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APRIL/MAY 2020 | maconmagazine.com 105 MAKE EXERCISE A PRIORITY One of the most important and positive ways to achieve balance and reduce stress is through regular exercise. Every able-bodied adult should be getting at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted exercise every day. Yet, when trying to find a balance, most people put physical fitness at the very bottom of their priority list. Exercise isn't something you should have to force yourself to do, or you won't stick with it. Do something that you like and look forward to doing, instead of another chore that you'll be tempted to skip. Activities such as a brisk walk inside or outdoors, jogging, racquetball, tennis, skating, yoga, boxing, bowling and golf are excellent examples of fun exercises. Here are a few more: • JUMPING JACKS get the blood flowing to all parts of your body and raises your heart rate. • BATTLE ROPE exercises work each arm independently, eliminating strength imbalances as they sculpt and build muscle. • KETTLE BELL swings target the abdominal and back muscles of your core, which provide stability to the rest of the body. • BRISK WALKING continuously for 30-45 minutes can have a major impact on improving your cardiac health, without the greater risk of injury from jogging. • STAIRMASTER EXERCISING is not for the faint-hearted. But if you're looking to really tone and strengthen your legs, then this machine is for you! • RACQUETBALL is a fun and fast-paced way to burn calories quickly. It's good for your entire body and also helps improve your hand-eye coordination. FINDING THE RIGHT FACILITY There are several great places in Macon to help you maintain a healthy balance. One of those places is Middle Georgia State University's recreational facility. The facility is now open to the public and offers a no-contract, month-to-month plan. It is a beautiful multi-level facility and has great amenities such as state-of-the- art Nautilus equipment, an abundance of free weights, a heated pool, a bowling alley, basketball courts, a restaurant, racquetball courts and so much more. Not to mention, the serene and calming views of the campus, lake and fountain from the facility's large windows offer something nice to look at while you work it out! TAKE THE TIME TO EAT Who has time for lunch? You do if you want to maintain a healthy balance. As the saying goes, "You are what you eat." A healthy body really does produce a healthy mind. It takes energy to come up with new and innovative ideas, to problem solve and to manage the day-to-day operations of business. You don't skip work – so you shouldn't skip a meal. Besides, Macon is home to some of the best restaurants and finest cuisines you'll find. Making the right food choices and eating at just the right time is essential to work success. Choose and plan your meals just as wisely and carefully as you plan your day; it will make a huge difference in your overall work performance. Exercise doesn't just make you look good, it also can save your life in the office or at home by reducing stress, strengthening your heart, boosting your confidence and providing more energy to get through those hectic workdays. ABOUT THE PHOTOS: Buffy Butler is my wife and the mother to our three girls. Exercising helps her to enjoy her hobbies; she is an avid roller-skater and loves to bowl. As she gracefully ages, Buffy incorporates liquid vitamins and nutrients as part of her health and beauty routine. O