CAN YOU FEEL THE LOVE? THE SECRET TO LIVING A LONGER, HEALTHIER LIFE
The human brain is an incredibly powerful organ. It solves complex problems, recalls forgotten memories, and triggers a dizzying array of emotions. But its most incredible power is the effect it can have on the rest of the body. When it comes to love, well, our brains certainly love it, and our bodies reflect that. LESS STRESS Human beings thrive on a sense of connection and belonging, and studies have shown that love actually has positive effects on a person’s physical health as well as mental. The security and commitment felt in a loving relationship are shown to reduce stress by stunting the production of cortisol, the body’s stress- inducing hormone. Less stress means lower blood pressure, a healthier heart, and a lower risk of stroke, especially in men. HEALTHIER IMMUNE SYSTEMS Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that calm, happy people can fight common colds and the flu more easily than those who are anxious or depressed. The physical benefits of love even go as far as healing wounds quicker. Small injuries inflicted on a wide test group at Ohio State University Medical Center healed nearly twice as fast on people who experienced consistent warmth and care than those who experienced
hostility. In fact, the latter group needed almost a full additional day to achieve the same amount of healing as the first group. LONGER, HAPPIER LIVES
Being surrounded by love may even save your life. A statistic from the National Health Interview Survey states that single people face a 58% higher risk of mortality. Further bolstering that claim is the Harvard Health Blog, which claims happily married participants experience better health as they age when compared to peers in unhappy partnerships. In fact, the blog asserts, “People in stressful, unhappy marriages may be worse off than a single person who is surrounded by supportive and caring friends, family, and loved ones.” So, it seems the results are in: Loving someone is a healthy lifestyle choice. Even having a strong network of friends and family boosts your odds of living a long life by 50%. So, get out there and make the healthy choice for yourself and those around you by leading a life full of love.
PLANK FOR 2? WORKOUT WITH YOUR VALENTINE
REACHING PLANKS This core exercise puts you and your partner on equal ground so you have to hold each other accountable for the duration of this challenging plank. • Start in a high plank position, face to face, about an arm’s length from one another. • Lift your right hand to almost touch your partner’s opposite shoulder. • Replace your hand and reach out with your left hand as quick as you can. • Alternate for 8–12 reps. Of course, if you or your partner are out of shape, scale back these exercises as needed. If either of you struggle to work out due to chronic pain, give us a call! We’d be happy to help you get moving again. After all, couples that exercise together stay healthy together!
‘Tis the season of romance, but that’s no excuse to skip out on fitness. If you’re looking for ways to stay in shape (or keep those New Year’s resolutions alive), then why not involve your Valentine in your workout? Here are a few exercises that can help you and your significant other build a truly healthy relationship. WHEELBARROW SQUATS Some may remember doing wheelbarrow exercises during PE at school. This new twist doesn’t require you or your partner to walk around, and it ensures both parties work on their upper and lower body strength. • Start in a high plank position like you just completed a pushup. • Have your partner carefully lift your ankles one at a time and hold them up; this is the “wheelbarrow position.”
• Perform a pushup, being sure to keep your core straight, while your partner squats to keep your legs aligned with your body. • Repeat 12–15 times, then switch. LEG THROWS This is a great one for when your partner needs a breather but still wants to be part of the workout. • Lie on your back with your partner standing behind your head. • Bring both your legs up together so your partner can hold your ankles. • Have your partner gently push your legs back toward the floor. • Stop your legs just before they touch the ground and bring them back up. • Repeat 20 times, then switch.
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