Fitness Stress Relief

Does work, children's activities, volunteering, etc. get in the way of having a "stress free" life?

The answer is most certainly "yes".  However, fitness activities can definitely play a role in minimizing your level of stress.  Check out the Jess Runs blog to learn about an example of how you can manage your stress through fitness.

Post-Run Stretching

Stretching after workouts is important.

While there is a lot of debate about the benefits of stretching, my personal experience tells me it helps eliminate injury.  If nothing else, it helps prevent stiffness and soreness. 

This post from the Run To The Finish blog provides some great insight on the benefits of post-workout stretching and some exercises you can use.

Iowa Eat Right

The Iowa Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics have put together some great resources on their website.

The website for the group is www.iowaeatright.com. It features some great information about various recipes and foods as well as information for children to eat healthy.  This site also offers a feature where you can submit questions to be answered by a registered dietitian.

Faith and Fitness Meet

Church seems like a good place for fitness activities.

I love this article from the Des Moines Register about churches putting together fitness activities.  Isn't your church a great place to come together for fitness activities?  It helps promote friendly and healthy social interaction.  Additionally, many churches have a gym or other facilities where fitness activities can be hosted. 

Check things out at your church . . . new motivation for fitness could be as close as your local church.

Fitness Journal A Good Idea

Keeping a fitness journal is a good idea.

Not only does it help you keep track of your activities, it helps hold you accountable to your plans.  You won't remember the activities you do after a week or more, so record your fitness endeavors.  Not only can it help you determine what you're doing right, but perhaps what you might be doing wrong as well. 

Check out Jeff Galloway's blog about why you should keep a journal.  It doesn't have to be overly complicated.  I use a simple notebook with entries for every day. 

Walkabout Challenge

If you are just getting into fitness activities, this might be a great program for you to consider.

This is a 30-day "walkabout challenge".  It's sponsored by www.sparkpeople.com. Check out this 30-day program here.  You can do it any time.  Each day has new "walkabout" assignments and it's not that hard to do. 

You Know You're Addicted To Running

This is a humorous post from the Shut Up And Run blog that shows when you are addicted to running.  I'm sure many of you who might be reading this are.

http://www.shutupandrun.net/2015/02/you-know-youre-addicted-to-running-when.html

Flotation Therapy

Ever tried flotation therapy?  No, I haven't either.

It's made its way to my community.  It's sort of a floating meditation, relaxation for pain relief approach.  Check out this article from the Des Moines Register that shares more information about flotation therapy.

Tracking Your Activity

There are lots of ways to track your fitness activities these days. 

You can use your phone in a variety of ways or you can invest in another device.  FitBit, Garmin and Nike all have a variety of these types of devices in a variety of price ranges.  Be prepared to spend at least $50.

This post from the Des Moines Register will give you some options of the more popular devices currently available.