Trying to find time to exercise in between work, school, or other events? Running, lifting, or taking a fitness class during lunch may be a great option for you!

Not only will you be able to exercise during a natural break in your day; you’ll also return to work or running errands with even more energy than before. Here are four benefits of working out during lunch:

1. You won’t have to wake up early or exercise after work.

While it may seem easier to set an earlier alarm or wait until after quitting time to exercise, that could lead to exhaustion and other side effects over time, especially if you don’t get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. In fact, not getting enough rest can cause a higher likelihood of injury, lower immune system, and a greater chance of catching a cold.

By working out during lunch, you’re keeping your wake-up and working hours about the same. This way, you can sleep as much as you can and head home from the office as soon as you’ve finished for the day!

2. You’ll get a real break by stepping away from home or the office.

It’s tempting (and more convenient) to stay at home or the office during lunch, but this can make it hard to unplug from work. But leaving your job or errands behind you for an hour or so can really help you tackle Part 2 of the day with more energy and focus.

As tough as it is, try forgetting about your work or chores! You’ll be able to concentrate on your fitness goals much better if you’re not thinking about your to-do list at the same time. Focusing on your form, counting your reps, or mentally planning your running intensity will help you have a more mindful (and efficient) workout.

3. You can work out quickly in a less crowded gym.

Love exercising but hate fighting for a spot at the gym? Working out during lunch may be the answer you’ve been looking for! Data shows that gyms are the least crowded from 1 to 2pm during the workday, which means you probably won’t have to wait for equipment, a locker, or a shower to open up.

Along with getting in and out of the gym quickly, working out during lunch pushes you to be more efficient in your exercises. When you have to get back to the house or the office within a short amount of time, you can try high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or another tough-yet-quick workout.

4. You’ll have more energy during and after a lunchtime workout.

You’re strongest in the middle of the day, making lunch an ideal time to squeeze in a workout. Experts say this may be due to a higher body temperature in the afternoon, leading to warmer muscles. Whatever the case, you’ll be more alert and ready to move those muscles and sweat it out!

Once you’ve finished your midday workout, you may be surprised to find you have more energy than you did before you got to the gym! That’s because exercise activates the brain’s cortex, helping you refocus your mind on the work or errands you have left for the day.

By working out during lunch, you’ll save time, get more sleep, and boost your energy. Plus, you can squeeze in quick and effective workouts at the gym without fighting the crowd! We hope you love exercising during your lunch break and taking some much-deserved time away from your errands or work.

The Lafayette Family YMCA is a community dedicated to healthy living and social responsibility. For more fitness tips and to stay up to date about YMCA events, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, or visit our website here.

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Challenges are at the heart of staying healthy, and fall is the best time to put yourself to the test! So, bundle up into your favorite autumn workout clothes—and get away from pounding your feet on treadmills and the constant crash of weights—with seven ways to exercise in the fall!

1. Walking

Walking is one of the easiest and most fun ways to get in an autumn workout! Go for a walk around your neighborhood or one of your favorite local parks, and get those extra steps and movement into your day. Plus, in the fall, there are a ton of fun activities you can do on your walk! Look for apple picking, corn mazes, leaf peeping opportunities, or pumpkin patches around your local area and make your walk a fall extravaganza! Maybe you can even walk to Starbucks and pick up a (skinny) Pumpkin Spice Latte to take your fall theme to whole other level.

2. Biking

With the cool, crisp air and the leaves turning shades of red, orange, and yellow, fall is a beautiful time to go biking! An hour-long bike ride can burn plenty of calories with little effort from you. Just peddle your heart out! If the weather is a little too chilly for you or the outdoors isn’t really your thing, classes like SPRINT or  RPM are a great way to get the bike ride feel at a more intense—indoor—speed.

3. Hiking

Take a hike! No, really. You should definitely take a hike this fall! Not only are you getting outside and enjoying the beauty of an Indiana fall, but you’re also getting a great workout in! You’ll kick up your cardio and work some major muscles groups—glutes, hamstrings quads, calf muscles, and feet.

4. Running

Running in place on a treadmill can get old fast, especially when you see how beautiful it is outside. Fall is the BEST time to run outdoors! It’s not too hot and not too cold. All you need is a light jacket! Want to challenge yourself on your next run? Bring your four-legged friend along and try to keep up with their pace. Have a cause you’re absolutely passionate about? Find a charity near you that supports that cause and sign up for a race! It doesn’t matter if you walk or run a 5k. All that matters is you’re out there exercising and raising money for something you truly care about.

