C R Y D E R
P O I N T
FEBRUARY 11
Rediscover the Joy of Movement
WWW.QNS.COM | FEBRUARY 2022 | CRYDER POINT COURIER 11
BY KRIS HERNDON,
ELITE LIFESTYLE CONTRIBUTOR
For many of us, the start of the year is a time to refocus on our fitness goals. But with
winter winds blowing outside and the sky still pitch black when our alarm sounds in the
morning, we may find it tempting to hit the snooze button instead of heading for the
gym. How can we get motivated and embrace that new exercise routine?
To get inspired, I spoke to Kathryn Thomas, PhD, a researcher and educator who also
teaches Nia, a holistic wellness practice that takes the form of guided group dance. Now
in her 70s, Thomas shows no signs of losing momentum on her fitness journey; still, she
says it’s no surprise that when exercise is so often seen as a boring or unpleasant chore,
we may find ourselves avoiding it.
Here, fresh from my interview with Thomas, I give you three quick tips you can use
today to turn that chore of a workout into a celebration of movement:
TURN UP THE MUSIC
Thomas loves to move, but even for her, there are some exercises that can seem tedious.
“For me it’s the rowing machine, and certain strength exercises, like planks,” she
says. When she needs extra motivation to knock out those moves, she uses music to
get started. “When I’m feeling lazy and I don’t want to work out, I turn on a playlist.”
Thomas recommends choosing music with a strong beat and rousing melody — and
above all, pick songs that you like. “That’s how I get over my resistance.”
FIND YOUR COMMUNITY
Studies show a marked reduction in stress hormones when people move in a coordinated
group. There is simply something primal about coming together to dance, move,
and play. Thomas explains: “Science shows that when people engage in a rhythmic activity
together, everybody’s experience improves on multiple levels. It’s brain chemistry,
and when you experience it, you realize how powerful that is.” Thomas has found this in
her Nia community, where there’s a “synergistic kind of support for one another,” both
in-person and online.
KEEP A SENSE OF PLAY
Ever watch little kids playing at the playground? They seem to draw on a bottomless
well of joyous energy. But somewhere between teenage competitive sports and adult
weight-loss woes, play becomes more like work, and can be a source of feelings of guilt
or failure. Not to worry: Every human being can rediscover how to play, regardless of
age. The key is to stay present in the moment while embracing feelings of joy and release.
And remember, the goal is to get moving. As Thomas says, “Feeling good is its own reward.”
That’s what will keep you coming back and turn your new routine into a healthy habit.
Kris Herndon is a freelance writer who frequently covers fitness, health and wellness.
Can Good Nutrition Give Your Immune
System a Power Boost?
BY KATRINA TRISKO,
REGISTERED DIETITIAN
It’s February, it’s cold, the days are short, and there’s a pandemic going on. Especially now,
when staying healthy is on everyone’s mind, maybe you’ve wondered what you should be
doing to ramp up your immune system. There are plenty of supplements, cleanses, and
other fads that claim to boost immunity, but is there truth behind the trends?
While we all wish there were a silver bullet that could supercharge our immune systems
and keep us healthy, it’s not quite that simple. What really works is to take a holistic
approach to your health. That said, nutrition and immune function definitely do go
hand in hand. Here are three simple habits to keep your immune system strong:
EAT A COLORFUL DIET
Nutritionists have a saying: “Eat the rainbow.” It’s a quick rule of thumb to remind
you that when choosing fresh fruits and vegetables, you want to see the full range of
colors on your plate. Leafy greens have lots of Vitamin K; orange fruits and vegetables
are rich in beta-carotene. The list goes on, but you don’t need to memorize it. Just make
sure you’re eating a colorful diet, and you’ll boost your vitamin intake without even
thinking about it.
MAINTAIN CONSISTENT SLEEP HABITS, AND MAKE SURE
YOU’RE SLEEPING ENOUGH
Don’t forget that adults need seven to eight hours of sleep a night. In these stressedout,
work-from-home times, you may need to set boundaries to protect your sleep. Go
to bed at a set time if you can, and try to avoid screens for 30-45 minutes beforehand.
Sleep in a dark, quiet room. And aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise, three to five
days a week; your sleep will be more restful if you do.
MANAGE YOUR STRESS LEVELS
Stress can chip away at your immune response. That means good stress management
is key to staying healthy. So be proactive; build simple habits into your routine that
keep you feeling calm. Take a few minutes each day to connect with friends. Make a
playlist of your favorite songs. Get outdoors as part of your routine, even if it’s only for
a short time. Meditate. Just setting the intention to take control of your stress can make
a difference. Try it and see!
Katrina Trisko is a Registered Dietitian offering nutritional services to ELITE members.
To learn more, find Katrina on the ELITE App.
/WWW.QNS.COM
