NatNews

Time is precious for many people, and not everyone’s schedule allows for working out for three to four hours each day like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson does. Enter high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts, which combine both aerobic and strength (resistance) aspects at vigorous intensity levels in order to achieve similar benefits to longer workouts.

Dallas resident and Fit Social Club instructor Natalie Magness said incorporating HIIT workouts into one’s routine is an effective way to increase muscle mass while improving cardio abilities at the same time. Because of this, she said such workouts are ideal cross-training options for runners.

“It’s a great addition to running because it helps increase your cardiovascular health and build functional muscles that help you with everyday movements,” she said.

Dallas resident and White Rock Running Co-op member Elizabeth Cruz frequently takes HIIT classes at Barry’s in Uptown and said she enjoys such classes because they can help a person start using weights without feeling intimidated and also offer tremendous benefits to her running.

“First off, cross-training is good,” she said. “Secondly, it’s just fun to change it up. Working out different muscles is necessary to not overuse or get injured.”

For U.S. Army member Dane Sebring, a resident of Washington, D.C., HIIT-style activities used to be part of his regular morning physical training.

“There are certain circles in the military (mostly special operations and infantry) that treasure a boost in VO2 max,” he said. “They’ll focus mainly on interval training and breathing exercises for more of that sweet, sweet oxygen.”

While Sebring recognizes that high-intensity workouts are overall helpful, he hasn’t always enjoyed taking part in them. He has, however, personally seen positive results.

“The benefits to HIIT are clear and difficult to beat, but it’s usually just an awful experience,” he said. “I’m not a runner, but even basic interval workouts have improved my run times almost immediately.”

Magness encourages individuals who haven’t tried HIIT workouts not to hesitate to do so.

“You should expect a good burn and to move quickly,” she said. “Typically, you will perform strength exercises in several shorter and different interval bursts. It’s a great sweat, and you’re sure to have endorphins flowing after!”

Although the Poodle is the national dog of France, it actually originated in Germany and was originally bred to be a water retriever.

Now that Halloween has come and gone, stores and ads are trying to make sure that we’re all ready to deck the halls. Obviously Thanksgiving is next in the lineup, but one thing is certainly clear: The holiday season is officially upon us.

While some individuals prefer to bring back holiday traditions each year, others opt to buck traditions altogether, and some are kind of in the middle—they enjoy taking part in the familiar but also embrace new and different opportunities for memories to be made.

One particular aspect of Thanksgiving that Dallas-area resident Robyn Allen likes to make sure stays the same each year is eating traditional Thanksgiving food for the main meal. For her, it sparks a similar holiday joy from her childhood that she always wants to keep close to heart.

“I am a traditionalist when it comes to holidays, mostly because I have fond memories of those traditions that I try to recreate every year,” she said. “New activities are added and renewed each year as time goes on.”

Dallas resident Bob Heine also enjoys traditional Thanksgiving food, especially the leftovers he has for days after, because he doesn’t eat such a meal most other times throughout the year. While Heine recognizes the specialness of annual routines, he is also a fan of straying from his norms when the opportunity presents itself.

“I enjoy new traditions as well as the old,” he said. “I always make room for the possibility of experiencing something new or different that maybe others might introduce to me.“

Tara Janke, who lives in the San Diego area, has always liked traditional Thanksgiving food and activities, and her holiday delight has grown even more so in recent years as she is able to experience moments with her husband and their 3-year-old son.

“I love carrying traditions on throughout the years and continuing ones from my childhood but also incorporating new ones with my family as our little one grows,” she said.

In general, this time of year often carries special meaning for people for a variety of reasons. While Heine is fond of the feeling radiating all around, he also looks forward to hitting the slopes.

“For me, the holiday season is a wonderful time because there is such a festive and positive atmosphere everywhere I go,” he said. “It also signals that ski season is coming, and I love to snow ski!”

For Janke, there’s not much about the next couple of months that she doesn’t embrace.

“I love the cold weather, the holiday smells, the lights, and the cozy clothes,” she said.

In addition to the overall ambiance November and December create, Allen said she loves that the holidays bring planned commitments for friends and families.

“While it may be stressful organizing and scheduling the time, I am thankful we do it,” she said. “Being with all of the people you enjoy in your life is so fulfilling. Guaranteed memories are made every year when you are in the company of your people.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Ducky Ryder-Celuch is 100% ready for colder temperatures

Monday, November 6: National Nachos Day
Tuesday, November 7: Election Day (check link for Dallas County voting locations)
Wednesday, November 8: The Price Is Right Live at Texas Trust CU Theatre
Thursday, November 9: TNSR’s 2023 Fall Quarterly Run at Fleet Feet Plano
Friday, November 10: Deep Ellum Brewing Company’s 12th Anniversary (continues Saturday + Sunday)
Saturday, November 11: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint