Moving into the new year!

We like to MOVE IT!

Let’s say one of your goals for the new year is to get up and move a little bit more this year – but where to start? Social media is a good idea, but it’s easy to spiral into comparisons over “fitfluencers” or get upset that things aren’t going as smoothly as you’d hope. Don’t worry! The great thing about fitness is, you make it work for YOU. Don’t have time for a full-on sweat sesh? Maybe take a walk around your building or the block!

Let’s find some time to MOVE into this new chapter together!

Feel good!

You probably know that exercise is mostly associated with weight loss, but what are some other benefits? Well, it’s not just healthy for your body, but also your mind!  Here are some reasons why it makes us feel good physically and mentally.

• Help reduce stress. Harvard Medical School reports that aerobic exercise reduces levels of your body’s stress hormones, like cortisol and adrenaline, while also boosting feel-good endorphins. Exercise also promotes the production of serotonin and dopamine!
• Think clearly. Studies show that aerobic exercise can help boost cognitive function and flexibility, which means you can jump from task to task in your mind!
• Boost sleep! Exercising at least 150 minutes a week can improve sleep quality and reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep. (make sure to time your workouts right!)

Up and Moving

One of the perks of working out at home is the ability to make it fit into your schedule. However, what exercises are the best for overall health?

• Pushups – Help strengthen your arms, chest, and shoulders.
• Running/Jogging – Improves cardiovascular health and bone strength.
• Swimming – Focuses on all the muscle groups, which is suitable for individuals with injuries!

You can even level these exercises up by adding weight, increasing repetitions, and increasing the frequency. If creating a workout regimen isn’t your style,  click here for a list of some of the best workout programs to try today!

Rest and Recovery

Let’s say you knocked out a fantastic workout and are ready to do the same thing tomorrow – but hold off for just a second! You don’t want to  overexert and injure yourself, consider taking an active recovery day. Active recovery is when you swap your usual workout for one that’s less intense, like yoga or a gentle walk. Here are some other options to try out on your next recovery day:

• Tai Chi – It’s not just great for your allowing your body to recover- it is also meditative in its movements, so you get double the rewards!
• Swimming – Yes, you can do this as a full workout or use it for active recovery!
• Pilates – Pilates is great for active recovery as it uses your body weight to stretch and lengthen your muscles. Plus, pilates can help with strengthening your hips and core to correct your posture!

Sharing and caring!

Do you have a favorite workout program or go-to exercise? Let us know, and share with your friends and family!

Community Hero Spotlight: Caroline Berger – Director of Corporate & Community Relations at The University of Arizona Health Sciences

Caroline was welcomed into the UArizona Wildcat family in February 2020 as the Director of Corporate and Community for Health Sciences in Phoenix. She loves being able to introduce people to the amazing programs offered by the University in downtown Phoenix and has a strong commitment to the community. She proudly serves on a variety of health and education committees locally and nationally representing the UArizona Health Sciences-Phoenix. Originally from Washington, D.C., Caroline and her family have lived in Arizona for more than 20 years, and she considers herself to be a true Arizonan!

Caroline’s favorite skill of The Be Kind Pledge is BE THANKFUL. She has a gratitude journal that she writes in every day. Gratitude means appreciating everyone and all things. She encourages everyone to take a moment each day to look around and discover something to be thankful about. You will be amazed at all that you have and, be sure to share your gratitude with others. This can create a positive change!