Spring Is The Time For A Fresh Start For The Body And Mind
Biochem’s Protein Powders Can Help You Achieve Your Wellness Goals
With spring right around the corner, it’s time to shake out the cobwebs that have settled in during the 2020 lockdown due to COVID. This spring brings a fresh new perspective, making it the perfect time to begin a self-revitalization program. And what better time and place than spring and the outdoors to begin your health and fitness regimen? Let Biochem assist you in powering your health, nutrition, and lifestyle goals with our cutting edge clean protein powders.
The Health Benefits of Spending Time in Nature
Given that humans evolved outdoors, we genuinely have a deep connection with nature, and research shows that if we don’t nourish that bond, it may affect us physically and mentally. According to the American Heart Association, the benefits of getting back to nature include lowering stress, enhancing heart health,as well as improving mood and energy levels.
How much time does one need to spend outdoors to reap these benefits? According to a study cited by Yale University, the answer is 2 hours per week at a minimum. Evidence gained from this study found that the effects of nature “were robust, cutting across different occupations, ethnic groups, people from rich and poor areas.”
Increase the Benefits of Your Time Outdoors
As part of your self-revitalization program, implementing an outdoor spring exercise regimen can be a starting point to improving your health and mental wellness. While each person has a different notion of what regimen is right for them, be it walking, jogging, or bicycling, we’ve come up with 5 different exercises that can be easily included in your time outdoors.
#1 – The Importance of Warming Up - Prevent injury by warming up before and after your workouts. Doing these warm-ups will not only relieve some stress in your muscles, but you will prevent injuries that may occur.
- March in place for 3 minutes. Lift your legs high and pump your arms while you march. First go forwards, then switch it up and go backwards.
- Stand with your fists out in front of you. Alternate placing each of your heels on the floor in front of you for 60 seconds. Aim for 60 heel digs in 60 seconds.
- Stand up straight and alternate bringing up each knee to touch the opposite hand. Keep doing this for 30 seconds and try to do 30 knee lifts total.
#2 – Make Use of Resources Along Your Route - If you’re near an open playground you can do pull-ups or monkey bars. Or try toe taps on a curb, step-ups on a park bench, or a split squat with one foot elevated on a ledge.
#3 – Climb Stairs - One simple way to add extra intensity to your workout is to incorporate some stairs into your routine. An easy way to do this is to map your route to include a flight of stairs for some higher-intensity work.
#4 – Lunges - Challenging your balance is an essential part of a well-rounded exercise routine. Lunges do just that, promoting functional movement, while also increasing strength in your legs and glutes.
#5 – Stretch – Taking a few minutes at the end of your workout to further loosen warm, limber muscles can ease some of the strain and fatigue you’ve built up and also give your session a sense of closure.
- Loosen your calves by standing with the ball of your left foot on a curb or step and your right foot flat on the ground. Lean but don’t bounce until you feel a stretch in your left calf and hold for 30 to 60 seconds before repeating on the opposite side.
- For your hamstrings, step your left foot forward, straighten your left knee, bend the right slightly, then hinge forward at your hips with your back flat. Stretch your arms overhead, reach forward, then slowly stand back up. Repeat five times on each side.
Fuel Yourself Properly
Proper nutrition is important to safely fuel your workout. Providing protein to your body to support muscle recovery should also be a priority. By incorporating a Biochem protein smoothie or shake within an hour of your workout, your muscles will utilize the protein to support muscle recovery. According to Medical News Today, protein powders, whether in the form of plant or whey proteins, offer an easy way to aid in meeting daily nutritional requirements. So, venture outside and get started on your self-revitalization regimen -- your body and your mind will thank you!