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Clinton News-Record, 1984-05-16, Page 22ord Second section Clinton Fitneseek offers varlet sW By Rod Hilts CLINTON - Some walked, some jogged while others bicycled. They exercised in a variety of ways. This year marked the first time Clintonians were involved in an organized Fitness Week. The event was held in conjunction with National Physical Activity Week from May 13 to 21. In connection with Fitness Week across Canada, Clinton Recreation Director Kevin Duguay put together a three-day fitness program that involved both young and old. The event began on Monday evening after being postponed on Sunday because of adverse weather conditions. "We're attempting to attract people and have them develop an interest in fitness. Fitness Week is trying to provide a variety of activities - something for everybody," Mr. Duguay said. Co-operation from local schools, principals, Katimavik members, Jane Muegge of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Cathy Thomson of the Huron County Health Unit, the Anglican Church and the Clinton Recreation Committee was a key factor in the organization of Clinton Fitness Week. Fitness fun for everyone The event was comprised of a variety of unique activities offered at individual, family, group and community levels. A fun run, Fitnik (a family fun day), Nutrition Day and Fitness Day all got Clintonians into the swing of things. On Monday evening a fun run was held at the Clinton arena. Participants walked, jogged, skipped, roller skated, bicycled and skateboarded over a one -mile route. Those involved received a certificate from Canada Track and Field Association and a participation button. Many of the activities incorporated into Clinton Fitness Week are encouraged en a daily -basis and are important steps in maintaining a healthy mind and body. Mr. Duguay said that those who participated in the fun run have made a healthy step in beginning a Fit -Five program. The first step Fit -Five is an easy to understand program that lets an individual chart their progress while taking part in activities of their choice. Activities are rated according to fitness value, and have been grouped according to the time required before a square can be marked on your score card. The individual earns one square for each time the activity is performed for the prescribed time period. Marie Bradley, Jacquie Draper and Ralph Bender who have already completed their level one Fit -Five programs. Sweat involved Mr. Duguay maintains that fitness is a matter of perseverance. "No one is born fit, it's something we all have to work at. For the person who takes being fit a little more seriously it means a lot of sweat," Mr. Duguay said. Fitnik Following the Fun Run on Monday evening, Fitnik was held at the arena. Mr. , Duguay sums up Fitnik as fun, families, people, parks, picnics and participation. It's activities that promote getting up, getting out, getting going and getting together. Clinton's Fitnik activities were scheduled for Sunday afternoon but were postoned until Monday night. because of snow and rain. Events such as a water -balloon toss and an egg toss were held. Nutrition a key Nutrition played a prominent part in Clinton's Fitness Meek. Nutition Day was held on Tuesday and was organized through a joint effort by Cathy Thomson, Public Health Nutritionist from the Huron County Health Unit and Jane Muegge, Rural Organization Specialist (Home Economist) from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF). "You cannot be fit unless you're well nourished," Mrs. Thomson said. Tuesday's session on nutrition was a three-part presentation which focuses on the diets of small children, seniors and the general public. 'The , first presentation was entitled, • Simply Sensational Snacks and was aimed at•mothers of pre -.school aged children. The basic nutrition guide was discussed and recipes and taste samples. were given out. Visitors sampled such snacks as rhubarb lemonade, yoke sickles and finger Jello. "We want to encourage good nutritional snacks and provide people with recipes and samples," Mrs. Thomson said. 'The second presentation called Common Sense Nutrition was geared toward senior citizens. A film called, Help Yourself To Better Health was viewed and visitors were 4 • "%:444;• . ' ';:r!'