The birds are chirping, the flowers are starting to bloom and the pollen is covering the cars. Spring has sprung in Sarasota! Now is the ideal time to get outdoors and enjoy the mild climate before the summer heat and rainstorms come our way.
There are so many ways to enjoy the season. Head out to one of the area’s farmers markets, catch a spring training baseball game or plant new flowers in your yard. (Or better yet, do all three!)
Read on for some health and fitness tips to help you keep that spring in your step this season!
Exercise of the Month: Balance
Balance is important to everyone, but particularly to older adults. In order to keep up your balance and prevent damaging falls, there are some key things you can do:
- Stand on one leg like a Florida flamingo. Try holding the position for 30 seconds. To make it more challenging, try standing on a cushion or closing your eyes. Make sure you have a chair handy nearby if you need to catch your balance.
- Use a balance board. A balance board or wobble board can help you improve your stability. Try standing on the board and rock front to back, left to right for a minute, working your way up to two minutes.
- Sign up for a tai chi or yoga class. These classes can help you improve ankle flexibility and build confidence.
- Walk heel to toe. Try walking heel to toe for 20 steps forward, then walk backwards with toe to heel.
- Perform squats. Squats help build sturdy legs and quads. With your feet hip-width apart, bend your knees and lower yourself down. Keep your arms straight out and your back straight. Your thighs should be parallel to the floor. Try doing three sets of 10.
- Maintain muscle force. Muscle force is used to get out of a chair quickly and to prevent falls. Occasionally leap out of a chair using your arms to gain momentum. This will help you build power.
- Try ballet. Ballet dancers use many muscle groups, so ballet training can help you strengthen your nervous system’s coordination of muscle groups. This can help you keep your balance.
- Get enough sleep. It’s best to sleep more than seven hours each night. Without enough sleep, your reaction time slows and your risk of falling can increase.
For more information, read this article:
https://www.prevention.com/fitness/a20443104/6-ways-to-improve-your-balance/
Try These Healthy Recipes for St. Patrick’s Day
Some shamrock shakes out there aren’t too healthy, but here’s a recipe for a Shamrock Shake Smoothie that really shakes things up. Spoiler alert: it includes fresh spinach, kiwi and mint.
Check out the full list of ingredients and directions here:
http://www.eatingwell.com/video/7293/how-to-make-a-healthy-shamrock-shake-smoothie/
Here’s another take on some favorite St. Patrick’s Day-themed foods. This recipe for Mini Corned Beef & Cabbage Shamrock Tostadas uses corned beef and sauerkraut on a spinach wrap. You can even cut out the spinach wraps into shamrock shapes for an extra festive touch!
Read the full list of ingredients and directions here:
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/251386/mini-corned-beef-cabbage-shamrock-tostadas/
Pain Relief Through doTERRA
doTERRA now offers Copaiba oil, an essential oil blend similar to CBD oil. It offers therapeutic properties without using cannabis, so there are no legal ramifications. This oil doesn’t contain THC or CBD, but it replicates the benefits.
You can use it for a variety of purposes, including liver support, cardiovascular health, immune response, digestive support, neurological function, respiratory function and pain.
Pick up a bottle for yourself or a family member today at the BeFit SRQ studio.
March into a Lively March
There’s so much to do in Sarasota this March. Here are some of the events I’m looking forward to:
On March 2, country singer Cole Swindell is coming to Ed Smith Stadium. He’ll perform at the Orioles’ Party in the Outfield event, along with two special guests that will be joining him—Mackenzie Porter and Carter Faith. Swindell has toured with Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line and Dierks Bentley. It’s sure to be a fun night at the ballpark!
The next day, the 39th Annual Sarasota Jazz Festival kicks off with the fun event Jazz in the Park. This concert at Phillippi Estate Park will include performances by the Manatee High School Jazz Band, The Sarasota Jazz Project big band and drummer Greg Caputo with his quartet. This free event is a great chance to enjoy the outdoors and some great jazz at the same time.
The Southeastern Guide Dogs Walkathon is the perfect opportunity to get some exercise while supporting a good cause. On March 16, people from Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota will gather at Nathan Benderson Park for a 3K walk and Waggin’ Tails Festival. They’re going for a world record for the most dogs wearing bandanas at a single event, so be sure to bring your furry friend! Bow wow!
