Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1439376
34 WAC Magazine | wac.net MITZI CARLETTI MEMBER SINCE 1984 Mitzi Carletti jokes that she and a friend used to work out at the WAC to look good in their swimsuits but now they work out to stay alive. Now in her 60s, Mitzi is as active as ever and has been for most of her life. In fact, Mitzi says she started running before companies made running shoes specifically for women. "In fih grade, I borrowed a pair of track shoes from a male classmate to run the 100-yard dash at the state meet," she recalls. "To make them fit, my mom had to make insoles out of athletic socks and taped them into the shoes." Mitzi didn't let that stop her. She ran the 50- and 100-yard dash throughout grade school and middle school, and continued to run recreationally to stay in shape in college. It was around then that she also picked up cross-training to improve her running performance and break up the monotony of track training. She soon found out that cross-training also helped improve her intramural soccer skills and swimming. "Cross-training for runners is good for several reasons," WAC Senior Small steps are often the best way to establish lasting habits. Here are some tips for how to start small. HAVE A PLAN Lester Brown trains on a five-day workout split that prioritizes various muscle groups each workout. Having a workout plan takes the guesswork out of training and can help hold you accountable. TAKE A CLASS For many people, getting to the gym after a long day of work can be difficult. To make it easier, pick a class and commit to it. Attending the same class regularly holds you accountable and provides motivation, Natalie Heard says. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY Not feeling your best today? You might need a rest day. Claire Taylor's approach is all about paying attention to how her body feels. Getting the appropriate rest is just as important as the training itself. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR MENTAL HEALTH For Mitzi Carletti, exercise is what keeps her happy and stress-free. Training is important for physical health, but it does wonders for maintaining one's mental health, too. Whether it be solo, with a partner, or in a class setting, train in a way that makes you feel your best. SHOW UP Feeling burnt out or not seeing results often derails people from their training plan. Trust the process, take a step back, and be proud of yourself for making it to the gym today. WAC group fitness instructor Linda Schetky says that's a victory within itself!