Smile, Laugh and Move Your Body: Why a Positive Outlook Is Good for Your Health

Are you a Debbie Downer?

Or do you go around humming “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” all the time?

And which do you think is better for your health – a negative attitude or a positive one?

Yep, it should be obvious. And it’s also true. Studies show that optimism is good for our physical and mental health, as well as our longevity.

• One group of researchers reported “older individuals with more positive self-perceptions of aging… lived 7.5 years longer than those with less positive self-perceptions of aging.”

• Another found that a positive outlook boosts heart health, even among people with a family history of heart disease.

• People with a positive outlook live longer, have fewer heart attacks, and struggle less with depression.

The positive news about all this, even for those with a grumpy disposition?

Exercise helps. Simply by moving our bodies, we put ourselves in a better mood. And by maintaining strength, agility and endurance, we build upon our happiness every day. So, go for a walk, ride a bike, lift weights, run, swim, hike, practice yoga, dance – whatever you like.

Need more?

• Smile and laugh, even if you’re faking it – studies show we get the same physical benefits by just going through the motions.

• Write down or say something you’re grateful for every day.

• Call or see a friend or loved one.

• Let go of what you can’t control – like traffic, past mistakes, and other people.

10 Great Ways to Give the Gift of Healthy Encouragement to Move, Move, Move

Let your holiday gifts this year encourage people you love (including yourself) to move their bodies and enjoy an active lifestyle. Whether they’re already on their fitness path or about to begin, these ideas are a good place to start and cover a broad price range for everyone on your list.

1. The Apple Watch 5 has apps to keep an eye on your heart. Get a quick read on your heart rate, or check your heart rhythm with the ECG app. The watch can also detect falls and alert emergency services. The price starts at $399, but don’t worry. Other fitness monitors (like Fitbit) are less expensive and still fun and valuable.

2. Resistance bands fall on the opposite end of the high-tech spectrum. These are available from many retailers in rubber and in fabric, starting at around $10. They can provide a good workout at home and are super-simple to toss in a suitcase for travel. Here’s just one example, Fit Simplify, available on Amazon.com.

3. A new mat. Maybe it’s time to get a new one, or maybe it’ll be the first. Either way, it’s great to have a mat handy for home workouts or to take to yoga or Pilates class. Also affordable from countless retailers.

4. Locks that use words as combinations. For people who have trouble remembering numerical sequences, try this fun alternative for the gym locker or bicycle.

5. A headlamp. Walking is excellent exercise, even in winter when it’s colder and darker. Keep the outings safe with a headlamp or reflective materials on clothing.

6. Audiobooks. This is a great way to keep up on reading while engaging in some forms of exercise. At Audiobooks.com, the first one’s free, and then a monthly fee of $14.95 covers one title.

7. Proper footwear. Anyone exercising should wear the right shoes, whether while running, working out with weights, playing basketball or anything else. Talk to us for suggestions that will match the activities. A cheaper alternative for a stocking stuffer: good workout socks from any top brand of athletic wear, like Nike, or athleisure, like Lululemon, that give support and have “sweat-wicking” technology to keep feet dry.

8. Weighted blankets. Studies show that weighted blankets help us calm down, feel secure and rest better. And rest is one of the most essential elements of fitness.

9. Lessons, classes or private training sessions. Give the gift of a new experience or expert coaching. Talk to us about options here or locally that would be fun.

10. Eat out – right. A local vegan restaurant has caught your eye. Or maybe that place with the quinoa burgers and organic salads. Whatever it is, make a reservation with the loved one on your list, and you’ll both enjoy a new experience together.

Come see us or call to learn about our specific offerings, and other exciting deals we know about around town. It’s fun shopping for fitness for friends or family members. And you might even pick up something for yourself!

Here Are 9 Simple Steps to Living the (Healthy) Life You Want in the New Year

Live Healthier in 2020

About new year resolutions, there’s bad news, and then there’s good news.

First the bad news: Most of them fail.

Now the good news: People over 50 have more life experience and tools to succeed at them. You’re more realistic, focused and balanced – in life and in reaching a goal, which is really all a resolution is, anyway – a goal.

As fitness experts, we know that plenty of people start each year wanting to get in shape. So, they join a gym or studio like ours full of determination to stick with it, to lose the weight, to eat better, etc. And that’s great. We want everyone to gain the benefits of exercise. But not as many of them incorporate fitness habits into their lifestyle for the long term.

Some people don’t like to think about resolutions, and we can see why. We’re here to help. And we look forward to talking and answering any questions you have. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking on track.

1. Embrace Your Hard-Earned Wisdom. Nobody knows you better than you, especially at this point in life. You’ve set and reached many goals before, and you’ve learned the difference between wanting to do something and feeling like you should do something. You know which kind of exercise you like, what time of day works for you, etc.

2. Forget Anyone Else’s Expectations. Along those lines, shake loose society’s standards about what your body is “supposed” to look like at this age or that. If for no other reason, move your body because it makes you feel good. The rest will follow.

3. Slow Your Roll. People in their 20s and 30s tend to overcommit too quickly, take on too much, and then get frustrated when they can’t meet the self-imposed pressure. By now, you’ve probably learned the value of starting with one specific goal. It can be as simple as walking around the neighborhood three times a week. Or joining one of our fitness classes for a certain number of sessions per week.

4. Revel in Your Freedom. People over 50 tend to have fewer children at home, so there’s less pressure to rush back to the daily grind after the holiday break. And people who are retired get even more freedom from the onslaught of job stress after the period of holiday bliss.

5. Remember What You Want – Specifically. Get specific. (“I want to play ball with Timmy this spring”… “I want to feel stronger on the golf course” … “I want to look good when I walk my granddaughter down the aisle.”). Remember this goal whenever you’re frustrated or need motivation.

6. Count Your Blessings. Exercise is a celebration of what we can do – not punishment for other actions. It’s a chance to show how much you want to be here and happy for as long as possible. Try it: Gratitude is a much better motivator than complaining or channel-surfing.

7. Put Movement Into Your Routine. Park at the far end of the lot. Take the stairs. Take the dog for a walk. Dance while you clean house.

8. Grab a Buddy. Whether it’s with a friend, co-worker or spouse, you’re more likely to succeed if you have someone with you. And if you don’t have someone to join you, come in anyway and make new workout friends. The social component is one of the countless blessings of being a member here.

9. Avoid the Label. Don’t think of it as a “New Year’s Resolution.” That’s too much pressure! You’re just moving that body, every day, one day at a time.

Remember, we’re here for you!