A way of life for many Laredoans
Regular exercise routines have become part of the lives of many Laredoans, who work out to improve health, relieve stress, and improve self-esteem.

By Sandra Iruegas
For some, exercise has become as important as religion. For many it is just a daily or every-other-day routine incorporated into a busy schedule. Whether to sport huge muscles, to keep in shape, or to feel better about themselves, exercising has become way of life for many Laredoans.

Exercising, or as it is often called, "working out," was long known to be a man thing, but women have turned to rigorous gym exercises, too, to feel better about themselves physically and mentally.

Exercising conditions the heart and lungs by increasing the oxygen available to the body and by enabling the heart to use oxygen more efficiently. In addition to cardiovascular benefits, aerobic exercise in conjunction with strength training and a proper diet will reduce body fat. It will tone muscles and increase lean body mass. Stamina increases, which will provide extra energy and resistance to fatigue. Exercising decreases tension and aids in sleeping. Along with all of the physical benefits, exercise adds the psychological benefits of improved mood and reduced depression and anxiety.

Laredoans at local gyms offered various reasons for working out.

Luz María, in her late 20s and a mother of one, tries to work out every day for two to three hours. She started after her divorce. "It began as a therapy," she said. "It disconnected me from everything." She enjoyed it so much she continued and said that working out is emotionally uplifting. "It helps you look better too," she added.

Joanne Farias, a 21-year-old LCC student who works full-time, makes the time to go to the gym. She began working out as one of her New Year resolutions. She said society pushes the issue of being a certain size and looking a certain way. Working out, she said, raises her self-esteem and overall makes her feel better about herself.

Angel Mendoza, 23, another LCC student, also recently began working out. He said working out helps him relieve stress and gives him a positive attitude.

Jesse Gonzalez, 25, works full time and has been working out for several years. He said he wants to stay healthy. Gonzalez is involved in many physical activities such as football and believes working out helps him continue those activities. "It lifts me up," he said. "If I don't work out I feel sluggish all day."

Rosalva Martinez, 43 and mother of two, has been working out for two months, though she appears to have done so years. She exercises for self-preservation, she said, pointing out that because of her age it is easier to gain weight.

Experts agree that fitness is an ongoing process and requires consistent reinforcement. To maintain your current level of fitness, you require exercise at least three times a week. To increase your level of fitness, exercise four to five times per week.

Good health helps us achieve a better quality of life, which is what many of us want. If you are thinking about joining a fitness center there are several local gyms available to you. Golden Gym at 2118 S. Jarvis is open Monday-Thursday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Gym at 6910 McPherson is open Monday-Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Olympia Gym at 1719 E. Hillside is open Monday-Thursday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nutrition Labs at 6262 McPherson Rd., #105, is open Monday-Thursday, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.