'It will take longer to lose it than it took to gain'

By Ken Leiviska
Times-Press

REEDSBURG — Winter months produce short days, cold temperatures and plenty of snow in Wisconsin. But along with seasonal hardships, November and December bring plenty of cheer with religious and national holidays. Unfortunately these things can add up to a few extra pounds.

The old myth said the average person puts on about five or 10 pounds during the holiday season. Recent research finds this to be false — one pound tends to be the most common weight-gain. But this is not necessarily an OK thing.

"The trouble is people tend not to lose that one pound," Judy Martin, Reedsburg Area Medical Center dietician, said. After a few holiday seasons it can really add up.

Martin said all of the stress that comes with the holidays coupled with poor holiday eating, including sweets and alcoholic beverages, are a dangerous combination that can lead to gaining weight.

"When you do have more stress, some people tend to eat more... and if you're baking cookies all day, what are you going to do?" Martin said. She said exercise can be a great way to combat extra pounds after the holidays.

The inflated weight-gain myth might be good for one thing in speeding up exercise routines in January as many new year resolutions center around getting back in shape. Many Reedsburg health and fitness centers agree January and February bring in a few more members and participants than normal.

"Everybody wants to get fit after the holidays and get fit for the summer," Millie Schultz, Curves for Women owner, said. Schultz is not alone in seeing increased participation.

"This is the busiest time," Deb Rego, Snap Fitness manager of Reedsburg, said. "As soon as the holidays are done people come in nonstop."

Co-owner of Downtown Fitness Tim Becker said membership at his gym increased from 17 carryovers from when Merv Jaech owned it to over 100. "People haven't stopped coming in and signing up," Becker said Monday night.

While Snap Fitness and Downtown Fitness offer 24/7 access with membership cards and just about any kind of exercise equipment anyone could want, there are other places in Reedsburg to find a great source of fitness and health that bring a unique approach. Swim Reedsburg and Villari's Family Fitness both offer very specialized training with two goals in mind.

"We focus on leading a healthy lifestyle," Jessica Gross, Swim Reedsburg general manager, said. Gross said it is important not only to get in shape, but to be healthy.

Swim Reedsburg offers swimming lessons for children, but also a wide variety of aerobics and exercise classes for adults, which are performed in the water. The lessons are very personalized, with no instructor taking on more than four children at any one session.

"We're looking to start a turbo-kick class... which I'm really looking forward to," Gross said. They already have a program similar to the television series "The Biggest Loser" they call "The Leading Loser."

Villari's Family Fitness is another very individualized health and fitness center in Reedsburg. Owner Jim Schulenburg agreed with Gross that overall health is the most important byproduct of good exercise.

"You can stay fit, but you might not be healthy," Schulenburg said. He said one key to staying healthy and fit is to make sure there is variety in training.

Schulenburg has certified trainers and a nutritionist on staff to help promote overall physical fitness and healthy lifestyle goals. Martin said nutrition is one of the most important things a person can control in losing weight and being healthy.

"Paying attention to what you eat is one of the most effective ways to lose weight," she said. Martin said a food diary is an excellent way to check daily calorie intake and lose weight also.

Martin added that people should not be discouraged if the weight they put on over the holidays does not come off right away, even with exercise and proper nutrition. "It will take longer to lose it than it took to gain it," she said.