ActiveLifestyle – Be Well Solutions

Stretch It Out: The Underrated Benefits of Flexibility and Mobility Work

Maintaining mobility and flexibility is key to preserving independence as you age. Incorporating exercises that target these areas can help create a well-rounded exercise routine. Flexibility refers to the range of motion available to a limb or joint, whereas mobility focuses on the ability to control movement throughout that range. Mobility and flexibility not only support healthy movement but also provide various additional benefits. Lower the Risk of Injury Increasing flexibility and maintaining strong mobility help lower injury risk. They provide stability that can help minimize slips, trips, and falls. Maintaining a full, controlled range of motion can also help prevent muscle strains and tension. Increase Range of Motion Regular stretching helps to improve and maintain range of motion for our limbs and joints. A full range of motion promotes better control and stability of movements. It can combat [...]

Tags: #Circulation, #FitnessRoutine, #MuscleHealth, #PhysicalActivity, ActiveLifestyle, exercise, fallprevention, flexibility, HealthyAging, HealthyHabits, InjuryPrevention, jointhealth, Mobility, physicalfitness, posture, rangeofmotion, stretching, wellness|

Prioritizing Family Fitness Amid Busy Schedules

Between busy work schedules, back-to-school chaos, and daily responsibilities, it can be difficult to maintain a consistent exercise routine. For many, spending hours in a gym each week is an unrealistic option during this season of life. The thought of taking any time out of our day to work out can bring feelings of guilt and frustration. While we know physical activity has numerous health benefits, how do we prioritize it during busy schedules and seasons? Let’s explore realistic ways to keep active as a family now and in the years to come. Make it a Priority with Value Before exercise can become a lasting non-negotiable priority, it needs to be something you find genuine value in. We might know it is a healthy thing to do and our doctors or loved ones might encourage us along the way. However, [...]

Tags: #FitnessMotivation, #healthandwellness, #PhysicalActivity, ActiveHobbies, ActiveLifestyle, backtoschool, exercise, exerciseconsistency, familyfitness, FamilyHealth, fitnesstips, HealthyHabits, HealthyLifestyle, movement, physicalactivityguidelines, StressManagement, wellness, WorkLifeBalance|

A Blue Zones Approach to Physical Activity

In the early 2000s, National Geographic journalist Dan Buettner began researching and coined the term “Blue Zones” to identify areas of the world where people lived the longest (Blue Zones). His research led him to seek similarities among these groups to discover their strategies and secrets to longevity. One of the common characteristics involved the way people move and stay active. Let’s explore how centenarians, or people who live to be 100 years or older, naturally incorporate movement into their daily lives. Natural Movement In the Blue Zones, people do not typically exercise by going to the gym or joining the latest fitness class. Instead, they fit movement into nearly every aspect of their life. They walk to and from work, school, and the store. They do many things by hand rather than relying on modern conveniences and appliances. Citizens [...]

6 Everyday Habits that Support a Strong Heart

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. However, up to 80% of heart disease risk can be lowered with lifestyle choices and everyday habits (Brown Health University1). As we celebrate Heart Month, let’s take a closer look at how we can make healthy choices to support a strong heart. Move Regularly and Often Physical activity is a main component of heart health because it helps manage blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and even stress. Prioritizing regular physical activity throughout your day can help reduce your risk of heart disease while improving your endurance and stamina. The U.S. Department of Health2 recommends that adults accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity along with two to three days of strength training activities each week. If you are new to exercise, talk with your doctor [...]

Tags: #HeartHealth, ActiveLifestyle, biometrics, CardiovascularHealth, DiseasePrevention, HealthyHabits, healthyliving, heartmonth, lifestylemedicine, nutrition, preventivedhealth, sleephealth, smokefree, StressManagement, wellness|

Move for Longevity: Strength & Mobility for the Years Ahead

Aging can come with its fair share of health concerns. However, maintaining the ability to move well doesn’t need to be one of them. Incorporating routine exercise can help you keep your range of motion, strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility. It helps minimize the risk of age-related injuries and enhances your ability to perform daily tasks. As we age, we still want to be able to accomplish things like carrying groceries, climbing stairs, and lifting our grandkids. Keeping movement a priority will bring more longevity and independence to your years. Cardio Exercise Cardio exercise is necessary for overall health and wellness, but regular movement also helps maintain mobility over time. It aids in managing conditions like arthritis by decreasing pain and stiffness and improving joint function. Regular cardio movement will help sustain and increase your stamina and endurance as you [...]

Tags: #FunctionalFitness, ActiveLifestyle, agingwell, balance, cardioexercise, exercisehabits, flexibility, HealthyAging, independence, InjuryPrevention, longevity, Mobility, movement, strengthtraining, wellness|

Building Bonds and Health: Incorporating Wellness into Family Life

In today's fast-paced world, where schedules are packed and stress levels are high, it's more important than ever to prioritize wellness within the family unit. Incorporating wellness practices into family life not only fosters stronger relationships but also promotes physical and mental well-being for every member. Institute for Family Studies[1] discusses various strategies to build a healthier family environment through regular exercise, mindfulness activities and healthy eating habits. These approaches can help create a more intentional and connected family life contributing to overall wellness. Here's how families can embark on a journey towards wellness together. Prioritize Physical Activity Encourage the whole family to engage in regular physical activity. Instead of viewing exercise as a chore, turn it into a family adventure. Whether it's going for a walk after dinner, playing a sport together on weekends, or joining a family-friendly workout [...]

Tags: ActiveLifestyle, BuildingStrongFamilies, FamilyBonding, FamilyCommunication, FamilyHealth, FamilyNutrition, FamilyWellness, health, HealthyEatingforFamilies, HealthyFamilyHabits, HealthyLifestyle, HealthyLifestyleChoices, MindfulnessPractices, PhysicalActivityforFamilies, wellness, WellnessJourney|