5. Outdoor Sports

Who’s ready to shoot some hoops, score a goal, or make a touchdown? Get a group together—your family or a group of friends—and start a game of soccer, football, basketball, or any other activity you love! Playing a sport with your friends and family is a great way to get outside and work out without feeling like you’re exercising. An hour-long game can get your heart pumping, work multiple muscles groups, and burn off a ton of calories! Win or lose, you’ll have a blast and a fun workout.

6. Trail Runs

Love hiking and running? Try combining them! Going on a trail run is a great way to get your cardio in and take in the beauty of the trails. Plus, with the uneven ground and changing elevation, a trail run can improve your heart health and build muscle! Cardio and strength all in one workout? Why wouldn’t you take advantage? What’s more, a trail run also helps with your balance. Put those yoga skills to good use by dodging uneven ground, rocks, twigs, and sharp turns with your core.

7. Group Classes

Fall is all fun and games until the temperature begins to drop. Finding the motivation to exercise outside can get a lot more difficult when the weather gets chilly and you’re trying to balance work, your kids’ school—and extracurriculars—and a regular workout routine. Escape the cold with a group fitness class! These one-hour workouts are designed to get your heart rate up and give you the opportunity to socialize with your friends in class. Oh, and don’t worry about your kids. If you’re only able to make it to the gym after school, KidZone and Primetime are built to keep your kids safe and having fun while you get your sweat on.

Winter is quickly approaching, so take advantage of the beautiful fall weather before the snow hits! Whether you love to run, walk, bike, hike, or stay indoors with a group fitness class, you can always find new ways to exercise in the fall.

With two locations in Lafayette, Indiana, the Lafayette Family YMCA is a community committed to healthy living and social responsibility. For more fitness tips and to stay up to date about YMCA events, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, or visit our website here.

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Here are five healthy back-to-school tips that will help your kiddos have a great year!

1. Set bedtimes.

A good night’s rest is important for kids—and adults—to feel focused, energized, and well-rested all day long. While sleep requirements do vary for adults—between seven to nine hours each night—all children need over eight hours to give their bodies the time they need to grow big, strong, and healthy!

Your children likely stayed up a bit later during the summer nights, but you can help them ease back into a school-night bedtime. To prepare your kids to get up early, start moving their bedtime earlier for a week or two before the school year begins. A regular routine is important for young kids, so don’t shift their schedule too quickly and avoid late nights on the weekends.

2. Teach good hygiene habits.

Germs are everywhere, but there are a couple of easy steps you can take to show your children proper hygiene habits. Keep your kids healthy—and prevent the germs from entering your home—by teaching them the importance of washing their hands after using the restroom and before eating lunch or a snack!

Sharing is caring, except when it comes to bacteria! Kids are germ magnets, so washing their hands may not be enough. Before they head to school, instruct your kids not to share their food or drinks with other children to avoid spreading sickness through the class.

3. Make a nutritious breakfast.

You know what they say! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Whether you’re an adult or a kid, breakfast can start your morning in a nutritious and delicious way. Avoid sugar-packed cereals or breakfast bars and reach for yogurt, fruit, or oatmeal instead.

Your kids imitate your behavior, so it’s important to eat—and encourage your kids to eat—a healthy and nutritious breakfast that is full of the nutrients you need to keep you fuller longer and start your day on a healthy foot.

4. Pack your pantry with healthy snacks.

Junk food and other pre-made snacks may be an easy go-to for early morning rushes and quick lunch packing, but they aren’t ideal for a healthy diet. Instead of setting an earlier alarm and missing more sleep, make your life easier by preparing simple snacks like fruits, veggies, and lean meats on the weekend. Saturdays and Sundays are also great times to stock up on these nutritious snacks and lunch items, so you’ll be prepared throughout the week.

Organize your refrigerator to make lunch prep a breeze in your before-school rush. Divide snacks into small baggies that are easy to grab and make up a healthy lunch your kids can put together themselves. You can also use food containers to pack dinner leftovers in simple meals to grab on the go.

