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Summer Golf Video Series: Developing Core Strength

Congratulations! You’ve made it halfway through the week—to Wednesday! Whether you’re an avid golfer or enjoy another sport, we invite you to continue following along as Garden of the Gods Club Sports Club Manager Lauralee Beerman helps Gene Gabelmann, the Club’s director of golf, get his body back in shape for the summer golf season. After undergoing corrective surgery following a back injury in September 2012, Gene is ready to get back in shape and get back out on the golf course. Today, Lauralee—who is Titleist Performance Institute certified in golf fitness—helps Gene use Pilates techniques to build core strength.

Thanks for watching. If you are interested in learning more about membership at Garden of the Gods Club, we encourage you to contact Membership Director Tracey Kalata at 719.520.4980 or tkalata@ggclub.com. To schedule a session with Lauralee, please contact the Sports Club at 719.329.4009.

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Taste the Difference: Summertime Themed Buffet Nights

Not only do Garden of the Gods Club Members get to enjoy the best view in town, but they are also able to cultivate relationships with one another at our themed dinners and wide array of social events. This summer, Garden of the Gods Club Members and their guests can look forward to evenings filled with delicious, themed buffet nights! In June, Members will enjoy a fabulous “All You Can Fish” seafood buffet, featuring fresh seafood selections. In July, All-American ’50s Night will take diners back in time to enjoy classic American dishes like burgers, fries, and milkshakes. And in August, the savory, hearty fare of Western Buffet Night will leave Members and guests wanting more! To take a peek inside these fun, themed buffet nights, we invite you to watch the video below. Warning: Watching the following video may make you want to get up and dance!

Have we piqued your interest in learning more about social dining memberships at Garden of the Gods Club? If so, we invite you to schedule a time to chat with our Membership Director Tracey Kalata. Tracey will be happy to show you around the Club and help you find your place in the Club community. You can reach Tracey at 719.520.4980 or tkalata@ggclub.com.

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The Health Benefits of Hiking

Garden of the Gods Club’s Hiking Club participants enjoy a local trail.

For many Coloradoans, hiking is a part of life. In addition to being an economical form of exercise, hiking also carries many health benefits. You don’t have to be an expert hiker to reap the benefits of the exercise. No matter what your hiking experience level may be, there is no doubt that being outdoors is good for your mind, body, and soul. Read on for some of the health benefits of hiking according to our own Lauralee Beerman, sports club manager at Garden of the Gods Club.

1. Hiking helps prevent heart disease. “Hiking decreases triglyceride levels and increases HDL [good cholesterol], which can reduce your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and strokes,” Lauralee explained.

2. Hiking eats up extra calories. “Hiking is a great form of weight control, as it burns calories; you can burn 300 to 500 calories per hour,” Lauralee said.

3. Hiking can make your bones stronger. Going on regular hikes can help develop strong bones and slow down bone loss. In her Livestrong article “Ten reasons why hiking is good for you,” Kathryn Meininger writes that “the CDC encourages those who have arthritis to hike for 150 minutes per week because it keeps the joints flexible and also helps prevent joint stiffness affiliated with osteoporosis.”

4. Hiking promotes holistic wellness. According to a 10-year study on green exercise conducted by Dr. Jo Barton and colleagues from the University of Essex, exercising outdoors far exceeds indoor exercise when it comes to its effects on mood and self-esteem. The University of Essex’s Green Exercise Study found that outdoor activities, like hiking, minimized feelings of tension, anger and depression in three out of four participants and raised self-esteem levels in almost two-thirds of its participants. “Unlike an indoor exercise class, hiking allows you to connect with the beauty and smells of the outdoors and enables you to see new areas as well as meet new people,” Lauralee added.

5. Hiking helps stabilize blood sugar levels. In her article “Ten reasons why hiking is good for you,” Meininger also writes, “Regular hiking can help control, or even prevent, diabetes by lowering your blood sugar levels. Hiking exercises your muscles, which moves glucose from the bloodstream for energy.” So if you went a little overboard on dessert last night, not to worry! Lace up your hiking shoes and get out for some fresh air and gorgeous Colorado views!

6. Hiking helps you catch some “rays”. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that helps your body absorb calcium. Calcium helps you maintain strong muscles and bones. Ten minutes of direct sunlight daily is all you need to maintain your vitamin D levels, so get out there and hike your way to better health!

Aside from the great health benefits, hiking is a wonderful outlet for meeting new people and connecting with nature. For more information on sports memberships at Garden of the Gods Club, which include access to personal training, group fitness classes, and hiking and biking clubs, please contact Director of Membership Tracey Kalata at 719.520.4980 or tkalata@ggclub.com.