Apr 18

Spring has finally sprung – 6 best outdoor workouts that are totally free and boost both body and mind

by admin in Mind & Body, Workouts 0 comments
We’ve long said it, but we’ll say it again: movement is medicine for both body and mind. Throw some gorgeous spring sunshine into the mix, and you’re onto an absolute exercise winner. This time of year is the undisputed sweet spot for outdoor workouts. Whether your exercise MO is a solid-pace run, a leisurely walk, or even a local park boot camp, the combination of lighter evenings (more time outside after work!) and balmier temperatures (no freezing runs or baking hot walks here) makes exercising outside a dream right now. And, if you needed any more encouragement to swap the treadmill for the open countryside/urban pavements, hear this: studies show that taking our sweat sessions outdoors supercharges their wellbeing benefits. Outside environments are purported to offer the best all-around health benefits, from reducing stress to lowering levels of perceived exertion (basically, exercise doesn’t feel as tough – we’re in!) The benefits don’t end there, either. We’re all aware that the fitness space isn’t always the most inclusive, with barriers to entry including cost, experience level and convenience. Not so, outdoor workouts; all you really need is some decent footwear and you’re good to go. With this in mind, we’ve compiled […]
Apr 17

Want to live longer? Follow THESE expert-approved tips for longevity

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Longevity, defined as living a longer and healthier life, is influenced by habitual factors more than genetics. Conscious eating, particularly a plant-based diet, reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Regular movement improves cardiovascular health and overall well-being, while ample rest supports physical and mental health, contributing to an increased lifespan. Despite all its follies, it’s a wonderful world! Who wouldn’t want to live forever in it? But as it turns out, living a longer and healthier life isn’t an easy feat. Unlike what most people think, life expectancy isn’t only determined by genetics. Although genes play a much smaller role than originally believed, other habitual factors play an important role in improving your lifestyle and therefore boosting your longevity. Want to know what those habitual factors are? Read on.   What is longevity? The definition of longevity is living a longer and healthier life. It means how long a person is going to live, and how healthy their later life will be. It simply refers to long life. In the U.S., life expectancy has increased dramatically since 1900, when the average lifespan was 47 years. Today, people born in 2022 can expect to live 77.5 years. Do you believe that […]
Apr 16

8 daily habits of fit people who never go to the gym

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When you see fit people, you probably think they’re gym rats. If someone jogs every morning, you assume they’re a fitness freak. But let me tell you, that’s not always the case. In fact, some of the fittest people around never step foot in a gym. They just have these 8 daily habits that keep them in top shape. And here’s the best part – they’re habits anyone can adopt. Stay with me as we dive into these habits and learn how to stay fit without a gym membership. It’s simpler than you might think!   1) They start their day with a glass of water We’ve all heard that old adage – hydration is key. And it’s not just about quenching your thirst. Drinking water first thing in the morning kick-starts your metabolism, making it easier for your body to digest food and burn calories throughout the day. Now, you might think it sounds boring. Water isn’t exactly the most exciting beverage out there. But fit people who don’t go to the gym swear by this habit. They see it as an essential start to their day, just like brushing their teeth or taking a shower. If you think […]
Apr 15

Cardio or Strength Training: Which Is Better?

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There’s no need to choose only one because both can elevate your fitness and health In the workout world, training plans often go one of two ways. Some gravitate toward the heart-pounding realm of cardio fitness. Others adopt the power-packed mindset that comes with strength training. So, which is better? That’s a tough question because they’re BOTH important for your body. That’s why physical fitness guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio per week, plus two days of strength-building activities. “The truth is you need cardio and strength training for your health,” says exercise physiologist Katie Lawton, MEd. “Both of them are just as important. You can’t put one ahead of the other.” We asked Lawton to break it down in a fitness faceoff.   Cardio vs. strength training If we’re going to compare cardio (aerobic exercise) and strength training (anaerobic exercise), it makes sense to define each of them. In broad terms: A cardio workout gets your heart thump-thump-thumping over an extended period. These types of exercise elevate your heart rate and often leave you breathing heavier. Cardio activities include running (or faster walking), biking, swimming and rowing. Strength training typically features short bursts of energy that […]
Apr 14

Eating this fruit every day can add years to your life

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Avocados are having a moment, especially in the U.S. These luscious, green fruits appear in sandwiches, salads, and various social media feeds. Part of their appeal comes from their smooth flavor, which blends well with other ingredients. Another part comes from their nutrient-packed profile, which seems to support a healthy lifestyle. Their popularity has led researchers to look deeper into what happens when these fruits are made a daily habit. After investigating different dietary approaches, a notable study gained attention for its focus on the potential of one avocado per day to enhance overall diet quality and encourage healthier eating patterns.   Eating avocados – the study Associate Professor Kristina Petersen and retired Professor Penny Kris-Etherton from Penn State University’s Department of Nutritional Sciences led an effort that put a spotlight on how a single daily avocado could affect everyday food choices. Their work provides a window into how simple additions to meals might improve nutritional habits without major overhauls to what people eat. Their publication in the journal Current Developments in Nutrition examined how a straightforward intervention could lead to better adherence to dietary guidelines. It comes at a time when many are looking for ways to improve their […]
Apr 13

