7 benefits of regular exercise:
• Controls weight
• Combats health conditions & disease
• Improves mood
• Boosts energy
• Promotes better sleep
• Puts spark into your sex life
• Fun, social and can connect you with nature
The Department of Health and Human Resources recommends 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week / 75 minutes of aerobic exercise per week / strength training 2 times per week.
If you have questions about starting a new fitness program or have chronic health issues such as heart disease, diabetes or arthritis please call and schedule an appointment with one of our Naturopaths for guidance.
It’s time to get OUTSIDE and EXERCISE! by Dr. Rob Neilson
Exercise is key to staying well during this crazy time. Whatever your passions are, wherever your heart is right now, I strongly encourage you to get out and exercise!
By getting outside and exercising, you BOOST your ENDORPHINS. So you feel better after exercising in the great outdoors. This also boosts your energy and productivity during times when you are not exercising.
Being outside in nature is inspiring, and promotes you to exercise more! I promise you, walking outdoors on a trail is so much more enjoyable than walking in a gym. For me, I am motivated to go for an outdoor hike or bike ride, but don’t even think of putting me on a treadmill! So get motivated, head outside and PLAY!
How you exercise does count. To get the most from your exercise, do push the intensity a little bit. Having a few minutes that really brings your heart rate up to 80 – 90% of your personal max will improve MANY health outcomes.
I find that cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure all benefit from some high intensity exercise in your mix. Also, there is a greater endorphin release with higher intensity exercise.
If you are wondering about the best ways to exercise for your healthcare needs, please schedule a visit with me, Dr. Rob Neilson, at Hawthorn Healing Arts: 541 330-0334.
Happy exercising!
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It’s possible to go Overboard, by Dr. Stephanie Auerbach
While exercise is important to include in our lives for several reasons, it’s still possible to go overboard. How do we know what’s too much? How can we support our bodies to help enhance the benefits of exercise?
For some, more strenuous exercise leaves you feeling invigorated. For others, even more moderate exercise can leave you feeling drained, exhausted and in need of a nap. If you find yourself in the latter group, it’s best to listen to your body and tone down your workouts so that it still feels like you have some gas in the tank afterwards. Adrenal fatigue, thyroid dysfunction, and poor sleep are just a few things that can affect our body’s ability to benefit from exercise. Putting too much strain on yourself without supporting the areas that need a little more attention has the potential of doing more harm than good. Again, listen to your body!
If you’ve always had difficulty finding the energy to exercise, or you’ve more recently noticed a decline in your stamina, we at Hawthorn can help! Whether it’s running blood work or devising a nutrition/supplement plan to get you where you want to be, our providers are here for you. Call us at 541-330-0334 to schedule an appointment.
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Every chronic disease is less likely to occur with regular exercise, by Joshua Phillips
Everybody knows getting exercise is good for your health, but do you know just HOW good it is? In terms of preventing chronic disease, you can bet that every one of them are less likely to occur for those who get regular exercise.
For me, the physical experience is only part of why I exercise– an even bigger reason is for the emotional and mental well-being. I find that while rigorous exercise is of course great for the body, it REALLY helps move and release emotional and mental tension. And guess what, caring for yourself mentally and emotionally always helps support physical health at the same time.
Honestly, I have had a lot of difficult moments coming to terms with what is happening in our world right now– socially, medically, politically, economically (did I miss anything?!). It seems over-thinking, analyzing, and fretting about everything that’s happening just leaves me an emotional wreck. I’ve begun to realize that more than ever, I need to be grounded, nourished, and really caring for myself right now.
Whether it be a mountain bike ride, a run in the woods, or just a walk along the river, it is often the quickest way to bring some peace of mind. So if you find yourself getting a bit wound up like me, don’t forget about this ancient spiritual teacher and natural anti-depressant: EXERCISE!