Healthy Monday | Be Active Decatur

Are you walking correctly?

March 13, 2023 by Gael Doyle Leave a comment

Like any other exercise, walking requires proper form and technique to be done safely and effectively

We learn to walk when we’re still in diapers, but that doesn’t mean we necessarily know how to walk correctly. Like any other exercise, walking requires the right technique in order to be done safely and effectively.

Proper walking form incorporates four different elements: posture, foot motion, stride, and arm movement. For posture, hold your head high, place your shoulders back, and tighten your mid-section. Remember to stand up straight and don’t arch your back. When in motion, your arm movements should be minimal; make sure that as one arm goes back, the opposite foot goes forward, and do your best to keep your hands partially closed but not clenched — a clenched fist can raise your blood pressure.

Now let’s focus on what’s happening waist down. Do your best to tuck your pelvis under your torso and position your feet straight ahead and parallel to each other. With each step, remember to hit the ground first with your heel and roll through to your toe. When it comes to your walking stride, don’t take too big a step forward; be in control and aim for longer strides on your back step. Imagine you’re using your back foot to propel you forward.

When you go on your daily walk this Monday, focus on form and take the extra time to make sure you’re walking correctly.

From our friends at Move it Monday!

Filed under Active Adults, Decatur Active Living, Exercise, Healthy Monday, Monday Campaigns, Walk Decatur, Walking Tagged with Active Living, Decatur Active Living, Exercise, Healthy Monday

Move it Monday: This Monday, Ink it in!

October 1, 2018 by saraeholmes Leave a comment

From our friends at Move It Monday

Exercise is vital to a healthy life. But, it can be difficult to make time for it with a busy schedule. This week we share some ideas to fit fitness into your daily routine. Motivate yourself this Monday to make time for a workout – and continue throughout the rest of the week.

Exercise guidelines recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of exercise a week, how you break that up is up to you. Carve out a regular standing time with yourself for fitness and make an appointment. The reason? If you have it in your calendar, you’re more likely to be mentally prepared and show up. Entries like “Swimming” and “Monday Mile” should become regular dates to motivate you to get a move on.

Start this Monday and stick to it throughout the week. When you start the week with fitness, research shows it’s easier to stay motivated and inspired the rest of the week. Schedule time to take a class, go swimming, ride a bike, or go for a Monday Mile. Commit to get moving every Monday.

Small steps can lead to big changes. There are a million things to do every day, and sometimes it feels impossible to get it all done. Scheduling in short bursts of physical activity throughout the day can add up to make a big difference.

Schedule a power lunch. If exercising in the morning or after work isn’t always possible, makeover your lunch hour. Schedule a mid-afternoon yoga class or do a mini-workout at your desk. If it’s nice out, plan a Monday Mile, it’s only 2000 steps and takes less than 20 minutes.

This Monday, make the time to fit fitness into your busy schedule and commit to stick with it throughout the week. For more exercise tips and support, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. We’d love to hear from you! Share your Move It Monday fitness successes.

Filed under City of Decatur, Decatur Active Living, Exercise, Healthy Monday, Monday Campaigns Tagged with Healthy Monday

Healthy Monday: Keep Walking!

July 17, 2017 by saraeholmes Leave a comment

monday

It’s not news that walking is a great way to include more physical activity into your day while getting a low-impact workout. Research shows that walking for at least 30 minutes a day may improve your cholesterol, lower your blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and help stave off stress. If you have already been able to incorporate more walking into your daily routine – or if you walk the Monday Mile every week – you’re already on a great path to getting more physical activity and fighting the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle. Read more about getting the most out of your walk on the Move It Monday blog.

Join Decatur Active Living for the 50+ Walks every Wednesday. The walks begin and end at the Decatur Recreation Center, are about 2 – 3 miles in length, and begin at 9 am during daylight savings time.

For more information on walking in Decatur, click here.

Filed under City of Decatur, Decatur Active Living, Walk Decatur, Walking Tagged with Healthy Monday

Healthy Monday: Give In To Temptation?

February 22, 2016 by saraeholmes Leave a comment

Read about more Monday Campaigns here.

Filed under City of Decatur, Decatur Active Living Tagged with Dieting, Healthy Monday, nutrition

Healthy Monday (On Tuesday!)

February 16, 2016 by saraeholmes Leave a comment

Walk the track at the Decatur Recreation Center.

Join us for one of our Active Living walks.

Take a bike ride.

Do some yoga.

Have FUN!!

Filed under City of Decatur, Decatur Active Living, Walk Decatur, Walking Tagged with Exercise, Healthy Monday, Walking

Healthy Monday: Get Moving for a Good Cause

February 8, 2016 by saraeholmes Leave a comment

The City of Decatur hosts many non-profit run/walk events that beneift the local community. For information and a schedule of the Team Decatur participating 5Ks click here. Tour deCatur, benefitting the Decatur Education Foundation, will be held March 12. Information is here.

Filed under City of Decatur, Decatur Active Living Tagged with Healthy Monday, Team Decatur, Tour deCatur 5K