Category: Active lifestyle

Since Hanukkah, Christmas and the New Year mean lots of gatherings and parties, I thought it would be helpful to post a few tips that will keep us on the healthier side, while still enjoying the celebration. I actually saw the following advice at a downtown sushi restaurant, Mi-Ne, while having lunch with my mom. It was engraved in the green tea cup, both in English and Japanese. Take a look!

10 Ways to Good Health

1. Less alcohol – More tea
2. Less meat – More veggies
3. Less salt – More vinegar
4. Less sugar – More fruit
5. Less eating – More chewing
6. Less words – More actions
7. Less greed – More giving
8. Less worry – More sleep
9. Less driving – More walking
10. Less anger – More laughter

If you have had a joint replacement, aquatherapy is an amazing way to rehabilitate your joints and strengthen the muscles surrounding them. The water medium will help you improve the range of motion of the joint and therefore walk with a better gait. It will also help you strengthen the major muscles groups in your hip, upper and lower leg, such as quadriceps, hamstrings, hip flexors, gluteus and gastrocnemius muscles.

In my aquatherapy sessions, I have mostly encountered hip and knee replacements, due to the stress that is placed on these joints over a long period of time. The wear and tear can occur from a few factors, including high-impact activities and disease. Doing a variety of physical activities ensures that you remain active but at the same time gives your lower body a chance to rest and recover. Even if you already have a joint replacement, consider alternating high-impact activities with cycling, swimming and aquafitness in order to protect your body from overuse or injury.

Fitness is very rewarding! This month, think about the many benefits that fitness can give you. It will help you reach the goals you have in mind, which are your definitions of fit and healthy: playing with your grandchildren without flare-ups afterwards or being able to see nature up close and personal. Fitness prepares you for life and play, so that you can enjoy it fully and without pain!

Here is a personal example: hiking in Washington state, close to Seattle, at Rattlesnake Lake. My sister is a very fit runner, so I am glad I keep active in order to be able to keep up with her. The view at the top of the mountain was a beautiful reward. Keep in mind the pictures posted here when the workout gets hard because being fit gives you the chance to climb and enjoy the view!