Stretch!

 Stretch! It's Important...

Welcome to another post about "Tips to Living a Physically Active Life!" Today's topic is one that many people, including athletes, undermine, and that's stretching. Many injuries occur due to tightness and not stretching our muscles properly. By stretching, you improve your flexibility and your range of motion. You may be thinking, why do I need to be flexible? Well, being flexible allows your joints to move fully, improves your performance in physical activities, and increases your muscle blood flow. These are all essential benefits to allow you to even be able to be physically active, let alone live a physically active life. A great way to ensure you're stretching is to join a yoga class! Personally, I love yoga, especially after a long week of practice. It moves and stretches your muscles in ways you may not even know and you will feel so much better after. (maybe some pain during the session) By stretching, your body will feel so much looser and will be better equipped to perform daily tasks. 

Here are some tips on stretching properly:

• make sure you feel a stretching sensation, do not go for pain
• hold your stretch for about 30-45 seconds
• focus on the main muscle groups (i.e. quads, hamstrings, calves)
• if you are stretching before a workout, complete a dynamic stretch beforehand
• you can stretch anywhere and at any time :)

Little By Little

Every Little Bit Counts!

Good morning everyone! Welcome to another post related to "Tips for Living a Physically Active Life!" Today's topic discusses the importance of doing very little and how it can lead to a healthy life. Have you ever went on a walk or a run that you said would only be 10 minutes and it ends up turning into 30 minutes? That small ounce of physical activity can turn into a longer bit, resulting in the habit of it occurring every day. Aside from that, you do not need to lift weights, go on long distance runs or be on the basketball court for 2 hours to be physically active. By taking 10 minutes a day to just go on a walk is a starting point to living a physically active lifestyle. To make it more enjoyable, make it social! Grab a friend, parent or even personal trainer and just take a stroll and talk. I can almost guarantee you will not even realize you're being physically active and will lose track of time. Even taking your dog for a walk is physical activity. Find an activity that is enjoyable to you and start with little incriminates! Remember, every little bit counts. :) 

Find a Sport!

 Find a Sport That Interests YOU!

Welcome to another post related to "Tips on Living a Physically Active Life!" Today's topic is about finding a sport that interests you. As children, we all found a sport that we found interesting, and some of us have continued with it throughout our teenage to collegiate years. Basketball was my sport and still is. I have played for a total of 16 years, have played at the Division I level, and now play here at Slippery Rock. That was my motivation in helping me stay physically active so I was prepared to execute to the best of my ability in my sport. I have kept my mind and body in shape by playing basketball and now shape it to be a certain way to excel on the court. Below is an action shot of me playing at USNA in our annual Army vs Navy game. 

However, by engaging in a sport does not mean you have to perform that sport throughout your life like I did. Most adults now enjoy golfing or going tennis and performing other interests in relation to sports. By being active in those activities, continues a physically active life. Individuals that do not play a sport in college still interacted with them at a younger age, which sparks the want to keep their body physically active. Everyone loves watching sports but being involved in them is a simple way to live a physically active life. What is your favorite sport to partake in?

Strength Training

 

Strength Training & Benefits

Above is a picture of me lifting in the weight room as a member of the basketball team at The United States Naval Academy. Strength training is one of my favorite ways to be physically active. 

Good morning everyone! Today's topic is about the importance of strength training and some of its benefits. Strength training is one of the most efficient ways to build muscle, and get in great shape, and most importantly is a great activity to live a healthy life. Strength Training, aka Weight Lifting, is a physical activity that gets your body moving with the addition of resistance. By getting involved in strength training, you can help yourself lower the risk of injury, and make your bones stronger, and the main goal...to promote a great quality of life! There are so many resources to get started such as videos on YouTube and fitness influencers all over social media platforms (i.e. TikTok). In today's time, many people are in the gym picking up weights and bettering their bodies and mindsets. It is important to be physically active in your life and a good way to start is with strength training. 

I hope reading this gets you motivated to hit the weight room and live a physically active life! Thank you for taking the time to be a part of my blog.