The Power of Movement
By Shawn Bubb CPA, CIC, CSRM, MTSBA/MSGIA Director of Insurance Services
Although hope is in sight with vaccine approval and distribution plans rolling out, the lingering effects of the pandemic continue to impact our physical and mental well-being. A great way to counter these impacts is to re-discover some level of physical activity that gets your heart pumping and your mind thinking while putting a smile on your face.
We are fortunate to live in Montana and have so many convenient and affordable options for healthy and safe physical activity, be it moderate or vigorous. If ever there was a time we need healthy and safe activities to create that necessary life balance and generate those welcome feel-good endorphins, this is undoubtedly that time. So, I’m happy to provide a brief list of ideas from our benefits provider for these kinds of activities. They include—
- Walking/hiking routes, especially those with a bit of incline to them
- Jumping rope
- Doing sit-ups and push-ups
- Riding a stationary bike
- Using an elliptical trainer
- Jogging (on a treadmill or outside)
- Downhill and cross-country skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Weightlifting and/or weightlifting with a range of exercises for different muscle groups
- Swimming (inside for this time of year)
- Ice skating
- Snow shoveling (this can burn quite a few calories, too)
- Walking your dog
- Standing squats – just while you are watching the news each night – do a set of 20 squats with no weights – right in your living/TV room - try it during the commercials
- Stretching at the beginning and end of each day is great for your flexibility
- Taking the stairs several times a day at school or in your house if you work from home
Everyone has been so cooped up since March, and so getting out and moving is essential, especially as we start into our winter months. Start the movement routine now, and keep it going through the winter months and into spring. Your mind and body will thank you. And, as with any vigorous activity, be sure to consult your health care provider before beginning the activity, especially if you have been inactive for several months.
If you are looking for more good ideas, tap into your health insurance plan provider’s wellness programs, and I promise you won’t run out of ways to keep moving.
Be well and be safe! Return to newsletter