Body image is a complex issue in a society where 68.3% of percent of Americans are overweight or obese (according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2008). If you are struggling to find happiness and satisfaction, take heart in the following:
Remember, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. It only takes 150 minutes walking every week to live a longer, happier life.
You can find a world of fitness at your doorstep. Strike!
"When it was recommended to me that I should start taking mood-altering medication to survive graduate school, I started to embark on a research quest for alternative therapies. One recommendation that surprised me was: to exercise in a group would produce more endorphins, or "feel-good" molecules. One piece of research supporting this can be found here, which was investigated using rowing. I have experienced this directly by joining a bicycle club, participating in community fun runs, taking fitness classes at a studio or gym, and by doing group hikes. If you are considering exercise as an alternative to anti-depressant (pill) therapy, be sure to engage with others to increase the benefits of any activity." --Dr. Kayla A. Kaiser
With the information above in mind, the authors at the Kaiser Wellness Center have taken the opportunity to catalog our progress of achieving Wellness through various avenues: Nutrition, Exercise, and Mental Awareness. To combine all three into an action oriented plan requires keeping track on progress and constantly learning from the world around us the best course of action toward a healthier lifestyle. Furthermore, as a result of learning, we are excited to share our thoughts on plans to help you achieve Wellness through your own actions.
On behalf of blended commuters, we are advocating for a bicycle car on every metrolink train. Track the progress here. Photo to support this effort are here.
Below is a list of either questions with links or links to articles, blogs, and videos that have inspired/guided us toward achieving overall Wellness. Accompanying are links to training routes that we have logged over time and continue to update to measure our progress:
Fitness/training/balance logs:
(1) Available Routes :These routes have been done by the Kaiser family.
(2) Training Plans: Fitness requires flexibility. You can reduce pain and suffering by following these recommendations.
(3) Proven Workouts: These recommendations come from Stephanie Hamersky, BS, ATC, LAT, LMT, CSCS.
(4) Fitness Log: A list of workouts completed that have been tracked on our wellness journey.
(5) Finding Balance: Striking a balance in your life is critical to reaching wellness.
(6) Mike's Mental Awareness Blog: Mike (one of KaiserWellnessCenter's authors) shares his progress to find balance.
(7) RAND Think Tank: The Physical Exercise webpage contains a wealth of blog posts and reports based on research studies.
(8) BikeCar101: Weekend getaways using blended commuting [bicycle + Metrolink/Amtrak trains].
(9) Spinning Videos: This GoPro footage was collected on actual rides. Jump on a stationary bike and ride along with us!
Fitness/Awareness questions, articles, videos, and blogs with Links:
(1) What benefits are there to working out in a group? Click here to see various articles and results many examples.
(2) Are you a "mouse potato"? Take a break and move around....click here first.
(3) Is there a possibility that a marathon runner can still be a "couch potato"? Click here to find out.
(4) Can a knee ball really relieve pain and stiffness? Find out by clicking here.
(5) Here is a simple exercise that can boost your fitness regimen and is quick during lunch--no changing clothes.
(6) Having heartburn? Read this article by a physician to see how he cured himself.
(7) What does the US Military ask when trying to optimize fitness/wellness for their soldier? Click here to see a Study Result.
(8) How Open-Minded are you? Click here to take a quiz -- quick and informative.
(9) Is it true that nobody walks in Los Angeles? Click here to see the answer.
(10) Check out the momentum of the bike movement by Citibike and others. Click here.
(11) How do I make attainable goals to achieve my desired fitness? According to this author you do not. Click here to read why.
(12) How does the Mayor of Fort Worth, Texas fit her exercise routine into addressing the cities current needs? Click here to read how.
(13) How does a person conquer the "urge" to give up completing a 584 mile run? Through meditation--Click here to read her story.
(14) Want to make a change in your fitness routine? Follow these 5 steps to overcoming 'imperfection'--Click--here--to learn how.
(15) What are the 'advantages' and 'disadvantages' of being digitally connected in relation to 'wellness'? Click -- here -- to find out.
(16) Does the layout of your urban environment effect your health? Click here to read how!
(17) How does a person practice 'mindfulness' and find their 'center' by setting aside a few minutes? Read more by clicking -- here !
(18) How does the "Incredible Hulk" Lou Ferrigno stay in shape now in his 'sixties'? Find out by clicking -- here.
(19) How does "Excess" turn into an unhealthy addiction? Find out how to reduce this outcome by clicking -- here!
(20) How does an anxious mind operate? Find out insight into the inner workings of anxiety by clicking--here.
(21) How can a person reduce anxiety? Read two articles that offer great help by clicking -- here (#1) -- here (#2)!
(22) What is 'Broga'? Yoga for guys that are macho--read more--click--here!
(23) How is your state of mind affecting your mental fitness? Read by clicking -- here!
(24) What is your fitness age? Read more about a new study describing the new outlook on age by clicking--here!
(25) What do laziness and obesity have in common with National Security? Find out from Gen. Hertling by clicking--here!
(26) What is the real cause of the current obesity epidemic? Here is one answer by Dr. Deborah Cohen of RAND -- click--here!
(27) Why do I fail at keeping a workout routine? Ted Vickey (former White House fitness trainer) has a few lasting tips--click--here!
(28) Need to find a gym? Look no further than outside your door--Mother Nature's gym. Read more by clicking--here!
(29) How do I maintain a 'Healthy Heart'? Find out from Nurse Sally Dyer--click--here--to access a page with links/tips.
(30) Do you find yourself gaining weight after starting an exercise program? Find the culprit by clicking--here!
(31) Are your a veteran in need of motivation to change your life? Why not join "Ride 2 Recovery" find out how--here!
(32) 'What you think is what you feel' (Dr. Joe Shrand)--Anxiety? Find out more about the Four R's and combating anxiety!
(33) How does your choice of method of transportation affect your mood? Find out by reading this study!!
(34) What fitness activities should you do for your heart when warm weather arrives? Find out from the American Heart Association by Clicking -- here!!
(35) Which is worse: being 'obese' or 'lack of exercise'? Click -- here -- to find out!!
(36) Ever wondered about the science of stress? Click -- here -- to watch a short video (< 2 minutes)!!
(37) Have you found "meaning" for living a healthy life"? Click -- here -- to read suggestions!!
(38) What are the benefits to having a 'healthy population'? Click -- here -- to find out!
(39) How is sleep linked to your health? A sleep researchers answers are located -- here!!
(40) How can a person get over 'chronic pain' and build 'stamina'? Charlie Ebersol explains -- here!!
(41) How to improve 'balance' and 'stability' in your body? Click -- here!!
(42) Do you know what is fueling your anxiety? Here are tips to help you find out!!
(43) Are you having trouble disconnecting from your devices (smartphones, tablets, iPod, etc.)? Click here to find out why!
(44) Are you having trouble getting started with a "workout routine"? Find a solution -- Click here!
(45) Find out how to overcome the feeling of overwhelmed with a variety of workout solutions? Find Yours -- Click here!
Keep yourself fit -- everyone deserves to feel great!!