Improving Health

Spring and summer months are a great time to start engaging in more physical activity through walking or jogging routines to improve fitness, overall health, and losing weight.

As the days get warmer, though, you should be mindful that exercising in hotter temperatures can put you at risk of certain heat related illness such as heat stroke or exhaustion.

Scheduling time to exercise can be one of the biggest barriers to improving physical activity.

For some people it’s hard to find a consistent time throughout the week to exercise, while others struggle to find a long enough period in the day to get a workout in.

Here are some tips to consider when determining how to get the quality time needed for your workouts.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 7 out of 10 adults experience stress and anxiety on a daily basis which has at least a moderate effect on their lives.

Though stress is a natural part of our lives and there’s no way to completely get rid of it, without properly managing stress over a period of time, it can have serious health effects.

While there is no stress "cure," studies have shown exercise to be one of the best stress management tools, helping to decrease both short- and long-term risks.

Osteoporosis is one of the most serious and common diseases amongst the older population today with the expected prevalence to rise greatly within the next few years. 

The disease is characterized by a significant decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) which leaves those affected at risk of fractures as a result of weakened bones.

As of right now there is no effective cure for the disease. However, prevention through diet and physical activity is the best treatment. So to help you protect yourself from the Osteoporosis, here’s some exercise types that have shown to improve balance, coordination, and promote bone growth.

Arthritis can be one of the biggest obstacles for those living an active life. As time goes on, normal wear and tear on the joints causes the cartilage within them to become compromised. This can lead to periods of pain and stiffness as a result of inflammation.

Today, arthritis is one of the most common diseases amongst older Americans – and is the number one cause for disability. 50 million suffer from arthritis while 21 million report having symptoms.

While this physical limitation has the tendency to lead people to a more sedentary lifestyle, it’s crucial to keep active and moving. In fact, the Arthritis Foundation promotes regular exercise and physical activity as the best non-drug treatment for the condition.

When I first started creating fitness routines I would always have a general idea of what I wanted to accomplish, whether it be improving strength or building endurance. But as the weeks carried on I would lose motivation and consistency. Ultimately, I didn’t accomplish much because I lacked a direction and reason for what I wanted to accomplish.

About a year ago, I decided that I would run my first marathon. However, when I first started training there was no way I could run 26.2 miles (much less 5 miles). So to help me out, each week I set specific goals based on distances and finishing times.

Over a period of 6 months, there was a gradual progression to where I needed to be on race day in order to finish. Once I knew the keys behind setting the appropriate goals I was able to succeed.

To give you a better opportunity to gain more in your fitness ventures, here are some tips on how to create the appropriate goals.