Can meditation keep your brain young? Here’s what study says

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Research indicates that meditation may slow down brain aging. A study comparing long-term meditators to non-meditators found that meditators’ brains appeared significantly younger. The study suggests meditation protects against age-related brain atrophy, offering a practical way to preserve cognitive function and maintain a youthful brain throughout life. Aging is a normal part of life. But what if you could slow down the aging process of the brain? Imagine being able to recollect anything and everything at 70, like a sexagenarian? Or like a middle-aged adult? Cool, right? Well, if you want to keep your brain young, sign up for that meditation class right away! No, meditation is no scam. As we age, the brain naturally changes, including a loss of gray matter and other structural declines that can impact cognitive function. A study has found that we can reverse brain aging or slow it down with meditation. An interesting study published in NeuroImage found compelling evidence that meditation, a practice rooted in mindfulness and mental discipline, may significantly slow these aging processes, effectively keeping the brain ‘younger’ for longer. To understand the benefits of meditation on the brain, the research observed a group of 50 long-term meditators and compared them […]
Apr 12

10 Ways to Make Sure You Work Out Through the Winter

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Don’t let colder temps chill your exercise routine. Try these tips from HSS exercise physiologist Chelsea Long to transition from outdoor to indoor workouts.   Spring and summer practically beg you to work out. Fall and winter, not so much. The colder, darker days make working out just a little more work. But it’s important to keep active, even as the temperatures dip. “In the colder months our bodies turn to conservation mode and we tend to gain weight,” says HSS exercise physiologist Chelsea Long, MS, CSCS. “We also don’t get as much vitamin D and we often feel run down.” To keep your metabolism revving and energy levels high, you need to keep your activity levels consistent, she says. Plus, exercise releases endorphins — nature’s feel-good chemicals — which can help boost your mood no matter how dark the days seem. To make sure the cold weather won’t freeze out your exercise plan, here are 10 tips to help keep you going all season long.   1. If you’re a morning exerciser, set everything out the night before. Pull your workout clothes out of the drawers, get your water bottle ready and make sure your electronics are charged and your […]
Apr 11

Weight Loss Tips: Try These Core Exercises For Beginners

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Read on as we share simple core exercises for beginners to help boost weight loss.   Core exercises are movements that strengthen the muscles in the abdomen, lower back, hips, and pelvis, which are collectively known as the core muscles. These muscles are essential for maintaining balance, stability, and good posture in daily activities and physical exercises. Core exercises can help with weight loss by engaging multiple muscle groups, burning calories, and boosting metabolism. They also improve overall body strength and endurance, making other forms of exercise more effective. In this article, we share simple core exercises for beginners to help boost weight loss.   6 Core exercises for beginners that are effective for weight loss   1. Plank The plank is a simple but effective exercise that targets the core, shoulders, and back. To perform a plank, get into a push-up position, but rest on your forearms instead of your hands, keeping your body in a straight line from head to heels. Hold this position for as long as possible. The plank helps strengthen the entire core, improve posture, and increase endurance.   2. Bicycle crunches Lie on your back with your hands behind your head, lift your legs, […]
Apr 10

“Eat the Rainbow” and Other Tricks to Healthy Eating

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Improving your eating habits helps you maintain a healthy immune system and reduces your risk of chronic disease—ensuring you’re always at your best. Marlys Slone, a clinical dietician with Kettering Health, stresses the importance of eating healthy. “Eating healthy should be a priority,” Marlys says. “As we age, our nutritional needs change. We want to focus on choosing foods that support a healthy lifestyle and reduce our risk of chronic diseases.” Marlys recommends the following ways to eat healthy and improve your quality of life.   Eat from the earth Simple changes to your diet can make all the difference. To start eating healthy, begin with eating more natural foods. Eat a more plant-based diet. Fresh, frozen, and dried items are all good options. And do your best to avoid processed foods. “Choose fresh and frozen fruits and vegetable, whole grains, and other healthy options like nuts and seeds. Look for items that are natural and from the earth,” Marlys says.   Reduce meat intake Be sure to practice portion control by filling up on vegetables, fruits, beans, peas, legumes, and whole grains. Limit your intake of meats like chicken, beef, and pork. And consider that the American Heart Association […]
Apr 09

This Easy Walking Plan Can Help You Lose Weight—No Gym Required

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Here’s how to walk for weight loss, according to a personal trainer.   Walking is one of the most convenient and often underrated forms of exercise. Studies have continuously supported that walking is effective at boosting heart health, improving mental well-being, helping with weight management and even reducing chronic disease risk. But before you lace up those sneakers and hit the pavement or trail, here’s everything you need to know to make strides toward your goal of walking for weight loss.   Health Benefits of Walking “There are numerous benefits to beginning a walking regimen,” says April Hartsook, master coach, personal trainer and founder of the Want Different Do Different movement. Aside from the visible changes that will become physically evident with a regular exercise program, here are some of the other benefits you may gain from walking.   Improved Heart Health Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.1 Getting active is one of the most effective things we can do to increase our cardiovascular health, and walking is one of the easiest ways to get moving.   Healthy Weight In addition to improving cardiovascular health, losing weight can also help decrease our risk of […]
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