Celebrating National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
By Leslie Tomlinson, Yoga Therapy Student at Maryland University of Integrative Health
May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. Designated in 1983 by the President’s Council on Fitness, this program seeks to improve the quality of life and fitness levels of all Americans. There are lots of ways to get moving and plenty of proven tips to be successful in achieving longevity in your workout plan.
One thing that can keep you engaged in working out is finding the fun in movement. For many of us, there was a time in life (maybe when we were much younger) when “working out” wasn’t a chore. It was a time perhaps to explore the unknown, feel the grass in our feet, spend time with friends, explore the limits of our bodies, meet new sounds or creatures in nature, and just generally enjoy moving in our bodies in all different ways. As we grow older, the same sense of joy can still be found in activities like hiking, biking, rock climbing, and swimming. If you feel limited by the numbers… How much time? How many calories? Is my heart rate high enough?… just let that all go and find movement that feels good for you.
Another great way to sustain a workout routine is to find a buddy. This could mean setting a time and place with a friend. It could also mean finding an adult recreational league in a sport you enjoy. Local gyms and parks have programs for basketball, soccer, kickball, softball, tennis, swimming, and many other sports. You’ll get to meet new people, develop friendships, and have a built-in system of accountability. All of this can also be found in group fitness classes. These can include but are not limited to yoga, Pilates, Zumba, spinning, aerobics, water aerobics, cross fit, etc. Group fitness classes are often packed with friendly faces working towards similar fitness goals.
Getting moving is a great first step to moving towards better fitness, and nutrition is a natural next step that can help you feel energized and ready to move. At Maryland University of Integrative Health, we have a wide range of Nutrition programs including a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Sports Performance and Integrative Nutrition. If you’d like to learn more about this program and other integrative health academic programs at MUIH, we invite you to register for one of our informational webinars or our next Integrative Health Graduate Fair on July 27.
#GetActive #PhysicalActivity #MoveInMay #FindYourHealth #FitTip