Pearce Hosts Open House to Showcase New Indoor Cycling Bikes

Pearce Community Center invites the public to an open house to experience the new Matrix IC7 indoor cycles on Monday, May 1 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Fifteen new state-of-the-art indoor cycles were purchased by the Pearce Foundation to upgrade older bikes. Pearce staff rebranded its indoor cycling program and enhanced the cycling room with fresh paint and signage. All cycling instructors have completed training on the new bikes, including the new Coach by Color® training system that delivers real-time, color-coded biofeedback to the rider.

During the open house, Pearce Cycling instructors will measure participants Functional Threshold Power (FTP), a test to help measure a user‘s fitness and establish their training zones. Once an individual‘s FTP is determined, users know their intensity zones to accurately target their effort for the best customized results.

After the brief FTP test, participants can try the bikes during an instructor-led demonstration. Four time slots will be offered for the test and trial ride: 5:00 to 5:10, 5:15 to 5:25, 5:30 to 5:40, and finally 5:45 to 5:55 p.m. The regularly scheduled Pearce Cycling class will begin at 6:00 p.m.

Refreshments will be served and a drawing for Pearce Cycling punch cards will be held.

The Pearce Foundation was established to provide an endowment fund for planned gifts and donations to Pearce. Since established, Pearce membership fees have only covered day-to-day operations of the Center. The Pearce Foundation has provided needed funds for facility improvements and upgrades including the new indoor cycles. Foundation memberships support the Foundation and provide extensive program and product discounts and guest privileges. 

Senior Strong Cross Training Returns to Pearce

Pearce Community Center will launch Senior Strong, a cross training program for seniors. This one-hour class will feature cross-training techniques tailored to mature adults to help them gain greater strength, endurance, and flexibility to perform everyday tasks with ease. Squats will strengthen legs which will help improve ability to climb stairs and sitting to a couch or toilet; overhead press exercises will make it easier to reach overhead to get something out of a cabinet; and stretching and mobility exercises will improve range of motion to be able to reach down and pick something up off the floor.

Beginning May 2, Senior Strong will meet each Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.  The cost is $60 per month for Foundation members, $80 per month for members; and $100 per month for non-members.

Retirement Celebration for Ben Alvarez

Pearce Community Center Director Ben Alvarez will retire from Pearce April 30 after many years of service. The Pearce board of directors is hosting an open house for Alvarez on Saturday, April 22 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come wish Ben and his wife Terri well.

Refer a Friend!

Pearce members can earn one month free when they refer a friend to Pearce!

Monthly Senior Potluck

Pearce will host the monthly senior potluck at noon on Tuesday, April 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. This month, musical entertainment will be provided by Mary Sherwood on piano.

Closed Easter Sunday

Pearce will be closed Sunday, April 16 for Easter.

Sweat

By Raquel "Rocky" Herron, Fitness Manager

Sweat; that beautiful, glistening substance that lets us know we're working! I see a good deal of sweat in my profession and I couldn't be happier! Sweat shows me that people are working hard and bettering their bodies one bead at a time. 

Why exactly do we sweat and why do some sweat more than others? How do different environments affect our sweat?  Are there special clothes I should wear to help with sweating? These are some questions I've been asked before, and I thought I'd give a lesson in all things sweat. Sit back, get comfortable, and let's dive into the wonderful world of sweat!

 

Sweating is a physiological response to exercise. As our bodies heat up, moisture is excreted through our pores and then evaporates, thus cooling us. Why does it seem that some people sweat more than others? There are several factors that affect sweating. According to scienceabc.com, such factors include: intensity of work, as in, how hard you're exercising, as well as the environment you're working out in. Obviously a hotter environment will lend to more sweat. Gender also plays a role, as males tend to sweat more than females. Higher body fat percentages are said to increase the amount of sweat, as higher percentages act as an insulator, which increases core temperature. Ok, so now we know why we sweat and what increases the amount of sweat, so what can we do about it?

 

It's important to pick out the proper clothing when working out. Sweat-wicking material is a must! Technical shirts and dry-fit material reign superior in helping us feel cooler when working out. Generally speaking, 100% cotton is not our friend when working out, whether its socks or shirts. Cotton tends to weigh us down as it gets wet, plus, as Women's Health points out, "...cotton duds can cause chills and skin irritation or body breakouts." If you're serious about working out, invest in some great workout clothing and your body will thank you.

 

Last, but not least, I must mention the important issue of hydration. Knowing you'll be sweating, and especially if you're walking into a warmer workout environment, it is essential to hydrate before, during, and after exercise. Since excess fluid will be leaving your body, you must prepare beforehand by making sure you're properly hydrated. Coming into a workout dehydrated will not make for an enjoyable experience. 

 

Sometimes it's just plain uncomfortable to sweat, but it's essential in the cooling process! Sweating is a natural occurrence that shows us our bodies are working.  Some may sweat more than others, and as we've seen, there are reasons to explain that. To help with sweating, proper workout clothing and hydration are a must!  And as always, listen to your body.  If it's saying, "slow down," then do just that.  If you're newer to exercise, you'll need to go slower than someone who has been at it for a while. 

Thanks for spending some time with me.  Now go get your sweat on!