Women’s Health and Fitness Day brings attention to the importance of regular exercise and healthy living for women of all ages. There are various ways to love your body in terms of health and fitness, so we’ve put together a short list of ways to guide you towards healthy living. Consider calling up your best girlfriend or enjoy these tips for yourself; either way, get creative in exercising your health and fitness today!
- Be Active by attending a fitness class
Zumba, Pilates, Yoga, Barre – try a new fitness class or go to one you love. Yoga can provide physical and mental benefits by relieving chronic pain and help you manage stress. High Intensity Interval Training classes such as Zumba, Pilates and Barre are great for reducing blood pressure and burning calories in a short amount of time. Check out fitness classes online for easy access!
- Be Healthy by getting your thyroid checked
One in eight women will develop thyroid problems during her lifetime. The thyroid is an important part of the body, effecting many bodily functions from your metabolism to your ability to get pregnant. The good news is that is you develop hypo or hyperthyroidism these conditions can be treated with medication to regulate the production of thyroid hormones. If you are worried about the condition of your thyroid, make an appointment with your primary care physician to check it out!
- Rest by taking a nap
Feeling a little run down? The National Sleep Foundation states that naps can restore alertness, enhance performance, and reduce mistakes and accidents for the period directly following the nap up to a few hours after. It can also provide a psychological benefit for you, promoting relaxation and rejuvenation. Make sure you allow yourself to rest and wind down to limit stress levels and enhance your performance!
- Explore by going for a walk
Something as simple as a daily brisk walk can have numerous benefits to your health. Regular walks can help you maintain a healthy weight, prevent and manage heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. It can also strengthen your bones and muscles as well as improve your overall balance and coordination. Grab a friend to keep you company and hit the nearest trail or sidewalk!
- Be Strong by maintaining strong bones
The National Osteoporosis Foundation explains that women are more at risk of developing osteoporosis because females naturally have smaller, thinner bones than men. Also, our hormone estrogen, which protects bones, decreases at menopause. Good news is there’s a simple secret to help lower your risk! Enjoy a well-balanced diet that includes calcium and vitamin D (either organically or through supplements), exercise, and limit smoking and drinking.
- Hydrate by drinking water
Monthly changes in female estrogen and progesterone levels (also known as Menstruation) impacts the female body’s ability to hydrate. To keep optimal function during this time, it’s ideal for blood volume to be high. The reason? When a woman’s estrogen and progesterone levels are high, she loses around 8 percent of plasma volume (the watery part of blood). Therefore, it’s important to hydrate before monthly cycles and especially before any form of exercise. Get creative and try putting some citrus or fruit in your water!
- Indulge by treating yourself to some chocolate
You read that correctly. Dark chocolate is made mostly of cocoa solids which contains iron, copper, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, and flavanols. These flavanols may help to protect the heart by lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of diabetes. It’s always best in moderation and with the highest percentage of cacao. Check out chocolates at your local grocer, aim for 80-90% cocoa!
Content updated 4-23-2021
