June 9, 2024
Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
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June 9, 2024
Many of us go to the gym with a specific goal in mind—to become healthier, to look and feel our best, or to gain more strength.
If you’re reading this blog right now, you may be searching for exercise tips for weight loss. But guess what? Your overall physical health isn’t based solely on how much time you spend in the gym.
Regular exercise is one aspect of your overall health—and a very important one! But it’s crucial to live a healthy lifestyle in other aspects of your life. Otherwise, you may not reap all the positive benefits of exercise.
So, hold the crunches for now—if you want to get the most out of your workout routine, it’s time to get back to basics! Get the most out of physical health with these simple lifestyle tips.
From going to work to working out, nearly everything we do benefits from a good night’s sleep. Without the recommended 7-8 hours for adults, we’re not functioning at our best—cognitively or physically.
Lack of sleep limits your body’s ability to build new muscle, protect you from disease, and recover from physical activity.
And not getting enough sleep negatively affects your eating habits, too. If your natural circadian rhythm is disrupted, the hormones that regulate hunger get kicked into overdrive—which often leads to unnecessary snacking.
So, if you’re not sleeping well, you’re not setting yourself up for success in the gym. If you find yourself struggling with your sleeping habits, here are a few methods we find helpful:
Limit caffeine: Caffeine’s effects last long after consumption, up to 4-6 hours. It’s best to avoid drinking caffeinated beverages after noon.
Avoid late-night snacks: Consuming food close to bedtime will disrupt your body’s natural digestion and keep you awake longer.
Stick to a routine: This means going to bed and waking up at the same time every day—even on weekends and holidays. Consistency makes a big difference!
Unplug before bed: Phones and electronics emit a blue light that interferes with your circadian rhythm. Try reading a book or listening to a sleep podcast before bed.
Exercise regularly: That’s right—studies show that the more you exercise, the better you sleep. You’re more likely to catch those Z’s you need when you hit the gym.
While you might be seeking exercise tips for weight loss, don’t underestimate the power of proper hydration in your journey. Water helps us maintain a healthy weight and keeps our bodies moving.
Much like getting enough sleep, your body requires a certain amount of water every day in order to function properly. Without enough fluids, your muscles and internal organs have to work twice as hard to get you through a workout.
And according to multiple studies, roughly 75% of Americans are dehydrated. So, if you’re not drinking enough water, you’re making your workouts harder than they need to be.
If you plan on hitting the gym or doing some physical activity, don’t wait to hydrate—you should be drinking fluids before, during, and after exercise. And make sure to drink fluids at regular intervals throughout the day, especially with meals.
To up your hydration game, consider adding some electrolytes to replenish the nutrients your body loses through sweat. Or snack on some fruits and veggies! Watermelon, cucumber, and bell peppers are all great sources of nutrients and hydration.
And no matter where you go, it’s definitely a good idea to carry a water bottle with you. If you need to gear up, you can find plenty of options at our ProShop.
Stress can take a toll on the body and mind. While experiencing some stress now and then is normal, prolonged stress can put a great strain on your heart and body.
Chronic stress can lead to cardiovascular issues, mental health problems and increase your risk of a stroke. It’s important to find methods that manage your stress and bring your body back to a healthy baseline.
The good news? Much like sleep, working out and stress have a mutually beneficial relationship. The more you work out, the less likely you are to experience stress! That’s because exercise releases powerful endorphins, which combat those feelings of stress and anxiety.
Here are some of our favorite ways to manage stress and get back to feeling your best:
Relax your mind: The mindful movement of yoga and Pilates creates deep relaxation and a sense of calm. Find your center with our mind and body classes.
Focus on breathing: Shallow breathing can trigger anxiety and make your body feel tense. Try these deep breathing techniques—they only take a few minutes!
Connect with others: Sometimes, you just need the support of a good friend! Bring your workout buddy with a 5-day pass and crush your goals together.
Stretch it out: Stretching after a workout is a great way to relax your body and your mind too! Try stretching first thing in the morning or before bed to put your mind and body at ease.
Dance it out: Any physical activity is great for stress, but dance, in particular, is an excellent stress buster. The movement and upbeat music can really put you in a great headspace!
Who doesn’t love a gorgeous, sunny day? A walk in the sun can instantly put you in a better mood. But of course, too much of a good thing can be harmful to us.
It’s important to wear sunscreen and protective clothing to mitigate the harm of UV rays. But we do need sunlight for our body to function—just in small, healthy doses.
Vitamin D is something we get from healthy sun exposure, and it supports many essential functions: your muscles, bones, immune system, and blood pressure all benefit from it.
And measured sun exposure also helps us maintain our circadian rhythm. Try to get your sunlight first thing in the morning and at least 2 hours before bedtime to help reinforce your natural sleep cycle.
The only way to get more sun exposure is to get outside! Make time for an outdoor walk, hike, or run a few times a week to feel your best.
Exercise tips for weight loss are not the only tips you should be following if you want to improve your overall physical and mental health.
The small choices we make every day have an impact on our overall health in big ways. Start with these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to looking and feeling your best—before you even hit the gym!