!" • 04 - The students at the Vnnastra Public School have made nutrition, a major part of their studies. Nutrition was emphasized during Clinton's First Annual Fitness Week. According to Cathy Thomson, Public Health Nutritionist for the Huron County Health Unit, "You can't be fit unless you're well nourished." ( Wendy Somerville photo) Kevin Duguay briefed on shopping tips and basic nutrition. Habits analysed The organizers then analysed the current eating habits of the visitors and compared them to the recommended diets. The presentation also talked about convenience foods and where they fit into a balanced diet. Current food fads such as use of vitamins • .were discussed. • "People should consume their nutrients from food. A simple. one -a -day vitamin isn't harmful but more and more studies Show the harmful effects of water soluable vitamins. Large doses can cause harm," Mrs. Thomson warned. Presentation three centered on • great entertaining and was for thrbenefit of the general public.' Again, the focus of the presentation was proper diet and the proper nutritional levels recommended for Canadians. Food fads and 'weight Control - what's safe and what's not - were discussed. Food demonstrations and recipes coticlude,c1 the session asbananas and lime, and a seven -layer salad were sampled. Car and human body similar Recreation Director Kevin Duguay compared nutrition to the human body to oil • and gasoline in a car. He explained, "It's like an automobile - you put in gas and oil to make it run. It's the same in a body. You have to eat right to function well." "If you're going to be active yeti can't live off pop and chips. Nutrition and fitness go hand in hand," Mr. Duguay said. • Serves a purpose Clinton . Fitness Week not only serves as recognition of National Physical Activity Week across Canada, but also introduces Clintonians to the various fitness programs, offered by the Clinton Recreation Committee. Obviously, the key purpose of the Fitness Week is to get people involved in physical fitness. It has an important link to bolstering Clinton's recreational activities which are just getting off the ground. "Anybody involved in physical activity is into fitness. If people request an activity and there is sufficient demand, make sure it's offered," Mr. Duguay said. The Clinton Recreation Committee has offered a number of recreational opportunities in town for people of all ages. Programs ranging from aerobics to ball hoekey have people from six to 60 into the fitness feeling. Under the direction of Mr. Duguay, public response to these programs has been good "Its encouraging (response). An example of this is the number of local citizens we've had involved with Fit Five. Three people have submitted their level ones to me and over 150 forms have been taken. It is an indication that fitness is growing," Mr. Duguay said. Aerobics popular Ladies Aerobics and Dancefit classes are really taking off in popularity. Instructor Peggy Jones has 20 ladies signed up for the course and more people have expressed interest in a Dancefit program. Mr. Duguay said he plans to offer a Trim -a -size course in the future. "It's easy, it requires no equipment and it's a great social activity. People who sign up can be in poor shape or in good shape to participate. You might as well have fun if you're going to stay in shape," Mr. Duguay said. Mr. Duguay is convinced that fitness classes are beyond the trend stage. "It's been around too long to be a trend and it's taking on a new appearance. It's popular .(aerobics) because of what it encompasses. It's also net as frustrating as skipping," he said. Clintonians can find out what aerobics is all about at a free family aerobic session tonight, Wednesday, May 16. From 6 to 6:15 p.m. and from 6:30 to 6:45 p.m. aerobic dance instructor Peggy Jones will be leading two sessions at .the Clinton arena. The free event is being sponsored through the Clinton Kinsmen Club's Fit -In Day. •Peggy promises fun and' fitness for the whole family. All participants will receive a free Fit -In package. Fitness, nutrition and health information will also be made available. • School children have been encouraged to take part in • this Fitness Day by participating in a fitness break during the school.day. • Klompen Fit? Mr. Duguay discussed the possibility of incorporating Clinton Fitness Week into the town's Klompen Feest program next year - the event would be called Klompen Fit. "It would provide something different for the community. The • variety would be staggering. It. would be some kindling for the fire. Klompen Feest is the fire, I'd simply be adding the wieners and buns," Mr. Duguay said. The event would run the first three days of the week and the latter part of the week would be devoted to Klompen Feest activities. Mr. Duguay explained that the introduction of Fitness Week with Klompen Feest would not change the focus of the festival but would add to it. Get into the swing of things Springtime! Time to get back into shape with some ten- nis — turn pauncho into Pancho! Now where's that racquet? Uh-oh! Under the air conditioner in the closet! Strings all spaghetti! . Down to the sporting goods store. "Need the old racquet restrung, do you? Well, do you want monofilament nylon, multifilament nylon, oil impregnated multifilament nylon, gut or synthetic gut? "What's the difference? Ha! . "Well, your monofilament nylon is the cheapest, and brother, that's the way it plays! Buy one of those ditzy racquets from the Far East, and dollars to donuts it's strung with mono. EXERCISE BURNAWAY FAT FROM ALL PARTS OF THE BOW- NOTJUST ONE SPECIFIC PART OF THE BOW No MMACLE CU 5 EX 1ST PR BE I NG+ OVERWE IGHT -ONLY A WELL- BALANCED DIET WITH INCREASED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, • IF THE THICKNESS , OF THE rots:, AT YOUR WAISTLINE- Exc ED5 ONE INCH) YOURE OVERWEIGHT "I'll string it that way if you want — cost about $12, tops. 