Lynbrook | New Hyde Park | NY

Workout

Summer Fun Outdoor Workouts

When it’s beautiful outside, we know it’s hard to be inside at the gym. Your kids are off from school and you need a family activity. Summers are full of BBQs and weddings- you just don’t have the time to fit it all in. There are many reasons that you simply do not want to be indoors in the summer. We have some great outdoor activities where you can catch some sun rays, have some family bonding time, and of course, get those exercises in!

Beach Workout
One of the best places to workout on a summer day is the beach! Not only will you enjoy the beautiful scenery to keep you motivated and an ocean breeze to cool you off, but you also are getting a better workout. Sand creates for a greater workload for the muscles and a higher heart rate, which leads to a more effective training method.  The surface of the sand also puts less of a strain on your feet compared to pavement. So go play some beach volleyball, throw around that Frisbee with your friends, or simply walk along side the ocean.

Circuit Training in the Park
Ever walk around the park and see equipment scattered throughout? Many of our state parks have different equipment and devices to help you complete full circuit training. Not only is this a cost effective method to exercising without having to purchase any equipment at home, but you will also get a full body workout.

Aquatics & Swimming
While cooling off in the pool, why not burn some extra calories? Swimming is great for lower and upper body strength. Water exercises may help take the pressure off your joints and muscles. Since water is a natural resistant, it helps you workout those muscles. If you aren’t big on swimming you can try out some aquatics workouts, which include: arm circles, leg lifts, walking in the water, aqua jogging and flutter kicking.

Hiking
There are many types of hiking trails that you can choose from depending on the distance you choose, type of scenery, and difficulty level. Whether it is your first time hiking or you have done it before be sure to layer your clothes, pack plenty of water, and put on sunscreen.

Walking
Every step counts so get as many in as you can! Whether it is walking to complete your errands, visiting a friend or simply enjoying a nice walk around town- walking may be one of the simplest exercises you can do. Walking can help you maintain a healthy weight and can also prevent or manage various conditions, including: heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

 

By David Daoud

What’s The Perfect Workout Shoe for You? Find Your Sole Mate.

Shoes come in a variety of types and sizes, but are you wearing the right shoe geared towards your type of workout?

Walking Shoes: Walking shoes tend to be heavier and stiffer than running shoes; therefore when you are choosing a walking shoe, you want a shoe that has enough support, cushion, and flexibility. It is also important to look at the traction aspect of the shoe if you are planning on hiking. A good walking shoe for women is the New Balance WW1765 and for men is the New Balance MW 759.

Running shoes: When you are looking for the runnin g shoe you want to make sure that you have a perfect amount of cushion. Running shoes are made to handle the shock of two times your body weight. Therefore when picking a running shoe, you want to make sure it has great cushioning in both the heel and forefoot. Other important aspects of a running shoe you should look for are flexibility, stability control, traction on roads or trails, and breath-ability. It’s important to take a look at your foot before you buy a shoe. Our feet are all different, but can be divided into three categories: low, high and medium arches. These different arches will make a difference in the type of shoe you should buy. A good example for a person with low arches would be the Asics Gel Kayano 222. A good buy for an individual with high arches is the Asics Gel- Kinsei 6 and one for medium arches is ASICS 2000.

Cross-training: A cross-training shoe might be for you if you occasionally participate in a variety of exercises from tennis to basketball to some weight-lifting. Cross training shoes are not used to running miles, but more for individuals who participate in different athletic activities. A good cross-trainer should have a firm heel, good support, and should be light weight. An example of a popular cross-trainer is the Puma Tazon.

Specialty: Specialty shoes are used for specific activities. There are specific sneakers, cleats for individuals who participate in weight-lifting, cycling, tennis, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, etc. Just make sure when you are picking out one of these shoes that you are purchasing the correct shoe/cleat for that specific sport.

Lifestyle: Lifestyle shoes might look cool and trendy however they are not meant for exercise. Do not try wearing Vans or Nike Janoskis to the gym or to participate in a sport because you are putting yourself at risk for injury.

Trying to find the right shoe for your desired exercise routine is important so take the time to weigh out your options in order to make those feet happy! Remember, your foot size can change or swell throughout the day, be consistent with the time that you are shopping; your feet tend to be larger throughout the day.

 

By Sally Leahy

 

How Do You Get The Sunshine Vitamin In The Wintertime?

Vitamin D is important for our bodies, but how can we get enough during the winter months?

Research has linked Vitamin D to decreased rates of cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, anxiety and depression. Vitamin D levels in the body are not as much of an issue during the summer when people are going outside. However, during the winter months, people spend a lot more of their time indoors due to colder temperatures and snowy days. This often leads to a drop in the body’s vitamin D levels.

But how can you get Vitamin D in the winter? Go outside! Even when there is snow on the ground, you can still get enough sun to boost your vitamin D levels. When you’re outside, let as much skin show as you comfortably can- your face, neck, and hands can get some sunshine. Go outside during “solar noon.” This is the time of day when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. When you’re outside, use your skin as a cue. If your skin starts to turn pink, you’ve had enough. Keep in mind that you don’t need to spend hours in the sun. Even ten minutes a day can help boost the level of vitamin D in your body.

We live in an area where the sun shines enough in the winter that vitamin D supplements may not be necessary. However, especially with supplements, we need to ensure that we don’t get “toxic” on vitamin D. A better way to get vitamin D is simply by eating more of the foods rich in this vitamin. There are a handful of foods that can help boost vitamin D levels. Good food sources include fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, mushrooms, eggs, and vitamin D fortified foods such as milk. Wild salmon is a great source and just a small 4 ounce serving can give us more than enough of the recommend daily allowance. For those with dietary restrictions, any type of milk will do! Cow, soy, almond, and coconut milk are all vitamin D fortified.

Following these simple recommendations can help everyone enjoy the health benefits of vitamin D naturally not only during the winter, but all year long.