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kids playing hopscotch

Physical Activity: Good for your body and mind

We often hear about the many benefits physical activity has for our physical health but it also has numerous benefits for our mental health. Mental and physical health are closely connected. By being physically active, you can reduce your risk of heart disease and your risk of depression and anxiety. And you don’t have to workout for long periods of time to get the benefits. Short amounts of physical activity throughout the day add up and make a difference.

girl on floor doing crunches

Work Out at Home with our New Videos

Last week on the blog I shared about our new Move tab on the website which includes two At-home Workout videos. One of the main reasons people say they aren’t physically active is because of a lack of time. Our new videos are less than 20 minutes long and can be done in the comfort of your home. I am your workout leader and my friends Shannon, Katy and Justine join in along the way. I promise you will have some fun as you get moving along with us.

Staying Active in the Winter

We are in the thick of winter here in Iowa and it’s not always easy to get enough physical activity. In the summertime there are options but many of those options disappear when the temperature drops, and the days get shorter. It is recommended to exercise at a moderate level for at least 150 minutes every week. If you need some inspiration to raise your activity levels in the winter, don’t worry, we have some ideas!

New Videos for At-Home Workouts on Frigid Days

As I write this blog, snow is swirling in the air and it is cold outside. Like really cold. As much as my kids and I enjoy sledding and being active outdoors, it’s not possible right now, since it is recommended to limit your time outside. This also means my kids are having indoor recess at school which usually isn’t very active. Therefore, I’m thinking of different ways we can be active inside our house.

Activity Snacks

Have you ever heard of activity snacks? These are like food snacks, but in physical activity form! Sometimes I dread going to start a workout- whether that be at the gym or at home, I do not want to put in a chunk of time to move. Days can become busy, but I often feel discouraged and defeated when I feel I did not get enough movement in. This is where activity snacks can fit in your everyday.

Use a Chair to Move your Body…What?

You probably don’t think about grabbing a chair when wanting to move your body, but with our Chair Workout video, you do just that. With this video you can strengthen muscles and add activity to your day with just a chair and your body – and in less than 10 minutes!