'But take a look at this multifilament nylon. You know, your racquet takes about 33 feet of string — all of which can shrink or stretch in the heat or humidity. "So think about this multifilament — it's perfect for a beginner or an intermediate. Cost you about $15. Have it for you tomor- row. "Course, you might want an oil string — with the oil either impregnated — pardon the expression — or actually inside a hollowed string. Might give you better 'feel' for the ball. But then, some players allow as how the oil strings don't wear as well as the multifilaments. "How much? About $16. We also got a steel enforced nylon string for about $18.50. Durable. but doens't move too much when the ball hits your sweet spot. Pardon the ex- pression. "OK. OK. Let's talk gut. Best players swear by it. 'Course, some allow as how they get a bit squeamish thinking about swing a racquet full of sheep or steer intestine — kind of throws them off on the volleys. • "1 used to be an antivivisectionist — then I said, heck, let 'em build highrises wherever they want. That's a joke, son. "How much for gut? Australian or Fren- ch? A good Aussie will set you back about $40. The French closer to $50. Must be '1 can Sell you a synthetic gut, though, for about $25. They bend nylon filaments in such a way as to make 'em look like gut. You might never know the difference. "You want the synthetic gut? Good. Now, how about tension? Yon know, a racquet's got 64 holes, and you can pull that string through 'em — 18 across, 21 vertical — at 55 pounds per square inch, or; if you're playing on cement and you're going for speed not control so much, you might want to increase the tension. Some of the pros go to 75 p.s.i. — what's that? Too confusing? You've decided to swim this summer instead? •••„,:ot, *50' 410„, • "OK, well, we've got your bikini trunks or your boxer style. 1 can give you a cot- ton/latex in the bikini or the boxer with or without a side trim in velour..." • 4:42:& A Fun Run was .held in conjunction with Clinton Fitness Week as participants walked, • jogged, skipped, roller skated, skateboarded and bicycled through a one -mile course. Recreation Director Kevin Duguay said that the Fun Run was an excellent way to begin a Fit -Five program. (Rod Hilts photo) Physical Activity Week more than just a challenge Although Clinton im't in theposition yet to challenge other cbtriniindies 'during National Physical Activity Week, Mr. Duguay said that depending on this year's Fitness Week response, challenges may be issued next year. - - - • "We have not registered with the Great Canadian Participation Challenge. We have to develop an interest first," Mr. Duguay said. Depending on the success of this year's Clinton Fitness Week, Mr. Duguay may challenge either a local community, one from the north or possibly Clinton, Michigan in 1985. In other parts of Canada, the challenge is on! Four cities have individually challenged all other Canadian communities of similar size to turn out more citizens on May 16 to jog, walk, play ball or be otherwise physically active for 15 minutes or more. This year, Ottawa has thrown down the gauntlet to all other Canadian cities in the over 70,000 population range. Red Deer, Alberta has challenged other eitieS. with 30;000 to 69,999 inhabitants, while Owen SOund is taking on all comers in the 10,000 to 29,999 range and Weyburn, Saskatchewan those towns of under 10,000 souls. • The Challenge will work on the honor system: citizens in each participating city will tell their Challenge Committee that they were, in fact, out and active. • The city or town in each category turning out the highest percentage of its population will take the title of "the , Fittest City (or Town ) in Canada." Last year, an estimated 650,000 people in 52 communities took part. Winners were Flin Flon, Labrador City, Fredericton and Saskatoon. This year, over 150 centres have already signed on for the "battle" and over 11000,000 first -timers are expected to get into the fun. In, the future it is hoped Clinton will be a force to be reckoned with in the Great Canadian Participaction Challenge. , Marie Bradley of Clinton, pictured participating in Clinton's Bike Ride for Cancer on April 26, has completed her Fit -Five Level One Program. Pictured on the left Is Bike Ride For Cancer volunteer Don Eastman. Marie wasn't the only one into the fitness feeling as Jacquie Draper and latilph Bender also completed their Level One Program. The program is being offered by the Clinton Recreation Committee. (Rod Hilts photo)