After a year of making (and eating) loaves and loaves of sourdough bread, many of us are making our way back from remote work and learning to real offices and schools. And with this return to reality comes the reality of actual pants!
The timing couldn’t be better. May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month and while starting a workout routine from scratch can be intimidating, there are lots of ways to celebrate this month by getting healthy and fit that don’t involve pumping iron for hours on end.
- Join a team. Most towns have adult sport and social leagues for “leisure” sports like bowling and kickball, but also more competitive leagues for soccer, tennis, and even softball. Check with your city rec department for details.
- Take a yoga class. If a gym is too intense, yoga or even pilates may be for you. You’ll get all the muscle-building of weightlifting plus the breathing and meditation to calm your nerves and ease your spirit.
- Spring clean. Vacuuming, carrying boxes to the curb, and light landscaping will make your house shine but will also get your blood pumping and muscles working.
- Sign up for a run. When you pay for an organized event, like a 5k run/walk, you’re holding yourself accountable. Visit a site like www.runsignup.com to find runs of any distance all over the country.
- Take a hike. If distance running is not for you, try a hiking trail instead. Hiking works different muscles and alternately challenges you and lets you commune with nature in ways that street running doesn’t. Visit www.alltrails.com to search for hikes by distance and difficulty.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tells us that even mild physical activity reduces anxiety, improves sleep, and releases endorphins that just plain make you feel better. It also can help keep weight under control and improve immunity, all of which is good ammunition for the continued fight against everything from COVID to the flu to chronic illness. To learn more about the benefits of exercise, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/index.htm