tears in the muscles. Soreness is common in someone who is newer to exercise. 

To help avoid the soreness, be sure to start out your exercise regime slowly. Doing too much too soon will most likely result in sore muscles. However, do not be afraid or concerned about sore muscles resulting from a workout. The microscopic tears in the muscles are actually how the muscles get bigger and stronger. When your body is repairing the tears in the muscle it is building new, healthy, stronger muscle tissue. 

Myth #6 - Working out when you are older is dangerous.

Many people use age as their excuse not to exercise. Age is a terrible reason for someone to avoid exercise. It is never too late to begin an exercise regime.  

Research has indicated that individuals who exercised or started an exercise regime later in their life lived longer than their counterparts who did not exercise.  They also lived out their last years healthier than those who avoided exercise.  

When it comes to exercising as you age, it is important to find an activity that fits your ability level and physical limitations. People with health ailments benefit the most from a regular exercise routine. Many cardiovascular, metabolic and orthopedic issues receive great benefits from a regular exercise routine. Exercise can help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, help regulate blood sugar levels, help increase strength, increase mobility, reduce pain and help maintain a healthy body weight. 

All of these are great reasons people should continue to exercise as they age. Should you be interested in starting an exercise regime as an older adult, consult your physician first. Once cleared to exercise by your doctor, seek help from one of the personal trainers at Pearce Community Center to design a safe and effective workout tailored to your individual needs.

Pool Closed

The pool will be closed for annual cleaning and maintenance beginning August 21. The pool will be emptied and painted; the patio will be power washed; emergency lights will be replaced; new signage will be installed; whirlpool will be repaired and deep cleaned; and the locker rooms and sauna will receive a deep cleaning. We should reopen in 10 days, but we will keep you posted.

Help Wanted

Swim instructors 15 and older are needed at Pearce. Training will be provided. Lifeguard certification is preferred but not required. Apply at the front desk or download the application from our website, complete it, and mail it in and drop it off.