Going through cycles

It's easy to research ways to improve your fitness

by Scott Duimstra

Although most people don’t think “librarian” when they think of active lifestyles, I have managed to work some fitness routines into my job as Executive Director of Capital Area District Libraries. It helps that my office is on the third floor of the Downtown Lansing branch, so a quick workout is always just a flight of stairs away.

For a workout in my free time, I always reach for my bike first. After practically a lifetime of cycling for fun and fitness, I find that I really enjoy doing “century” rides—events that cover a route of 100 miles. So now every time I’m on my bike I think of it as training for the next century ride.

I’ve learned that nutrition and hydration are key for riding long distances. Eating and drinking properly not only helps me finish, it helps me enjoy the ride more. Then once the ride is over, yoga helps relieve my inevitable aches and pains.

Learning how to do things right is easy for a library lover like me. CADL’s health and fitness collection includes: eBooks, videos and digital magazines that are available any time of day or night. For those who prefer more traditional formats, we have books, magazines and DVDs on topics like nutrition and yoga. Our whole collection is available for browsing at cadl.org/catalog.

CADL resources are free to residents of our service area, which includes most of Ingham County. Later this summer, we’ll be asking residents to renew our millage to keep CADL funded for another four years. It won’t raise taxes—it will just renew the current rate of 1.56 mills, ensuring that CADL can continue providing outstanding services to our communities.

To read more about the value of CADL services, visit any branch or cadl.org/renewal.

Scott Duimstra, MLS, is Executive Director for Capital Area District Libraries, with 13 branches in Ingham County. Contact him at duimstras@cadl.org.

Eating and drinking properly not only helps me finish, it helps me enjoy the ride more.