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Week 3: You Are Going To Want To Give-Up, Don’t!

New England Spring Weather Makes This a Real Challenge – You might have wanted to give up!
Maybe you have had a hard time sticking to the Eight -Week Plan, or any plan.

Let’s face it, rainy, cold, humid and sunny, we are never sure what to expect, but don’t give up, don’t give in.

If you got started and barriers prevented you from following a perfect plan- consider it a warm up and start again. If you have been consistent, then keep up the good work and add some speed and miles.

Life’s daily routine may have been disrupted, and getting back it back on track may be harder than you expect. Tips on increasing motivation toward the goal of getting moving are listed below.

  • Walk with a friend
  • Check-in with an accountability partner
  • Volunteer where movement is involved
  • Find ways to work more steps into your day

Did you know:

WALKING IS GOOD FOR YOUR MIND
Walking can help in the treatment of anxiety and depression. It can improve self-esteem and happiness.Walking outdoors offers additional benefits. (Kelly P,et al.” Walking on sunshine: scoping review of the evidence for walking and mental health.” Br J Sports Med, July 2019 Vol 53 No 14)

WALKING IN GREEN SPACE CAN IMPROVE SLEEP
Regular walking in green space may improve sleep quality and quantity; and reduce periods of insomnia. (Jong Cheol Shin et al., “Greenspace exposure and sleep:a systemic review.” Environmental Research Volume 182 March 2020)

WALKING CAN IMPROVE THE EFFECTS OF ARTHRITIS
Just short -10 minute walks can help minimize or eliminate the onset of the physical disabilities associated with arthritis

WALKING GROUPS IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH AND YOUR CHANCES OF SUCCESS
Walking with friends or in a group has been shown to improve resting heart rate, blood pressure, BMI, blood cholesterol,VO2 Max, and depression scores. It is safer and increases adherence to the program. (http://dx.doi.org/10-1136/bjsports-2014-094157)

Time spent walking and moving can improve muscle strength and flexibility : cardiorespiratory fitness, joint health, bone density, sleep quality, it can also help with managing weight, stress, and mental health.