Fall has arrived here in the US and that means it’s back-to-school time for students and teachers (though still virtually for many) as well as the introduction of cooler weather and for many of us, an overall sense of change…
You may have spent this past summer focusing on family or work or house/apartment projects, perhaps working out a little when you had time.
You may not have had the opportunity to train aerial regularly with your studio being closed due to the pandemic (or open and then closed again!) or your social distancing practice kept you from returning.
Whether you are continuing to stay home predominantly this season or have decided to venture back to your aerial studio, it is important that you prioritize your health and fitness.
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are 7 key benefits to regular physical activity:
1. Exercise controls weight
Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain or help maintain weight loss. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn.
Regular trips to the gym are great, but don’t worry if you can’t find a large chunk of time to exercise every day. Any amount of activity is better than none at all. To reap the benefits of exercise, just get more active throughout your day — take the stairs instead of the elevator or rev up your household chores. Consistency is key.
2. Exercise combats health conditions and diseases
Worried about heart disease? Hoping to prevent high blood pressure? No matter what your current weight is, being active boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol, and it decreases unhealthy triglycerides. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly, which decreases your risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Regular exercise helps prevent or manage many health problems and concerns, including:
- Stroke
- Metabolic syndrome
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Many types of cancer
- Arthritis
It can also help improve cognitive function and helps lower the risk of death from all causes.
3. Exercise improves mood
Need an emotional lift? Or need to blow off some steam after a stressful day? A gym session or brisk walk can help. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier, more relaxed and less anxious.
You may also feel better about your appearance and yourself when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem.
4. Exercise boosts energy
Winded by grocery shopping or household chores? Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance.
Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helps your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. And when your heart and lung health improve, you have more energy to tackle daily chores.
5. Exercise promotes better sleep
Struggling to snooze? Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster, get better sleep and deepen your sleep. Just don’t exercise too close to bedtime, or you may be too energized to go to sleep.
6. Exercise puts the spark back into your sex life
Do you feel too tired or too out of shape to enjoy physical intimacy? Regular physical activity can improve energy levels and increase your confidence about your physical appearance, which may boost your sex life.
7. Exercise can be fun … and social!
Exercise and physical activity can be enjoyable. They give you a chance to unwind, enjoy the outdoors or simply engage in activities that make you happy. Physical activity can also help you connect with family or friends in a fun social setting.
So take a dance class (virtually, for now) hit the hiking trails or join a running club. If you can, get back to the aerial studio and take a beginner class. Brush up on the basics and be gentle on yourself, it will take time to rebuild your strength (but you will rebuild!)
Embrace the changing season and recommit to your physical, mental and emotional health, your passion and your self expression!
Have a wonderful rest of your week!
Aerial Dance, Aerial remedies, Aerial Silks, Aerial Tips, Covid-19, Flexibility, healthy fear, Uncategorized, Womack and Bowman
