Health & Fitness
Get Active, Become a Weekend Warrior
Embrace the weather. Motivate yourself to become a weekend warrior by participating in various physical activities.
As the work week winds to an end, the weekend arrives with the couch calling your name for a little rest and relaxation. Resist the temptation of your sofa by taking advantage of the summer sun. Embrace the weather, go on a brisk walk to destress, engage in aerobic activities, or grab friends to join a club or sports team. Motivate yourself to become a weekend warrior by participating in various physical activities.
Walking for as few as 30 minutes a day provides heart health benefits, according to the American Heart Association. It is the single most effective exercise to achieve heart health. Another popular aerobic exercise, hiking, is also beneficial for your health. It is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, while increasing bone density, improving muscular health and decreasing the chance of premature death.
If you remain physically active 7 hours a week, your risk of dying early is 40% lower than someone active for less than 30 minutes a week, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Help decrease your chances of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke by remaining active everyday, including the weekends
Find out what's happening in Barringtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Physical activity alleviates not only the body, but the mind as well. Psychological benefits of physical activity include the instant release of endorphins, the “feel good” hormones. Exercise can improve your mental health by reducing anxiety and depression, while increasing your self-esteem.
If you don’t exercise often, it is important to start slowly and gradually increase your level of physical activity. Take part in hobbies or sports that you enjoy, without pushing yourself too hard.
Find out what's happening in Barringtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Keep yourself healthy and remain active throughout the week. Plus, take advantage of your free time and seize the weekend as a weekend warrior, someone who’s committed to putting their health first.
Robert Malecki, M.D. practices Family Medicine at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital and is a member of Advocate Physician Partners. He attended medical school at Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poland and his residency at St. Mary of the Nazareth Hospital Center, Chicago. Dr. Malecki has a practice in Crystal Lake and can be reached at 815.479.7490.
