We all know the phrase, “Take a deep breath.” Some love it; some hate it. But whether you’re angry, stressed, scared or all of the above, pausing to take a calming breath really can take your blood pressure down a notch. Experts say there’s even more to it than that. The practice of meditation can provide you with a sense of peace and balance that can benefit both your emotional and physical health.
The mind + body connection is a powerful one. Research has shown that exercise like jogging, swimming, cycling and running have been proven to reduce anxiety and depression. Plus, exercise improves mental health by bolstering self-esteem and cognitive function.
Obesity is on the rise, and experts point to many factors including sedentary lifestyles, screen time and diet. This month, the American Academy of Pediatrics released a statement identifying sugar as one of the major culprits, saying “excess consumption of added sugars, especially from sugary drinks, poses a grave health threat to children and adolescents.”
If you track your carbs, time your laps and rarely forget your FitBit at home, you already understand the importance of collecting health data. But a test once utilized only in labs for elite athletes is now bringing more powerful fitness data to anyone, whether you’re a badminton buff or serial marathoner. The benefits of VO2 max testing reach far outside the realm of exercise—you can expect valuable insight into your risk for disease, energy level and even nutrition requirements.
