• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • What’s New
  • A.K. Smiley Public Library
  • My Account / Search our Catalog

A.K. Smiley Public Library Blog

Serving the City of Redlands, California since 1894

Feeling fit

November 12, 2023 By Jill Martinson

I’ve been making a real effort to spend time focusing on fitness this fall. Nothing outrageous mind you, just walking or hiking when I can and trying to eat a little better. I’ve even moved my hand weights out of the closet and into the front room, where they now sit glaring at me–I mean motivating me to use them. Baby steps. I am NOT the next American Ninja Warrior and I’m OK with that. I just want to feel more energetic and maybe clear my head a bit. If you’re ready to feel a little healthier too, we’ve got books to guide you, no matter your level of fitness. Check these out.

Think you can’t run a race because you don’t have the typical runner’s physique, or maybe you have health issues? Think again. “Slow AF Run Club: The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Run” by Martinus Evans shows you the steps to take to become a runner, just as you are. As you can tell by the title, he tells it like it is. Evans started his running journey in 2012 when a doctor told him he was fat and to “lose weight or die.” Well, he decided right then and there, he wasn’t going to be body-shamed and would run a marathon instead. And he did–running over 100 races, including eight marathons. He’ll share everything you need to know to become a runner: training, mental challenges, recovery, all of it. His book is informative, inspiring, and very funny.

Unfortunately for some, aches and pains seem to be unwanted, but constant companions in life. This next book was written to help ease that predicament. To the rescue is “Built to Move: The 10 Essential Habits to Help You Move Freely and Live Fully,” by Kelly and Juliet Starrett. The focus here is not on cardio or strength training. It’s on improving mobility, increasing your range and minimizing your pain. Sounds pretty good. Each chapter will assess your current condition with simple tests of mobilization and balance, like “Sit-and-Rise.” Then you’ll be offered physical techniques designed to help you feel better, move better and incorporate healthy habits. This is an outstanding resource.

If you’ve never heard of rail-trails, they’re typically railroad tracks that have been abandoned and converted into shared public use trails. “Rail-Trails: California: The Definitive Guide to the State’s Top Multiuse Trails” by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy highlights 72 of these pathways. Due to the gentle grades, they are great for runners, bikers, and hikers, many being wheelchair assessible. Whether you’re looking to visit California’s beaches, mountains, or deserts, you’ll find a variety of trails to choose from with descriptions, maps, and mileage for each.

I haven’t forgot about those hand weights. We have a variety of weight training books available for checkout. Designed for men and women, 40 and up, our most recent addition is “Muscle for Life: Get Lean, Strong, and Healthy at Any Age” by Michael Matthews.

Now that you’re excited about fitness, I have some good news. The annual Redlands Turkey Trot is coming up on November 23, 2023! There will be a 5K run/walk as well as a 1K Fun Run for the kids. All proceeds go to benefit Redlands schools and local charities. Find information at: www.redlandsturkeytrot.com

Filed Under: What's New

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Take advantage of variety of databases for kids and teens!
  • So many cookbooks! — Come on in and check ’em out!
  • New poetry books for National Poetry Month! 

Categories

  • News + Events
  • What's New

Archives

  • May 2025 (2)
  • April 2025 (3)
  • March 2025 (4)
  • February 2025 (4)
  • January 2025 (3)
  • December 2024 (5)
  • November 2024 (3)
  • October 2024 (3)
  • September 2024 (4)
  • August 2024 (4)
  • July 2024 (5)
  • June 2024 (6)
  • May 2024 (4)
  • April 2024 (6)
  • March 2024 (4)
  • February 2024 (5)
  • January 2024 (4)
  • December 2023 (5)
  • November 2023 (5)
  • October 2023 (6)
  • September 2023 (4)
  • August 2023 (4)
  • July 2023 (4)
  • June 2023 (6)
  • May 2023 (5)
  • April 2023 (5)
  • March 2023 (4)
  • February 2023 (5)
  • January 2023 (5)
  • December 2022 (4)
  • November 2022 (5)
  • October 2022 (5)
  • September 2022 (5)
  • August 2022 (5)
  • July 2022 (5)
  • June 2022 (4)
  • May 2022 (6)
  • April 2022 (5)
  • March 2022 (4)
  • February 2022 (6)
  • January 2022 (6)
  • December 2021 (4)
  • November 2021 (5)
  • October 2021 (5)
  • September 2021 (5)
  • August 2021 (5)
  • July 2021 (4)
  • June 2021 (6)
  • May 2021 (5)
  • April 2021 (4)
  • March 2021 (4)
  • February 2021 (5)
  • January 2021 (5)
  • December 2020 (4)
  • November 2020 (3)
  • October 2020 (5)
  • September 2020 (5)
  • August 2020 (7)
  • July 2020 (4)
  • June 2020 (5)
  • May 2020 (5)
  • April 2020 (4)
  • March 2020 (3)
  • February 2020 (4)
  • December 2019 (1)

Copyright © 2025 · A.K. Smiley Public Library, All Rights Reserved · Log in