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Mr. Carlos Albury, Personal Training Manger of Bally Fitness in Sandyport, is a man with a plan. His plan is to educate - or rather re-educate - the Bahamian mentality ar-ound the concept of fitness. He explained that being obese or grossly overweight is a disease, the origins of which may be found in our family history and also the ways in which we have traditionally regarded and consumed food.

Mr. Albury also mentioned that in the Bahamian context perhaps the biggest problem is not actually losing the weight or getting in shape but rather changing or re-educating the mindset of the Bahamian people. We are a nation of people who prefer to "go along with the program" or status quo rather than undergo the more difficult challenge of change - and sticking with this, come what may.

Below are only some of the many excellent guidelines around walking as a fitness exercise.

Q. I must tell you, Mr. Albury, that I decided to phone Bally first and foremost because I understand it is one of the nation's premier fitness centers. Judging from your positive response to my request, you must work for a fantastic organization. Am I correct?

A. Bally has just celebrated its 3rd anniversary. You probably know that we are a US franchise and that we also insist upon very high standards. Above all we wish to impress upon the public the idea that fitness is not something you take up for a while and stop should boredom set in. Rather, fitness is a lifestyle change. As a teaching facility, Bally stresses fitness as a positive healthy lifestyle.

Q. Looking around us on the streets of New Providence, one cannot help but notice the high numbers of individuals clearly impacted by obesity. Would you agree?

A. Absolutely. And clearly obesity does not discriminate by age or gender. Sadly there are as many obese children and adolescents as there are adults, both male and female.

Q. At the same time, one also notices that there has been an influx of persons walking for exercise in parks and on beaches and signing up at local gyms. By the time, however, that such persons decide to do something positive about their condition, they are already grossly overweight. In your opinion, is this another example of "too little, too late"?

A. As far as fitness is concerned, it is never "too little" or "too late". Our clients at Bally range in age from 15 to 65 plus. People must also understand that there is no such thing as a "quick fix" when it comes to achieving optimal fitness. It's a gradual process.

It is also an incremental process, which means that you set small, realistic goals and, little by little, increase the challenges.

Q. One does not have to be a rocket scientist to understand that obesity is a serious health problem. To overcome the problem and keep one's weight within normal boundaries requires a concerted effort that includes not only token exercise, but re-education about food and food choices and so forth? Am I right? Are most of your Bahamian clients aware that it will take more than a slow walk around the block, for example, to combat their problem?

A. Absolutely. As a nation, we have changed in the past 50 or 60 years. In times past, parents had to fight to bring their children inside after dark. Why? They were outside running around, burning up calories and staying fit and healthy. Fifty years ago we ate simple nourishing foods that we prepared and cooked. Packaged foods with preservatives, lots of sugar, salt and trans fats were non-existent. Today we have become a nation of couch potatoes and our children are now video game junkies. Parents and schools have difficulty getting them to go outside in the fresh air to take exercise these days.

Q. Speaking of walking, suppose an individual would like to address his or her weight problem by walking, what kind of walking regime would you recommend they undertake perhaps before they even sign up for professional help at a gym?

A. I think that our Bahamian people need to understand the importance of undergoing a proper medical assessment by a doctor or a licensed physical trainer before commencing any type of physical fitness training. Only after such an assessment can the client be sure that he or she is in fact able to withstand the stresses of such a training program. It is also a good idea to be clear as to what your goals are: Are you training for a marathon? Do you wish to lose weight and keep it off? Do you wish to promote that overall feeling of well-being?

Q. What kind of clothing or gear would you recommend?

A. I recommend loose-fitting, sweat-absorbent clothing and a good pair of walking shoes.

Q. Finally, can you comment on some of the benefits (other than the physical benefits) of regular exercise?

A. As I stated previously, at Bally we emphasize the notion that achieving optimal fitness is a lifestyle change. It is also a LEARNED BEHAVIOR. People who understand physical fitness in this way are often amazed how badly or "off color" they feel whenever they are unable to exercise for whatever reason. Many clients describe the physical, mental and emotional changes following vigorous exercise as a "natural high". Exercise stimulates the flow of blood to all cells of the body including and especially the heart and the brain. These organs in turn promote an overall perception of well-being and, as a result, an increase in self-esteem, self-worth and self-confidence.
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