This move works your upper body, lower body, and core. Enjoy!
Friendly disclaimer: It’s recommended that you consult with a physician prior to starting a new exercise program.
How To Perform A Squat With A Lateral Raise
Category: Summer Exercise
Five Simple Ways To Have A Happy And Healthy Fourth of July
From time to time, I like to check out what other fitness and health professionals are posting on their blogs regarding specific holidays, so I did a search for health tips for the Fourth of July. What I mostly found was fitness pros sharing a list of rules that had very little to do with fun and more to do with restricting behavior and dieting. Ugh!
The whole point of celebrating a holiday is to have a good time and participate in the festivities. That usually includes eating foods that are traditionally served on that specific holiday. It’s something we look forward to and it’s a wonderful way to bring people together.
It also includes a change in routine. It’s possible that you may skip your normal exercise routine that day and that’s totally ok and normal.
What’s not ok is feeling guilty because you skipped your workout, drank a mimosa before noon, and ate three helpings of Aunt Sue’s famous potato salad or something similar. I’m sure you are getting the picture. We all like to celebrate differently. 🙂
I’m not suggesting complete gluttony and I think it’s a good idea to move throughout the day. However, it’s important that you celebrate the way you, your family, and your friends choose to.
Take the pressure off of yourself and have fun. It’s totally possible to do healthy “nonrestrictive” things for yourself while you celebrate.
Here are five simple ideas:
Buy quality ingredients. No matter what recipes you decide to follow or food you choose to serve, buy whole foods and quality processed foods.
Move because it’s fun and feels good. Sitting around all day can make your body stiff and make you feel sluggish. Activities like hiking, flag football, bocce ball, horse shoes, swimming, and marching in a parade are all fun ways to stay active without it feeling like a chore.
Spend time being grateful. Take a moment to be thankful that we live in one of the best places in the world. This great nation allows us to pursue life, liberty, and happiness each and every day. For that, I am truly grateful!
Laugh. Laughter is good medicine and helps relieve stress.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and eat hydrating fruits and veggies like celery and watermelon. Staying hydrated helps your metabolism function at it’s best.
This Fourth of July, I encourage you to “declare your independence” from the restrictive side of the fitness and diet industry. Eat foods that you enjoy and agree with your body, and choose exercise you like.
Have a happy, healthy, and safe holiday.
God bless you and America!
Shared with love,
Jennifer
Photo above is courtesy of: Stephanie McCabe on Unsplash
Twelve Great Reasons To “Go Green” With Your Exercise
Green exercise is considered any form of activity that takes place in urban green spaces like city parks and campuses maintained by people, or in natural green spaces with minimal human upkeep.
Growing research continues to show us that being active in nature boosts your body, mind, and spirt. Activities like hiking through a forest, cycling through your neighborhood park, and walking along a river are proving to feel good to most people and there is evidence that confirms the benefits.
Some of the benefits of being active in nature compared to the same activites indoors are:
- more stress relief
- clearer thinking
- improved attention and concentration
- enhanced mood and a happier outlook
- less anxiety
- greater self confidence
- more vitality
- feeling more refreshed
- reduced pain sensations
- less fatigue for the same amount of physical work
- improved quantity and quality of evening sleep
- enhanced mindfulness or being more present in the moment
Years ago, I gave up the gym and switched the majority of my exercise to the great outdoors. It was one of the best things I’ve ever done for my own personal health and wellness.
If you normally like to exercise indoors or at the gym, I recommend mixing things up a bit and giving “green” exercise a try. I’m not suggesting you give up what is working for you or something you really enjoy. Try alternating your indoor workouts with some outdoor workouts or leisure activities. If it turns out that you aren’t crazy about exercising outdoors you can always go back to your original routine.
Here are some samples of outdoor activities to help you get started.
- Hike a trail
- Walk and eat your lunch at a park
- Walk around a lake or reservoir
- Walk your dog at a park
- Play with your kids at the park
- Play frisbee or another leisure sport on the grass
- Try light jogging or cycling through a park
- Paddle a boat or a board on a lake
I recommend you get creative and experiment with what works for you. Personally, I find that being next to the ocean offers many of the same health benefits I listed above. Allow yourself to discover where your happy place is that contributes the best to your overall health and well being. Here’s to a happy and healthy week!
Shared with love,
Jennifer