September 23, 2008

At an obesity forum in Charlottesville last week, Governor Tim Kaine said that two out of three Virginians are either overweight or obese. While the reasons why may vary, experts say one good solution is to fit fitness into your lifestyle.

“The majority of people work 10 hours a day, they're in at 9 am and they don’t leave work till 6 or 7pm. They're tired they want to go home, and just relax it just doesn't fit into anyone's schedule anymore,” said Allie Bowns of Snap Fitness.

In an effort to change that, Snap Fitness, a 24-hour gym opened its doors in Charlottesville on August 1st.

“You can come on your time, get the work out in that you desire, that you need and go on with the rest of your night or day, whatever it may be,” Bowns said.

Gym member, Brad Young said, “I'm a lawyer and I work long hours and sometimes it’s nice to be able to come here to work off stress at night after working on a big project.”

Peggy Wright, a clinical nutritionist from Virginia Integrated Medicine says obesity rates in Virginia are growing at a staggering rate.

“Essentially the amount obesity has doubled over the last 20 years,” said Wright.

Studies show that almost a quarter of Americans are considered obese.

Wright says exercise combats much more than obesity.

“The list is sort of endless, heart disease, diabetes; I mean it's one of the main things along with diet in terms of people leading healthier lives,” said Wright.

Experts say it’s important to get active and prioritize health.

Gym member, Jeff Jones said, “Enjoying your life is about finding your niche for your lifestyle, you can fit your lifestyle into the gym instead of trying to the gym into your lifestyle.”