The Bledsoe Firm - September 2024

INJURY-FREE RUNNING DISCOVER YOUR PASSION

LEARN NEW SKILLS IN ORANGE COUNTY

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Or use those lemons to make a sweet lemon bar dessert with a side of lemonade. The point is that life is what you make it. When things do not go according to plan, a change of plan may be precisely what you need. Learning a new skill is a great way to improve your mental well-being, and your outlook on life, all at the same time. Whether you are looking to perfect your pasta or coat your canvas, there are some wonderful lessons you can take right here in Orange County. EXPANDING YOUR CULINARY HORIZONS Learning to cook a variety of foods is a boon both for you and your guests. Why resort to takeout when you can create an exotic dish to your liking? Hipcooks is an organization that provides private and public cooking classes across the West Coast, including in Orange County. They have themed classes, like “Let’s

Go to Thailand,” “Samosa Social,” and “Dim Sum and then Some,” exhibiting cuisines from around the world. The California Baking School, also in Orange County, offers professional and recreational courses that teach the fundamentals of baking bread and pastries. PAINTING CLASSES Living in Orange County means living among artists; it is an inescapable and wonderful quality. Both in-person and online art classes are available through ArtSteps, an organization that provides lessons to kids, teens, and adults for a variety of art mediums. The Mission Art Center offers flexible pricing and scheduling, allowing you to book lessons, in-person, for just one day, or up to nine weeks. LINGUISTIC LESSONS Learning a new language can open up a world of possibilities, both professionally and socially. You

want to make connections and forge friendships, but you just don’t have the right words to make them happen at the moment. The Orange County Lingual Institute is a great way to go if you are looking for in-person tutoring and language lessons. If you prefer to learn from home, LingQ is an online service that lets you learn a new language by reading in that language, with live translations provided to help you pick up new words as you go.

Step Up Your Fitness Game With Rucking

How Adding Weight to Your Walk Can Transform Your Health

HOW TO START Are you interested in giving rucking a try? Here’s how to get started on the right foot. 1. Start light: Begin with a lighter weight. A good starting point might be around

If you’re searching for a new way to spice up your fitness routine that doesn’t involve learning complicated dance moves or investing in expensive equipment, it’s time to strap on a backpack and give rucking a go! Rucking is walking with a weighted twist, combining the simplicity of a stroll in the park with the added challenge of carrying a few extra pounds on your back. It’s going viral, and here’s why you might want to join the ruckus. RUCKING EXPLAINED Imagine taking a leisurely walk, but add a backpack with a few books or weights — that’s rucking! This straightforward yet effective exercise doesn’t just get you out and about; it turns your walk into a full-body workout. By adding weight, you ask your muscles to work harder with every step, boosting the cardiovascular benefits of walking and turning it into a resistance training session. HEALTH BENEFITS OF RUCKING Rucking is an excellent way to get a cardiovascular workout without the high-impact stress that running can impose on your body. The extra weight helps increase your heart rate and strengthens your bones and muscles. Rucking ensures a comprehensive workout by targeting multiple major muscle groups, including calves, hamstrings, quads, core, upper back, shoulders, and even feet. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to burn calories and enhance your endurance while enjoying the great outdoors!

3%–5% of your body weight. You can use almost anything, like water bottles, sandbags, books, or weight plates.

2. Focus on form: Pay attention to your posture. Keep your back straight and shoulders back to avoid strain. You may even notice your posture improving because of rucking! 3. Gradually increase weight: As you become more comfortable with rucking, add more weight to your backpack. Increasing the challenge helps ensure continuous improvement in your strength and endurance.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a backpack, throw in some weight, and step into the world of rucking, where every step moves you toward better fitness!

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