5. Get moving!

Physical fitness is important at all ages! Whether your kids love swimming, soccer, football, baseball, or any number of other activities, simply getting them up and moving is key to teaching them about exercise and helping them find new hobbies they love.

Youth sports are a fantastic way for kids to make friends, learn about teamwork, and burn off extra energy. Find activities your kids will love by enrolling them in programs at their school or local YMCA. And while extracurriculars are important, make sure you leave your child enough time for homework, sleep, and free time to destress at the end of the day. After-school care is a great option for working parents to make sure their kids are staying safe and getting their homework done before you pick them up for the evening.

This school year will be packed with fun experiences, new friends, and activities for your kids! These back-to-school tips can help you and your family nurture healthy habits and spend quality time together. Get ready to make this the best year ever!

With two locations in Lafayette, Indiana, the Lafayette Family YMCA is a community committed to healthy living and social responsibility. For more fitness tips and to stay up to date about YMCA events, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, or visit our website here.

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When the wind chill dips below freezing, experts recommend that you stay indoors. But, if you’re dedicated to outdoor fitness, it’s necessary to take safety precautions in all winter weather. No matter where you exercise, knowing how to stay warm and avoid injury will help you continue to achieve your fitness goals as colder weather approaches.

These five tips for safely working out during the winter will help you stay healthy and motivated all season long.

1. Dress for the weather.

Choosing appropriate clothing for the wet and chilly winter weather can be tough. When you’re getting dressed for outdoor exercise, a few things to consider include inclement weather, wind chill, sweating, and overheating.

For example, when you look outside during the winter, it seems hard to believe you could overheat. Too many warm layers can lock in heat and cause trouble. Not to mention, clothes covered in sweat can freeze in the wind.

The best strategy for staying warm for your workout is to wear a hat, gloves, and layers of weather-resistant and moisture-wicking clothing. This will not only keep you warm and dry, but also give you the freedom to remove layers as you heat up during your workout.

2. Stay hydrated.

It’s important to stay just as hydrated in winter as you would during summer. A lack of hydration increases your risk of an injury. In cold weather, this can be especially dangerous for those exercising alone.

While an ice-cold drink of water may sound great during a summer workout, it’s not as appetizing on chilly days. Drinking room-temperature water before, during, and after outdoor exercise can make it easier to stay hydrated.

3. Wear shoes with traction.

Those looking to stay fit during the winter are no strangers to wet and icy conditions. To avoid injury, it’s important to wear shoes with good traction, especially if you’re running multiple times a week.

You may be surprised at how quickly shoes can wear out and lose traction. If you’re exercising outdoors often, especially in inclement weather, it’s best to replace your shoes every few months to ensure they have a good grip and protect you from injury.

4. Know the symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite.

During the winter, there are exercise-related health risks that go beyond injury. Hypothermia and frostbite are conditions resulting from extended time in cold conditions, and they can have dangerous repercussions if you don’t treat them. Knowing these symptoms can help you stay safe and know when to go indoors.

Hypothermia occurs when your body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms include:

• • Shivering

• • Exhaustion

• • Inability to think clearly

• • Fumbling or difficult movements

• • Pain in extremities

• Loss of consciousness

Frostbite is also the result of extended exposure to cold temperatures, but it occurs when your skin tissue freezes. The nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes are especially susceptible. Symptoms include:

• • Loss of feeling

• • Pale or bluish skin tone

• Aching, tingling, or stinging skin

If you notice any of these symptoms, head inside immediately and call your doctor. Your safety is more important than an overly risky outdoor workout!

5. Exercise indoors.

When it’s wet and gloomy, sometimes it’s nice to avoid the winter weather altogether! Find a great indoor space to exercise at your local YMCA, whether that’s running on the track or practicing yoga.

If the winter weather has disrupted your workout routine, start a new one by joining a group fitness class, swimming, or strength training. Joining a gym and finding other people dedicated to fitness can help you find the motivation and resources you need to stay on track.

Don’t let the winter weather keep you from staying fit!  By prioritizing safety outdoors and moving your exercise routine indoors, you can take steps to safely work out during the winter.

With two locations in Lafayette, Indiana, the Lafayette Family YMCA is a community committed to healthy living and social responsibility. For more fitness tips and to stay up to date about YMCA events, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, or visit our website.

