The Villages - July 2017 - 16

Health

Sun&Fun
Both help Villagers maintain an active lifestyle. Whether walking the trails or using the
outdoor equipment, fitness is better in a pleasant, scenic environment. Experts report that if
we enjoy an activity, we're more apt to stick with it. But we didn't need science to explain that.
Villagers have already figured it out, and are using outdoor trails and equipment to stay fit,
lose weight, and simply enjoy the community.

Here are a few additional perks to frequenting
tHe parks and patHs in tHe Villages.

You Set the Pace
Walking the trails is a simple form of outdoor exercise.
As you build endurance, you can increase the pace to
take your walk from slow to brisk and burn more calories
while covering more ground. Experts recommend
walking for a minimum of 30 minutes most days of the
week. But if your goal is to lose weight, aim for 60 to 90
minute walks on most days.

Well-Balanced Workout
Walking is a weight-bearing exercise that promotes
bone health and builds cardiovascular endurance.
When you combine a brisk walk with strength training
and stretching exercises, you get a well-balanced, fullbody workout. Some residents stick to the walking trails
alone, while others make stops at various fitness stations
to incorporate repetitions on their favorite machines.
The best workout is one that is both challenging and
enjoyable.
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JULY 2017

Vitamin d
Without reaching into your medicine cabinet, you
can ingest an essential vitamin: vitamin D. Outdoor
exercise allows you to manufacture the vitamin through
exposure to the sun, which in turn helps you build strong
bones and ward off diseases such as osteoporosis, and
breast, colon and prostate cancers. According to the
Archives of Internal Medicine, people with the lowest
vitamin D levels have more than double the chance of
dying from heart disease and other causes. Researchers
said decreased outdoor activity puts people at risk of
vitamin D deficiencies and may also lead to depression.

nature inSPireS
When you live in The Villages, incredible scenery is
part of the deal. Picturesque paths, exotic foliage and
well-groomed parks offer exquisite ambiance for the
outdoor enthusiasts. Most residents find that walking
the trails is a great way to connect with nature, set an
intention for the day, or reset and find respite any time
the need arises.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Villages - July 2017