Distinctly Montana Magazine

w w w. d i s t i n c t ly m o n ta n a . c o m 57 Still, Montana's economy is changing. Natural resource extrac- tion now requires just as much brain as brawn. Retired ranch land grows new houses instead of wheat. We're transitioning away from a heritage of sweaty days fueled by a second helping of get- er-done. It may become harder to keep fit. We'll need weight loss methods that work with our life- style and individual personalities. Read on for various state-wide options which may match your fitness personality. If you enjoy the Zen of working out by yourself, or if you prefer the focused attention of a one- on-one, then you could have a Private Fitness Personality. Try these sources for losing weight and keeping fit: • In her private practice, Dr. Rachel Day, ND, of Yel- lowstone Naturopathic Clinic in Billings works with individuals who prefer natural, traditional solutions for weight loss. "We can get back to home grown or locally grown or raised food," she says. "We have a lot of access to lean meat through hunting or raising cattle." • Oddly enough, the 24-hour gym has become popular in rural communities. Small towns mean everyone knows everybody, so a gym with a hide-a-key makes sense. A smaller space stocked with basic equipment offers conve- nience and privacy. If camaraderie keeps you ac- countable, then you probably have a Group Fitness Personality. Montanans have a long tradition of community spirit, so you'll find no shortage of support. • With meetings from Malta to Missoula, Weight Watchers (WW) can be that weekly nudge that keeps you on track. WW celebrates success and offers a flex- ible, point-based diet protocol. "It teaches balance. You can eat anything you want, but it is up to you if what you want is 'worth it,'" explains Jeannie Vernarsky, of Gallatin Valley Weight Watchers. Find a meeting in your town at www.weightwatchers. com. Is Your BodY from WeIght: montana mIssIssIppI?* or A t its core, Montana is about the land. Just look outside a window. Whether you see Big Sky prairies or snowy peaks, it's no surprise that a recent Gallup Poll revealed Montana as the least obese state in the nation. What makes Montanans so fit? Anna Rose-McComb, personal trainer and holistic nutrition educator, cites Mon- tana jobs. "We have an abundance of outdoor recreation, from rock climbing and rafting to fly fishing and hiking. The industries that support these activities and others, like hunting and packing, offer vast job opportunities in physically arduous fields. If you combine that with ranchers, farmers, construction and those working in the oil and natural gas industry, you come up with a lot of physically demanding jobs that don't involve a desk." by ShELby humphrEyS * montana Is rated the least oBese state In the usa

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