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As temperatures continue to drop, the flu becomes easier to contract. Due to winter’s cold temperatures and low humidity, the influenza virus is able to survive longer, hold on tighter, and spread quicker, which is why winter has gained the popular label of “flu season.”

But, if you’re often at the YMCA, don’t let the fear of the flu keep you from sticking to your exercise schedule this year! There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from the influenza virus and stay healthy during flu season, so that you don’t have to think twice about hitting up the gym.

Keep up your YMCA routine with these five ways to stay healthy during flu season!

1. Wipe down equipment before and after use.

There are lots of benefits that come with working out at the Y, including access to personal trainers, group classes, a wide array of machines, and the motivation that comes from working out with others. However, in a large gym setting, you also need to practice good hygiene.

Let’s be honest, we’ve all witnessed someone using a piece of YMCA equipment and walking away without wiping it down afterwards. If we’re really honest, we might even own up to having done it ourselves a time or two. In the height of flu season, be sure that you not only wipe down all pieces of Y equipment after you use them, but also before for good measure.

The flu, like most viruses, is a germ that spreads through direct contact. So, to keep yourself and others healthy during flu season, take care to sanitize all pieces of equipment thoroughly before and after using them—including weight, mats, and machines.

2. Wash your hands frequently.

One of the most important ways to say healthy during flu season is by washing your hands before and after visiting the YMCA. Ever since you were little, it’s probably been ingrained in your head to wash your hands thoroughly and frequently to avoid spreading germs. During the winter, when germs thrive in the cold conditions, it’s even more important to be sure you’re following this vital step in your hygiene routine to avoid the flu.

This time of year, running noses, coughing, and sneezing are extremely common. While you can’t really avoid these things, you can wash your hands. Washing your hands not only reduces your chances of diarrheal illness by almost 60%; it also reduces the spread of the flu by up to 50%.

Whenever you find yourself in a place with a lot of foot traffic, it’s good practice to wash your hands frequently to kill any germs you come into contact with. The Y is no exception! Washing your hands both before and after your workout is one way that you can protect yourself from the flu this winter.

3. Don’t send sick kids to YMCA daycare or before- and after-school care.

While adults may face their fair share of germs and illnesses, young children are at an even higher risk of contracting the influenza virus during flu season as compared to their parents or older siblings. Not only are children exposed to more germs in daycare and before- and after-school care settings; their underdeveloped immune systems also make it harder for their bodies to fight against the virus once they come into contact with it. For these reasons, one important way to help the whole family stay healthy during flu season is to keep your kids at home (not at the Y!) if they are feeling even slightly sick.

Not only will less exposure help your child recover from the flu quicker; it’ll also help protect the other kids who attend YMCA daycare or before- and after-school care from getting sick as well. Because flu vaccinations are currently not available for infants or children under the age of 6 months, it’s important to monitor your child’s health this flu season for both their own good and the good of others.

4. Stay hydrated.

As you may already know, the influenza virus is predominantly an airborne ailment. So, standing anywhere from 3 to 6 feet from someone who is infected automatically puts you at risk of breathing in the virus and contracting the flu. If you often go to the YMCA to work out, then this can be even more of a concern for you. However, according to recent research, drinking large amounts of water may be one of the most effective ways to stay healthy during flu season and ward off airborne germs.

According to Dr. Lewis, who performed a study over the relationship between water intake and flu prevention, hydration is essential in preventing the virus from attacking your system. Water is a vital element for all bodily functions in fighting the flu, but most importantly in keeping the lining of the nose moist.

“The first line of defense (against the flu) is the mucous membrane in the nose,” says Lewis. “This acts like a sticky flypaper to trap things like dust, dirt, and bacteria and prevent them from getting to the lungs. If you are dehydrated, the mucous membrane will dry out. When this happens, it is half as effective (in its defense).”

Drinking at least 8 cups of water a day will help you avoid the flu, let your body recover after workouts, and keep your body running efficiently throughout the winter season.

5. Fuel your body properly.

Food is fuel for your body, which is why eating a diet rich in vitamins is one of the best ways to stay healthy during flu season. Fueling your body properly before and after workouts with foods and vitamins that boost your immune system will help your body fend off the flu virus all winter long.

A good rule of thumb for eating a vitamin-rich diet is to make sure your meals are colorful. The various fruits and vegetables that are available this time of year do wonders in boosting vitamin levels and helping your body fight against flu and cold symptoms. The more red, greens, purples, and oranges you can squeeze onto your dinner plate, the better!

