Go Be Fit!

There is so much talk in the news these days about exercise and the brain. Research says that exercise boosts brainpower. It also says that the brain can change itself with meditation and exercise – that’s neuroplasticity at work! Exercise aids in the rewiring of the brain even as we age, all the more reason to get off the couch and go for a walk. I counsel clients of all abilities, ages and health status that any kind of movement helps! People that exercise have increased focus, creativity, health, mood, productivity and intelligence. Exercise has so many benefits for the brain: that it is hard to imagine a brain without a daily dose of exercise.

January is National Soup Month. Make yourself some good old fashioned soup before the month is over! I realize that I blogged about soup last week. This week I am going stress the benefits and convenience of eating wholesome soup on a daily basis. Soup has been known to aid weight loss, healing, detoxification and boost immunity. I believe in the healing power of a bowl of good soup. It not only nourishes you but feeds your soul as well. Soup brings comfort and satisfication. Do yourself a favor – get in the habit of eating soup!

I cook seasonally. This means that when the winter rolls around I cook warm and hot dishes including a variety of soups. Soups are a filling and satiating compliment to a healthy winter meal. They are a great way to sneak in your veggies and fiber. Some of my favorites include: Butternut Squash and Apple, Coconut Yam, Potato and Leek, Cauliflower and Cheese, Cream of Brocolli and more. I’ll have soup at lunch and at dinner. I never tire of it. Next thing you know is I’ll be having Miso Soup for Breakfast!

With the economy still an issue for many budget conscious people, fitness enthusiasts will look to save money. This means a boom in group fitness classes, specialty classes, and small group training offerings. It also means that more and more people are working out in the comfort of their home. One need not spend money to work out at home. Some free weights, resistance bands, a balance pad, a stability ball and you are good to go!

Shoveling heavy snow is quite a demanding activity that requires excellent strength, flexibility and cardiovascular conditioning. While shoveling yesterday, I thought about the many physical and physiological challenges it presents. I also considered the level of fitness necessary to shovel without creating injuiry, pain or heaven forbid a heart attack. Yet, there are many deconditioned people who put themselves at risk without thinking about the serious consequences of something as absurd as shoveling.

The new year brings bad weather, which brings a rise in accidents and health related issues. My best recommendation is to be in the best shape that you can possibly attain, because you need your health and fitness. Being in great shape means being independent. It means that I will shovel my own walk for as long as I can without relying on anyone else to do it for me – lucky me!

My Resolutions:

1. Volunteer on a weekly basis (already begun)
2. Meditate Daily (not consistent but have begun)
3. Learn basic wire wrapping/silversmithing to create original jewelry (in the works – great therapy)
4. Audition for the New England Conservatory Certificate Program for Voice (target date January, 2010)

I haven’t listed any resolutions that fall into the health and fitness category, that’s because I don’t have any at this time.

For many of us holidays are happy, a cause for celebration, while for others they are a cause for anxiety and stress. It’s hard to find someone who is neutral or has no opinion about this subject. Personally in the past years, I avoid all of the preparations and planning. I just want to keep my holidays simple. I tend to enjoy small quiet gatherings with family and/or friends.

Holidays have been known to cause me to overeat. I indulge my sweet tooth and the result is not pretty. Those sugar crashes leave me irritable and unhappy. I want my holidays to be happy and the same goes for everyone else out there. My plan over the next two weeks is to be mindful of my sweet consumption. I am going to exert more self control and stick to one dessert even though I’d like more! I’ll consider those in need who may not even have the ability to indulge in eating more.

When clients and group fitness participants complain about back, hip, knee or foot pain, I take a look at their gait and their shoes. Most often I discover that they are worn out or are wearing the wrong shoes for their feet. I think that most people don’t pay enough attention to the wear and tear of their shoes, unless they are a runner. Most diehard runners that I know pay close attention to this issue. Of course, there are always exceptions who run in a cross trainer, a hiking shoe, or just an old worn out pair! This is not recommended.

Please update your shoes and be certain that you are wearing the proper ones for you feet and the specific activity. You will be doing your body good. Pay attention to your feet and pamper them well!

I got two flu shots today, the seasonal flu in my left arm and the H1N1 in my right, being an allied health professional I need both shots. It wasn’t so bad. The clinic opened at 11:00 a.m. and I was there at 10:15 in order get a head start. By 12:00 I had both shots and was on my way home.

All I can say is that I hope that everyone who is at risk has been immunized. I hope that next year the CDC is better prepared and has a full supply so there won’t be a need to wait in long lines for a shot. I tried to get my shots in late October and aborted the mission due to long lines. I figured that I’d let those in the high risk category get their shot. I can wait, which I did. There was a lot of panic over this issue and I wasn’t going to panic. Worst case scenario, I would have been without a shot this year. I’m thankful to have gotten them today.

I wish everyone a healthy year!

I confess – I had too much to eat on Thanksgiving. I had planned for the possiblity of indulging a little bit by exercising earlier in the day. This usually works without fail. However, Thanksgiving Day was different.

There was just too much delicious food hanging around and beckoning my taste buds into savoring all of the wonderful flavors of the day! It was the desserts that did me in. I have always had a sweet tooth, which I can keep under control by being mindful of portions. However, Thanksgiving was the exception, I abandoned any control and let all hell break loose. It all started with the gourmet chocolate was downhill from there. I went home and nursed my belly ache by changing into comfortable pajamas and heading for bed early.

The next morning I awoke and forfeited my usual breakfast because I was so full! I finally felt better mid day and concluded that I can’t make a habit of overeating even though it’s so tempting!

My next test is New Year’s. I’m going to stick with eating what I need, despite what my mind may advise or attempt to convince me otherwise.