Small Changes

       As the weather changes and you contemplate the coming winter, are you considering any changes? The changes could be small or big, for the better, or you may be getting ready to copy the leaf and “fall into a recliner.” The weather is still nice for running or outdoor activities like hiking and apple picking. Unlike the leaves that are nearing their end, there is still time to embrace life, enjoy family and friends, and get just a little bit healthier.

     Nearly 70 years ago Dylan Thomas advised not to go “gentle into that good night…” There is still time to “rage!” 

Rage (Or at least sneer)

Cheer for the Beer!

     My wife and I spent last weekend in the Seneca and Cayuga Lakes region.  While there, I participated in a 5k run at the Fleur-de-Lis Brewery. It was a nice run through some of the countryside in this region, benefiting the Wounded Warriors. We went up the night before to check out the Brewery and sample the beer.  It was a friendly place and it was relaxing  to sit outside, walk around the grounds and drink our beer.
      After the run, we drove to a few wineries and breweries, walked around their establishments and sampled some of their products.  We had beautiful weather and it was a really scenic area to drive around. We also had two "date" nights where we enjoyed live local music and even got to dance.
      As I always remind you, you have to be fit enough to enjoy your life.  You might never run a race, but you need to be able to walk around, dance and live a good life.   All in all the weather was good, the beer was better and the ability to get away for the weekend was best.


Wine not whine

Fun With Grandchildren

     I love to wrestle, to run and to have fun anytime I can see any of my grandchildren.  I really like rolling around on the floor or just running in the yard. Unfortunately, most of them do not live close to me and I cannot see them often.
     I want to be able to do this as long as I live. Even as they age and want to go for a run or to a baseball game, whatever they want to do, I want to be healthy enough to do it with them. To ensure I will be able to move as I age- I exercise. I run, I ride my exercise bike, jump on the trampoline and stretch.
      You can do whatever you are comfortable doing, but you need to move.  Keeping your joints flexible, keeping your muscles strong and supportive and feeling good about yourself is important.  Even if you just walk your dog every day or walk from the back of the parking lot into the store, it is moving. Can't walk well?  Chair exercises and chair yoga are popular alternatives to help keep you in shape.
      My wife and I went to the Saint Joseph's Center picnic today.  We like buying chances and things to help out a little bit in support for the incredible work they do for the community.  Yes, I had a sausage sandwich and a potato pancake.  However, normally I am intermittent fasting during the week and make healthier choices when I do eat.  It is all about finding balance and what works for you.


Share your life and share your fitness

Plunging for Health

 

    My wife and I spent the St. Patrick's Day weekend in Cape May, NJ.  We were doing a Polar Plunge and I was doing a 5k run the same morning.  We like doing Polar Plunges in the ocean when we get the chance.  It is a great way to have fun, get away for a few days and help to raise money for some really terrific charities.  It is also a good way to socialize with like-minded people and meet new people from different places and different walks of life.

   The first thing you notice when staying in Cape May is how health conscious the people seem.  There are people walking, running and biking everywhere you look.  They walk on the beach, they are walking their dogs, they bike to get back and forth for groceries, etc.   The Cape May Running Company organizes runs on a regular basis for all levels of running ability, from beginner to marathoner. 

     Don't get me wrong, the local people know how to have a good time. The morning started with "kegs and eggs" and registration for the day's events.  Beer and breakfast are always good, a great way to "carb-up" for the run. I always say, it's about balance.  If you move throughout your day--taking the stairs when you can, walking around the block or walking your dog, parking in the back of the parking lot and walking to the door--you are making little changes that can make a difference in the way you feel.


Taking the plunge for fitness is always good.

Healthy, Happy New Year

     Today is the first day of the year. As such, the run I went on today, was the longest of the year. If you want to get in shape this year, or diet or whatever, it is a good time to start. 

     You don't have to run far or fast, or do 50 push-ups today (so that you are too sore tomorrow to do ANYTHING), to get some benefit to carry through the year. Even if your resolution is NOT to exercise, you should consider stretching a little.If you become a little more agile this year, a little more agile, you will benefit throughout the year. If your resolution is to travel, being a little more flexible could only enhance your enjoyment of your travels. And if your resolution IS to exercise, you do not have to overdo it in one day. If you do 1 push-up today and each day all this week, maybe next week you could do 2. Maybe 3 the following week and so on. Then, by this time next year, you'll be doing 52 push-ups at a clip: not too shabby. Exercise or not, remember to stretch. You can YOUTUBE it to find a fairly easy routine. Have fun, enjoy the year, and maybe a year from now, you'll be a little happier and a little healthier than you are now.

Best day of the year.... so far

Snow Is a Four Letter Word

     According to The Cleveland Clinic, each year about 11,000 people end up in the E R from shoveling snow. Most are orthopedic injuries (sprains, strains and broken bones), but some are from cardiac events. You can minimize the chances of ending up in the E R, buy taking a few precautions. Even if you are in shape, keep in mind the cold air would make breathing difficult and effect blood flow.  Using a smaller shovel would make each shovelful lighter (and less likely to strain muscles). Taking more breaks would also reduce cold weather injuries (frostbite and the like). Lastly, try to be sure of your footing and wear proper footwear to reduce slip and fall 

injuries.

     The most important aspect of being fit enough to shovel, however, is to be fit enough to enjoy life. You don’t have to be the fittest that you can be, but you should be “fit enough.” Fit enough to walk, to dance, to enjoy life and yes, to shovel. Get some type of exercise a few times a week, stretch afterward (while your muscles are warmed up) to stay flexible. And while you’re out there. Have a snowball fight with your kids or grand kids, build a snowman, or a  snow fort, and find a way to laugh and socialize.   

Don't spend winter in the E.R...

   

Changing Seasons, Changing Activity

     The seasons are changing, the winds are blustery and you can tell that Fall is slowly moving into Winter.  In the Fall, you can get out there, pick some apples, grab a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, take a walk and enjoy the beauty of all the changing colors of the leaves. Go to a local football game, join a bowling league, take a bus trip to NYC...just get out there and do something.  While movement is very important, so is socialization and relaxation.  I always tell you, a healthy life is about balance. Balancing your work, exercise, family time and social life.
      If it gets too windy or rainy outside, there are a lot of ways to exercise indoors.  Buy a used exercise bike or treadmill, stretch out on a yoga mat, lift soup cans for weights, go to the mall and walk up and down the hall, walk up and down the steps to the second floor in your home, or put a fun dance exercise show or music videos on TV and just move along the best way that you can.  It doesn't matter how you move, it is that you are moving.


You don't have to "leave" your home...