24 Oct 2016 Thanksgiving – a wellness perspective

by Karl Lenser

Thankful in the 501 ……

For the large number of fitness centers that serve all ages from youth to senior adults. It’s difficult to imagine living in an area without fitness centers, as they function as hubs for a variety of wellness activities.

For the 3.1 mile bike/jogging path along Tucker Creek that serves a great deal of folks in Conway.

For the miles of paved trails in Little Rock and North Little Rock that are a magnet for walkers, runners and cyclists.

For the physical therapists in the area that help get us healed and repaired!

For the grocery stores that have added organic and whole food departments to their product mix.

For the public officials at the city, county and state level who support road races, trail races, cycling tours/races and triathlons. We are blessed to have so many high quality endurance events in the 501.

For the race directors and the hundreds of volunteers who make these events run smoothly. The volunteers can make or break the smallest or biggest events.

For technology (Fitbit, TomTom, Strava, etc.) and the data accumulation ability and the associated feedback that goes with it.

For workout partners! The value of a workout partner is priceless.

For group exercise classes – social accountability and fitness combined.

For personal trainers that endure our whining and complaining.

For dieticians that help us with our weight loss and nutrition concerns.

For massage therapists who help us recover from overuse syndrome or other generic muscular injuries.

For bike lanes that help make cycling safer and more enjoyable.

For our numerous cycling and running specialty stores that provide excellent service and also sponsor community events such as The Big Dam Bridge Ride, Tour de Toad, Conway Kids Triathlon, the Toad Suck Daze Race, Soaring Wings Marathon/Half Marathon, Chase Race, Kids Run Arkansas, Women Run Arkansas clinics, etc.

For 501 LIFE!

For being able to walk, run, swim, cycle and MOVE. Being on the injured reserve list makes you appreciate being able to function at 100 percent. Don’t take anything for granted. Be thankful for being well and healthy daily!

For our law enforcement officials and officers who put their lives in danger to help make our lives safer.

For the top-notch medical centers that we have in the 501 area.

For Burns Park in North Little Rock…a fantastic recreational paradise for the fit-minded population.

For parents who help their children become more physically active and learn healthy habits at a young age.

A Conway resident, Karl Lenser is the employee wellness coordinator at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. An accomplished runner, he can be reached at [email protected].