Redefining Rest – A Wellness Habit Worth Prioritizing

As life gets busy, adequate rest becomes more elusive. However, it is a vital part of health and wellness. Rest isn’t just for post-workout recovery, a rare vacation, or sleeping at night. While these are important, rest is also a daily practice that allows physical, mental, and emotional renewal. The Benefits Rest can look different for everyone, but it involves hitting the pause button to intentionally allow your mind and body to relax. Proper rest promotes good digestion and a more regulated appetite. It encourages more mindful choices throughout the day. Physical rest can relieve muscle tension and soreness that builds up from repetitive motion and long workdays. A mental break helps manage stress and process emotions. Pressing pause can slow stressful and anxious thoughts and allows us to be more fully present. Are You Getting Enough? Rest is a [...]

5 Tips for Choosing a Personal Trainer

A personal trainer can be a beneficial asset to any exercise routine. They bring motivation, accountability, fresh perspective, and personalization to help you safely reach your physical activity goals. However, it can be a challenge to decide who is the right one. Choosing a personal trainer is an investment, and as with any investment, it is necessary to research and find a good fit for you. Here are five tips to help you select someone who will set you up for success. Ask About Their Education, Credentials, and Experience Look for a knowledgeable, experienced personal trainer by selecting someone with the right education and credentials. While it is good to find someone who has a deep passion for physical activity, it is equally important to ensure they have the necessary background. Trainers with a degree in a field like exercise [...]

Heart Month: Stress Less for Cardiovascular Health

Stress is something that we all experience as humans, often daily. It can present acutely, such as running late for an appointment, or chronically, such as managing a new health diagnosis. It is natural for our body to respond in these situations to help protect us in an emergency. However, when stress persists, its effects typically become long-term and detrimental to our health. It affects every system of our body, including our heart. How Stress Affects the Heart Stress affects the heart in several different ways. Stress produces an increase in hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones cause immediate body changes such as increased blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar. In an emergency, these changes can be beneficial responses to protect the body and prepare it to fight, but if the stress continues unmanaged, these responses persist. [...]