The
theme of this issue is “Equipping Others.” In terms of fitness, we can equip
and help others in their fitness journey. This can be done through creating
opportunities for fitness when spending time with our family and friends.
Change how you socialize
As
I started my fitness journey, I became more aware of my food choices. This led
me to want to eat out less, especially as I browsed nutrition menus and saw the
amount of calories and sodium in restaurant food. I quickly realized that when
I met friends and family to hang out and catch up, it often was around food.
One quick fix was to change where and how we met. Now when I meet them to catch
up, instead of meeting at a restaurant or coffee shop, we meet at a park and go
for a walk and are able to talk without the distractions and interruptions
surrounding restaurant dining. Plus being outdoors is great for our health.
Speaking
of being outdoors, why not plan a day hike with friends and family. There are
many trails at different endurance levels that are very close to where we live.
Share your fitness journey
Another
way we can create community in the area of fitness is to share our stories. I
recently posted an article on my blog sharing results from my fitness journey.
The largest result? I was able to stop
taking blood pressure medication. The story led people to ask me more questions
about my journey and path.
Add in some competition
There
are tools like Fitbits that can be used to engage in some friendly competition
with your community. It can be the extra motivation you need to get those extra
steps in. I hear of people adding 15 minutes of walking just to finish number
one in their community group.
Engage your family and friends
There
are many fun things that also include physical fitness. This is true especially
during the warm, summer months. You and your family and friends can go on nice
walks in the evenings or go on bike rides on the weekends on one of the many
bike trails in our area.
Here
are some things you can do with family and friends.
Go for a walk
Walking
for wellness is free, low impact, and something you can do on your own
schedule. Remember, it does not have to be all at once. If you find 10 minutes
three times a day, that is 30 minutes. Walk to wellness!
Just dance
Whether
you are alone or with family and friends, just turn on the music and dance. The
thing about exercise is that it is just about moving your body. It doesn’t have
to involve classes or gyms.
Do housework
Whether
with your family or roommate, doing household chores is a form of exercise.
Add in stairs
Encourage
your friends and family to take the stairs with you.
Walk your dog
If
you have a dog, walk your dog as a family.
Do a marathon, 5K, or other race/activity
Do
you plan on walking or running in a race? Why not ask your family and/or
friends to join you?
Gardening
Enlist
your family and friends to help you in the garden. Gardening is great exercise
but be careful with all of the bending.
Have a weekly sport/game night
Why
not play basketball with your friends and family. It is something you can do
indoors and outdoors so weather is not an issue. You could also play video
games that require dance and movement. You could also go bowling or
ice-skating.
At
the end of the day, it’s just about getting your body moving. Exercise is good
for the body and the soul, and engaging your community is good for your
motivation as well the health of your community.
No comments:
Post a Comment