Between
Thanksgiving week and December 24, my gym offered a
holiday challenge: Take 12 specific classes during that time period to earn a
special holiday T-shirt. Truthfully, the T-shirt was semi-attractive, but I
like a challenge and signed up. You carried around a class card, which
instructors signed after the class. The challenge allowed me to try lots
of new classes and instructors: Tai Chi, water yoga, dance jam, strength and
stretch, spin class and mat Pilates.
Now, as
we approach the end of the year, I’ve decided to keep exploring new fitness
classes into next year. This is NOT a New Year’s Resolution — I’m intimidated
by that concept. To me, this idea of exploring new exercise classes is
a good way to help me de-stress and sleep better.
Finding
a way to exercise is not easy for everyone. I asked Kevin Wheelan, MD, about
exercising for cardiovascular health. As a cardiologist and chief of
staff at Baylor Jack and Jane Hamilton Heart and Vascular Hospital, I
wondered how he incorporated exercise into his life.
Turns
out Dr. Wheelan has many ways to work exercise into his life. On a nice weekend
day, Dr. Wheelan and his wife may bike together to the grocery store to pick up
a few items. This accomplishes a chore as well as provides exercise.
“Finding
a fun way to incorporate exercise into your daily routine will make exercise
less stressful for those who find exercise challenging,” Dr. Wheelan said.
Spending
time outside, enjoying nature is another way to incorporate more exercise into
your daily life. Like many Texans, Dr. Wheelan has a bird hunting lease and
hunts with his dog, Rosie.
“Connecting
with nature, regardless of the activity, rejuvenates us from a physical
standpoint as well as the soul,” Dr. Wheelan said.
Being
out in nature helps build “memorable” moments in life.
“This
is why some people like to fish,” Dr. Wheelan said. “They enjoy drifting
on a lake or fishing with grandchildren. This is enjoyable and a stress
reducer.”
Cardiovascular
wellness needs to incorporate the mind, body and soul.
Here
are more tips from Dr. Wheelan.
·
Appreciate what we have in the world around us.
·
“It is simple, but people forget to ‘stop and smell the roses’
in our rushed lives. We walk past beautiful things and aren’t in the frame of
mind to enjoy them,” Dr. Wheelan said.
·
Have a spiritual connection to your inner self.
·
Smile, greet people. It’s a good way to release stress.
·
Don’t underestimate the importance of sleep. Turn off the
electronics and focus on relaxing, prepare the mind for the zone of going to
sleep.
“A lot
of people have trouble with exercising because it is what they don’t enjoy,” Dr.
Wheelan said. “So, maybe on a nice day, think about parking at the back of the
grocery store’s parking lot and walking to the store’s entrance.”
Small
steps add up. A lifestyle that incorporates balance is what is best for
cardiovascular health.
“Difficult
to achieve, but it is the goal,” Dr. Wheelan said.
Susan Hall joined Baylor many years ago when Baylor
University Medical Center at Dallas was the only Baylor facility in the area.
When not at work, she’s outside – Big Bend National Park is her favorite with
Glacier National Park a close second.
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