Vitamins C and D in particular are amazing in helping your body fight off the flu. You can ingest these vitamins through foods such as fish, eggs, broccoli, and kale, or from weekly supplementation. They’re even found in many pre- and post-workout foods that charge your body throughout your workout and help you recover quickly. Boosting up on vitamin-rich foods is great for fueling exercise and is one of the ways that you can ward off the flu this winter.

With flu season underway, it’s easy to let the fear of getting the virus keep you from the YMCA. However, with these five easy tips, you can protect yourself from sickness and stay healthy all winter long so you won’t miss a beat in your workout routine!

With two locations in Lafayette, Indiana, the Lafayette Family YMCA is a community committed to healthy living and social responsibility. For more fitness tips and to stay up to date about YMCA events, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, or visit our website.

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Regular exercise a few times a week is essential for seniors to stay healthy and keep moving. There are lots of benefits that accompany daily exercise for older adults, including an increased metabolism, more control over weight, reduced impact of illnesses and chronic diseases, and enhanced mobility and overall strength.

Daily exercise can even improve your memory and cognition, helping you maintain independence as you get older. It’s never too late to try new things and incorporate exercise into your daily routine. It might be more fun than you think — and open you up to new opportunities that you didn’t have before!

How much exercise should a senior get?

The CDC recommends that adults over the age of 65 get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise, or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise, and two or more days devoted to strength training each week.

There’s no set rhyme or rhythm to what you can do to fulfill these health goals. Aerobic exercises are activities that increase your heart rate and get your blood pumping. Moderate aerobic exercise might include walking for one hour, while vigorous aerobic exercise might mean jogging for 30 minutes.

Weight training doesn’t only mean lifting dumbbells at the gym—although that would work, too! Weight training includes anything that involves resistance, such as situps and pushups, working with resistance bands, or holding yoga poses.

There are tons of options available to you that can fulfill these weekly exercise quotas. It all depends on your own level of health and fitness. Here are five ways seniors can stay fit!

1. Walking or Hiking

If it’s been a while since you’ve had a consistent workout schedule, walking can be a great way to get your body used to physical activity again. Taking a brisk walk around the neighborhood, or exploring a local hiking trail, can be a fun way to leave the house and get your body moving. This aerobic exercise in particular is great for improving heart and lung health, and walking can help clear a cluttered mind.

Walking and hiking are workouts that are fun to do with others. Grab your spouse or a close friend, and spend some quality time together while getting in your cardio for the week!   

2. Gardening

Gardening is an extremely rewarding way for seniors to stay fit that can quickly become a loved hobby. Spending time in the yard is a great way to get some fresh air while being active, and fresh fruits and vegetables are a healthy addition to any meal. Heavy digging, shoveling, and moving objects can even help fulfill strength training goals!

If you have bad joints, and the idea of kneeling down seems too difficult, try starting with raised garden beds and potted plants. This way, you can still reap the health benefits of gardening without hurting your knees or other joints.

3. Water Aerobics or Swimming

Swimming and water aerobics are a wonderful way to increase your heart rate and work your muscles without fear of injury. The water makes exercise easier on your joints, and the added resistance works all major muscles groups, focusing on core strength.

Joining a water aerobics class can help you stay motivated during your workouts and can contribute toward both cardio and strength training goals for the week. Integrating swimming and water exercises into your routine can also help increase bone density, which reduces your risk of developing osteoporosis.

4. Dancing

Dancing is a fun way for seniors to stay fit! Not only does dancing increase your heart rate; it also improves balance and coordination. According to a study conducted by the NCBI, regular dancing helped senior adults increase strength, mobility, balance, flexibility, and quality of life. It also helped decrease their risk of falls due to the increased motor skills they gained as a result of dancing.

Enrolling in a dance class with a partner, such as tango or ballroom, can be a great date-night idea that you both benefit from! Or, try joining a Zumba class with some friends for a more upbeat, fast-paced workout.

5. Yoga

Yoga is an excellent strength training workout that leaves you feeling refreshed and relaxed! Similar to dancing, yoga works to increase coordination, balance, and stability. Added benefits include improved flexibility and joint health, enhanced respiration, and lowered blood pressure.

