We don’t have to tell you how important it is to care for your heart health. You know exactly what it takes to feel your best: meals made with whole, real ingredients; lots of movement; regular self-care; and daily stress relief to help you handle everything on your very full plate. We believe a holistic approach to health is the best one; simply running a mile each day or eating vegetables in your smoothie isn’t going to do the job, but if you add a little extra wellness into each day, you’ll notice big change over time.
If you’re focused on continuing your healthy habits this year and adding a few extra goals for good measure, why not start with your heart? February is American Heart Month, so it’s the perfect time to focus on this vital organ! Below, check out some of our favorite ways to stay active and support your heart health while having fun.
Try a new-to-you workout.
Feeling stuck in a pattern? If you’re getting bored on the treadmill or elliptical or your go-to exercise class just isn’t doing it for you anymore, it’s time to break out of the box and try something new! Join a friend at their favorite class or pull up YouTube or your favorite workout app and opt for something completely out of the box for you. If you’re a hardcore runner, try boxing or slow flow yoga. If you’re all about lifting weights, add in cardio with a dance class. Have you always wanted to run a 5k? Now’s the time to start training!
Treat yourself to new workout clothes.
Sometimes a fresh set of workout gear makes exercise more fun. If it’s been awhile since you updated your workout wardrobe, consider this permission to splurge on a new pair of sneakers or a cute, brightly colored set.
Remember to take a rest day.
Rest days are just as important as your workout days, if not more. Give your body time to rejuvenate and repair after a tough training session. Stretch it out, take a bath in Epsom salts if you’re sore, and simply relax. It’s an essential practice to make sure you aren’t overdoing it or straining those hard working muscles.
Support healthy energy levels.*
It happens: You’re feeling more tired than usual and can’t hit your PRs or run that extra lap. If your energy levels are flagging, check in with your healthcare practitioner and see what’s going on. You may also be interested in adding an iron supplement into your routine. Floradix® Iron + Herbs Liquid Herbal Supplement is an easy-to-take vegetarian iron supplement that is gentle on your system and quickly digested.* It’s also formulated with vitamin C, essential B complex vitamins, and herbal extracts so you can activate your life in a delicious, simple way.*
Challenge yourself.
If you’re motivated by setting and achieving a goal, put that go-getter attitude to work and set a 30-day fitness challenge for yourself. It could be as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator all month long or making time to stretch each day, or you could go big and try to run a certain number of miles or exercise for a certain number of minutes in a month. If you use a workout app or program, they may have a 30-day challenge to do the work for you and set you off on a plan. Once your 30 days are complete, note how you feel after achieving that goal and you may be inspired to set a new one next month.