Library Columns Samantha Gambill

Moving and Shaking It at the Library by Samantha Gambill

Samantha Gambill
Samantha Gambill

Your library is committed to serving you in every capacity possible. In addition to the obvious, we provide a comfortable and safe space for people to read, study, and relax. We have a meeting room for non-profit organizations. We offer computers, free Wi-Fi, and online services to the public. Libraries put on programs for children and young adults. Some show films. Your Sebring branch is even hopping on the adult coloring bandwagon–details soon to be available on our website.

We loan out all kinds of movies and TV shows here at the library. We have nonfiction offerings too, everything from wildlife shows to politics to exercise DVDs. It’s the latter I’d like to encourage you to check out today.

As you know, there are many important benefits to adopting a regular exercise routine. In addition to shedding those unwanted pounds and bettering your mood and health, exercising regularly can improve both your quality and quantity of sleep, according to a study published in the journal “Mental Health and Physical Activity.”

Participants saw a sixty-five percent improvement in sleep quality from just 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity a week. They also reported feeling less sleepy during the day and apparently suffered from fewer nighttime leg cramps too.

bollywood burnThe problem (at least for me) is that exercise can seem so…unappealing. I would rather read than run a marathon. sizzling salsaGood thing there are other, more exciting options. For example, “Sizzling Salsa,” a DVD workout that lets you “dance off the inches,” apparently using ten easy-to-learn moves. We also have “Bollywood Burn,” another great style of dance to help you destress in a fun way.

For those interested in more traditional methods, your library has all kinds of yoga DVDs, including “Yoga for Inflexible People” and “Yoga for Beginners.” I’ve heard good things about the latter. For those just starting out, we also offer “Plus-Size Pilates,” a gentler version of the full-body-control workout.

yogaYou can access free exercise classes and much more through “Universal Class,” including Weight Training 101, Yoga 101, and even such things as Canoeing 101 and Freshwater Fishing 101. Free magazines are available through “Zinio,” including “Bicycling,” “Boating,” “Horse & Rider,” “Runner’s,” and “Shape.” Simply visit our website at myhlc.org and look to the right hand side of the page for links to any of our free electronic services. You’ll need your library barcode number and password to access them.

If your doctor says it’s okay, I hope you’ll join me in sampling some of the free fitness wares at your local library. Remember, if you don’t like it, you can always exchange it for something different. The best part is you can save your money for more important things, like food.