Walkabout February 4, 2009 5:16 PM
They say that those who wear a pedometer walk an average of 2,000 extra steps every day. Our walking program at OJR is simply a way to raise our consciousness about our activity levels at a time of year when it is easy to be less active.
In fact, if the cold weather is keeping you from walking or running, there are plenty of ways to get your steps inside. The malls are great places to tack on the steps and most open by 7 am to accommodate walkers.
If you hate feeling cold there are a few ways to shield yourself from the chills even if you are exercising outdoors. Wool socks rock! Columbia Outlet has some really nice ones that are good in summer and winter. Have you seen those hand and foot warmers you can stick in your gloves or shoes? They are pretty cool! They have them at the new running store on Rt. 100 near Giant. Some of the new performance fleece can really be your friend. The good stuff allows you to be warm without sweating.
Frustrated with your pedometer? Cheap pedometers usually do the basic job of estimating steps and our program is not so demanding that precision is super important. However, there are really cool pedometers in many different price ranges. The Eddie Bauer Outlet at Limerick has a decent sport pedometer for $7.99 with any purchase. There are even pedometers that plug into your computer and download steps!!!
If you have a pedometer you love, please share by leaving a comment. Same goes with tips for running and walking! Everybody wins with extra activity. Let's help each other out!
-- Jo-an Rechtin
State of Readiness August 27, 2008 1:26 PM
Webster's lists several definitions for the word "fit", including "a sudden activity followed by a relaxation" (commonly experienced by caretakers of the very young). For some reason I have always equated being "fit" with a well-sculpted body, complete with the six-pack result of serious weight lifting, marathon running, and boot camp work-outs--none of which I enjoy.
When the Owen J. Roberts Wellness Council selected a title for programming and a logo we wanted to make sure our message had mass appeal. Given my bias, I was worried about how others might relate to the word "fit".
It was interesting that within our committee, being "fit" had unique connotations for each of us. One council member grew up in a military family learning early on to value the sense of preparedness that the word "fit" conjured for her. I could relate to her feelings about being "ready" and I hope you can too.
Having our physical and emotional selves in a suitable state so that we may live life fully and happily is how we hope you relate to "Fit for Life" . Preparing ourselves in this manner is an ongoing and infinite process. When we think of wellness in that light it is possible to remove the stress, fear, or guilt that we often feel when we attempt to measure healthy lifestyle.
Over the last few decades the average American has become far less healthy than ever before. In fact, it has become so bad that it is now predicted that our children will have a shorter life expectancy than ours. Worse, those shortened lives may be spent not feeling too well. This should inspire each of us to work at evolving to a more "fit" state. Yet, we are so barraged by health improvement messages that it is easy to feel incapable of ever actually succeeding.
Fit for Life embraces a philosophy of collaboration, cooperation and communication where we, as community, may share ideas that help our personal wellness journeys feel uniquely satisfying.
What foods do you eat that nourish your mind and body? What sort of activities do you participate in that help you feel lighthearted? In what ways do you allow yourself to play and rest? Each day holds a unique opportunity to share and learn and move toward our best selves. I am working to accept being fit as a pleasurable journey, rather than an uncomfortable imposition. I think I am ready, how about you?
-- Web Master