Committing to a regular yoga class will strengthen and tone your muscles, while restoring balance and flexibility to your joints. Find peace of mind while getting in a workout!

As a senior adult, you don’t have to let your age limit the things your body can do. It’s never too late to keep trying new things, and a steady routine of healthy eating and exercise will help you achieve your goals. You only get old when you stop, so don’t slow down now!

With two locations in Lafayette, Indiana, the Lafayette Family YMCA is a community committed to healthy living and social responsibility. For more fitness tips and to stay up to date about YMCA events, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, or visit our website.

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Luckily, all you really need to lead a healthy lifestyle is to incorporate beneficial habits into your regular routine. These five healthy habits to practice daily will transform your overall health, which will only get better with time!

1. Drink water strategically.

We’ve all heard the importance of drinking enough water each day. It’s suggested that you drink at least 64 ounces (or eight 8-oz. cups) of H2O each day, and even more on those hot summer days. However, did you know there are specific times in the day that hydrating is even more beneficial to your health?

Drinking ice-cold water first thing in the morning not only helps you wake up, but it also kick-starts your metabolism for the day. It’ll even flush out toxins and get your brain pumping sooner. Next time you reach for that morning cup of joe, consider drinking a glass of cold water first.

Additionally, drinking a glass of water 30 minutes before every meal will help you feel fuller while eating, making it easier to lose weight. Finally, end each day with another glass of cold water. This will help your body recover from the day and flush out toxins while you sleep.

2. Wear sunscreen every day.

If you’re like most people, you’re very diligent at slathering on the SPF 30 every time you hit the beach, and on those extra hot summer days. However, if these are the only times you think to apply, research shows that you aren’t wearing sunscreen enough.

In fact, many studies have come to the conclusion that sunscreen ought to applied every single day, despite the weather outside. Rain, snow, or shine, getting into the habit of applying sunscreen every morning will transform your skin over time. Daily application of sunscreen results in age-defying results for your skin, fighting against wrinkles, blemishes, and risks of skin cancer.

Because skin is your body’s largest organ, it’s no surprise that skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer. In fact, 5.4 million Americans are diagnosed each year, making it a huge threat to our health. But research shows that regularly applying sunscreen reduces your risk of melanoma by over 50 percent. A simple morning routine could give you soft, glowing skin and also reduce your risk of cancer!

3. Make time for reading.

Reading on a daily basis does wonders for your mind and overall health. Regular reading sharpens analytical skills, reduces stress, improves memory and focus, and even helps you stand out among competition. In the wise words of Harry Truman, “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.”

The average American can get through 20 pages of a book in about 30 minutes. If you committed to setting aside 30 minutes each day to read, you would be astounded by the amount of books you could get through in one year. Whether you prefer to read in the morning or evening, getting into the habit of reading daily will greatly improve your overall health!

4. Use your lunch break wisely.

Let’s face it, it doesn’t take an hour to eat your lunch at work! Instead of sitting on your phone or laptop, get into the habit of using your extra time at lunch to be active. Go for a walk outside, or make a run to the gym for a quick workout. Research shows that being active for at least 30 minutes a day helps you shed weight, and there are lots of health benefits to working out during lunch.

Another good rule of thumb to increase activity while at work is to get into the habit of taking the stairs. Short spikes of activity throughout the day help keep your metabolism pumping, brain working, and calories burning.

5. Eat more greens.

It can be hard to stick to three healthy meals (including snacks) each day. However, by integrating certain superfoods into your daily diet, you will see the benefits of healthy eating over time.

Dark leafy greens are packed with heart-healthy, age-defying goodness that make your insides rejoice! For starters, leafy greens are loaded with folate, telomeres, and antioxidants. These substances work together to fight against toxins, process hormones properly, protect your heart from various diseases, and slow the aging process.

The results? You’ll look and feel younger, healthier, and more energetic. You simply can’t go wrong with a daily dose of dark, leafy greens!

Incorporating these five healthy habits to practice daily can transform your body over time. With some consistency, these habits will become second nature to your daily routine. You’ll thank yourself when you start to reap the benefits of your determination!

With two locations in Lafayette, Indiana, the Lafayette Family YMCA is a community committed to healthy living and social responsibility. For more fitness tips and to stay up to date about YMCA events, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, or visit our website.

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