Hello, HealthTrip Travelers!
Our vacation time is coming to a close in Pressureburgh and it has been a month filled with lots of great information about high blood pressure. Be sure to continue to log your Frequent Mover Miles. And remember that being physically active is a great way to keep your blood pressure numbers in the healthy zone!
- Consider adding some variety to your aerobic activity to keep your interest and motivation levels high.
- Change your exercise location. Instead of walking in your neighborhood, venture to a local park for a power stroll.
- Bring a buddy along. Exercise once a week with a friend or family member to infuse something different into your routine.
- Ramp up your intensity. Try light jogging periodically during your walk to increase the exercise intensity. Or add a few hills to your regular bike route.
- Try a new activity. If you like playing basketball, maybe you will also excel at tennis or racquetball.
Coming Up in Pressureburgh
- Yoga As You Are: Tomorrow! Tuesday, March 25 in BTSU 316. Come dressed as you are – all you need to bring is a yoga mat or a towel. In addition to a short, stress relieving break you can earn 5 bonus mover miles.
- Pump Station: Stop by the Falcon Health Center on Thursday, March 27, or Friday, March 28, between 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM to get your free blood pressure screening.
- Move It Monday: Earn 5 Bonus Mover Miles and have fun on your lunch break by joining us Zumba in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union Room 316 on March 31 from 12:15 – 1:00 PM. Changing into comfortable clothes and fitness shoes is recommended.
Fun with Fitness
Now that the weather is starting to feel more like spring, it’s a great time to grab a buddy, your walking shoes, and hit the trails! Here are just a few links to some of the nearby parks with great trails in Northwest Ohio.
Wintergarden/St. Johns Nature Preserve (Bowling Green)
Oak Openings Preserve (Swanton)
Farnsworth Metropark (Waterville)
Sidecut Metropark (Maumee)
Participant Highlight: Nancy Boudreau
Congratulations to our Aerobiquerque monthly winner, Nancy Boudreau! Nancy works in the Department of Applied Statistics & Operations research. She is completing her 34th year at BGSU and here are her tips for living a healthy, active lifestyle:
What small steps/changes have you made to improve your health?
“I try to do some form of activity every day. This is sometimes impossible, but it is my goal.”
What exercise did you enjoy doing while in Aerobiquerque? How did you fit it into your day?
“During February, I did several activities. By far, the activity that I did most was cross country skiing. Most people have hated this winter, but I have loved it. I skied 17 days in February, usually at 6:00 in the morning. I also did some running and rode my stationary bike. I get up at 5:45 in the morning and workout before coming to work. I sometimes also do a second workout when I get home in the evening.”
What motivates you to live a healthy lifestyle?
“Everyone in my family is very active. My husband works out every day as do my 4 daughters. It is not hard to stay active with all the support. I also love to compete. I have participated in the Senior Olympics at the state level for the last 5 years and at the National level last summer. My main sport these days is bike racing, but I do compete in several triathlons, too. Our favorite family activity is competing in a triathlon in upper Michigan in July. We enter as teams and compete against each other. Last year we had 3 different family teams. In addition, my grandkids competed in the kids’ triathlon.”
Do you have any tips/advice you would like to give others on how to be more active?
“My only advice is to find something that you enjoy and stick with it. I have found that if I have a set time to work out every day, it is much easier to stick to my plan. Many people find working out by themselves is hard, so try to find a friend to work out with you. I also keep a log of what I do every day. I like to compare what I am doing this year compared to previous years.”
Thank you, Nancy! Congratulations!
Travel Journal Deadline – April 4
Rack up those miles! Earn one Frequent Mover Mile for each minute of aerobic activity you complete. Plus, add up to one bonus mile per day by completing the Pressureburgh challenge. You have until March 31 to collect as many Frequent Mover Miles as possible. Record your miles on your Travel Journal and send your completed log to Taylor at tnewlov@bgsu.edu by Friday, April 4. All travelers who submit their logs during the month of March are entered into a raffle to win a great Pressureburgh souvenir! Achieve over 600 miles and earn 2 entries into the drawing.
Lastly, check out delicious recipes on the HealthTrip blog!
Healthy Travels!
Your HealthTrip Tour Guides
