Meadows Health Fitness Center

We are thankful for our members and our community! What are you thankful for? Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy Thanksgiving from our team.

Would you believe me if I said you can make smart nutrition decisions even during the holidays? Thanksgiving is approaching, but don't think you can't be health-conscious while you celebrate. Keep this advice in mind over the next week! 1. Be active! Host a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, go for a walk around the neighborhood, or play some yard games. Exercising before eating can help you make healthier choices when building your plate. 2. Eat your veggies! Make sure you...r plate is loaded with all the nutrients you need. 50% of your plate should be non-starchy vegetables. 3. Eat smaller portions! Don't over eat. Start out with small portions of everything on your plate. If you still feel hungry, don't be afraid to grab seconds.

Are rainy days ruining your workout plans? While one day of showers can result in a rest day, rainy weeks filled with storms can lead to a cold turkey stop in your fitness routine. Push through the sleepy days with these alternatives! 1. Set up a home gym. Anticipating lots of rainy weather? Find a few pieces of inexpensive equipment or dust off the old treadmill that's collecting laundry. 2. Work on strength training. Most people choose aerobics as their go-to home workout,... but don't neglect your muscles! Try crunches, push-ups, or lunges. 3. Get a jump rope! Don't let the simplicity fool you. Try doing sets in intervals for a high intensity work out. 4. Have stairs? Try climbing stairs at different intervals. Start small and add on as you increase your fitness level. 5. Spring clean! Grab a vacuum, broom, and dust cloth and get to cleaning. You're sure to feel the hidden squats, lunges, and lifting. Finish your cleaning and your workout at the same time!

Getting stressed about navigating the upcoming holiday season? We totally understand! While some of you have trees up and tunes blaring, others haven't even thought about Thanksgiving plans. No matter where you're at in your 2020 holiday planning, here are our tips for managing stress during a COVID-19 holiday season. 1. Get active! And yes, we're biased, but physical activity is one of the best and most productive ways to handle stress. 2. Meditation and mindfulness exercis...es like yoga, pilates, and tai-chi can relieve stress through deep breathing and focused movement. 3. Stay positive! Writing down three things you are thankful for each day can help. 4. Get enough sleep! Not getting enough sleep can leave you tired, irritable, and with impaired judgement. Find a holiday sleep routine that works for you and stick with it. 5. Manage your time wisely! The holidays come and go in the blink of an eye. Don't be a victim of the holiday rush. Make a schedule or keep up with a list of to-do's. If you get behind, don't be afraid to call on friends or family to help! The holidays are meant to bring people together.

Happy Halloween! Please remember to #WearYourMask and stay safe.