Among the local businesses that can help you meet your new year's resolution to improve your health is Bea Fit Health and Fitness Center, on Northumberland Highway in Reedville. Owner Bea Murphy has been providing a place for Northern Neck residents to work out for the last five years.
“Besides the cosmetic aspects - firming up and looking good - I think a lot of people come here for health reasons. Working out is a great way to lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, and create an overall feeling of well-being,” Bea said.
People who join health clubs often do so as a way of embracing a new, healthier lifestyle. In today's increasingly sedentary world, it's sometimes hard to get enough exercise as part of your normally daily routine. Health club members says it's important to make a commitment to healthy exercise and make it part of your weekly routine.
“The first step is to make the commitment and the second step is to stick to it,” Bea said.
Bea Fit is located in a large, modern building next to Jett's Marine. It boasts state of the art equipment that can address key areas of the body. The treadmills, steppers and bikes, both recumbent and upright, promote cardiovascular health. Nautilius machines help you firm specific muscle groups, and can be easily adjusted to fit your body. There's a free-weight room for those serious about lifting. And if all of this is new to you, there's plenty of help available.
“When you first join, we provide a personal training orientation that includes how to use the equipment. For people who need additional instruction or motivation, a personal trainer is available for an additional charge,” Bea said.
In addition to the exercise equipment, Bea Fit offers a wide variety of classes, so that you can exercise with friends.
“We have aerobics classes, stretching classes and classes aimed at overall body conditioning. Stretching is a very important part of exercise, especially for older people,” Bea said.
“These classes and exercises can help older people improve their balance and strength and keeping their joints working properly, providing a full range of motion,” she added.
It's also clear there is a social aspect to a membership at Bea Fit. Class participants usually gather in the lounge following a workout to enjoy a cup of coffee and to chat. For those who'd like to add a little tan to get them through the rest of the winner, a tanning room is available, including “airbrush tanning.”
For more information about Bea Fit, or to arrange a tour of the facility, call 453-7411.
