Move More Month
There is plenty of movement involved when making artisan granola. From hand-mixing ingredients to filling baking trays to sealing up bags full of the good stuff, movement is part of our daily routine. Our bodies and minds feel the benefits of sustained movement, which is why Move More Month is a staff favorite!
Move More Month is an annual campaign from the American Heart Association that focuses on the importance of everyday exercise and movement. When you participate in physical activities, it can help:
- Lower the risk of diseases
- Improve your mental health
- Reduce the risk of depression
*Find exercise recommendations on the American Heart Association’s website
We believe that exercise should be fun and engaging, so here are some ideas to get you moving:
Dancing
You can increase your heart rate and use many of your muscles when you dance! According to Everyday Health “studies show that dancing can help you lose weight, stay flexible, reduce stress, make friends, and more.”
It is a movement activity that you can:
- Do at home
- Do outside
- Do by yourself
- Do with a partner or group
When they are not making beyond delicious granola, owners Deborah and Terry O’Kelly enjoy learning new types of dances. “It’s a great outlet for me.” says Deborah, “while learning a new type of dance, I can move around and reduce any stress that I am feeling.”
Group Fitness
Exercise can be a fun shared experience, like being part of a group fitness class! VeryWellFit.com states that group fitness “is good for your social health, can create set schedules and accountability, can build confidence, and even helps you gain support and motivation.” The group fitness class model is very versatile and can be used for a variety of activities, like: running, Pilates, cycling, strength training, tai chi and yoga.
So gather your friends or try a class by yourself, with the goal of creating more movement in your life.
Yoga
Finding opportunities to focus your mind and body can be few and far between. Yoga offers amazing benefits by exploring different movements and ways to quiet your mind. The American Osteopathic Association says “The purpose of yoga is to build strength, awareness and harmony in both the mind and body.”
Whether you practice in an instructor-led group session or in the comfort of your own home, yoga can offer something for everyone.
We hope you find fun activities that help you move more this spring! Don’t forget to pack your favorite snack to help you keep moving.
