The Fitness Files: 2015

Having a good strong core is more than just being able to show off your six-pack. Core & balance strength training are important when it comes to just about every movement our bodies make, & together help prevent injury in sports as well as simple day to day activities. Derek Long spoke with Becca Battaglini, Director of Lifetime fitness at UNC Chapel Hill to get to the core of the matter.

The Reach the Peaks Challenge at Hanging Rock State Park in Stokes County is staking claim to the premier single-day hiking event in North Carolina. The challenge: 1 day. 5 peaks. 11 miles. It’s not a race, though some may wish to make it so, it’s a great way to challenge yourself, see the park, enjoy good company & help raise funds for organizers.

From the Pea Island Audubon Sanctuary to the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge or Maritime Forest & Marshes, the Coastal Kayak Touring Company covers the outer banks’ variety of waterways with tours led by enthusiastic, knowledgeable guides. Producer Derek Long accompanied this group on a trip into the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge.

Nutritional fact labels are on practically every packaged food item there is. After more than 20 years there are some changes coming to the labels designed to help consumers easily decipher and make better use of the information provided. Dr. Ameena Batada with the Health and Wellness Department at UNC Asheville goes over the new changes and how to read the labels.

Meet the Harvey family from Kinston, North Carolina. The Harveys participate in the state’s Eat Smart, Move More program. Eat Smart, Move More encourages individuals to think differently about the food they eat and how much the move. The program's goal is to reverse the trend of obesity & chronic disease among North Carolinians.

Greenways serve as a means to help protect and enhance an area’s natural resources, but in many cases they also have become integral components of a city’s network of trails and parks. Raleigh’s Capital Area greenway trail system includes 28 individual trails connecting people to over 100 miles of opportunities to get outside, exercise and engage in their community in a variety of ways.

The little town of Elkin, North Carolina straddles Surry and Wilkes Counties along the Yadkin River. This northwestern North Carolina town has the three major historic trails all maintained by the Elkin Valley Trails Association. The Association is a volunteer group active in building, and maintaining these and other trails in the region.

There are many styles and variations of yoga. Michelle Johnson calls her style Flow Yoga, which focuses on the breath and being in the moment. The practice of yoga, will help people connect their mind to their body, remain calm, keep focused, and hopefully leads to better decision making and a better state of mind and health

Director of Lifetime Fitness at UNC Chapel Hill, Becca Battaglini puts our producer Derek Long through a fitness assessment. This assessment consists of determining your baseline resting heart rate, measuring your body composition, a step test to test cardio and how quickly your heart recovers from exertion, a strength and then flexibility test.

Walking will work your cardiovascular system, burn calories, and help improve muscle strength. Running even more so. Many local running stores offer programs for folks just wanting to start a walking routine to people training for a 5k or marathon. Such programs offer support, camaraderie and motivation to keep you going.