Row House’s Post

Part 6 (last part) of the Christmas musings (giveaways) - 'Tis the season to say ‘Stay Fit’ First of all - Merry Christmas to you all 🎄❄️🎅 Today as part of the final giveaway, I want to talk about maintaining our fitness levels. Since August, as part of my training for the London Royal parks Half Marathon, I have been partaking in the ‘Parkrun’ a uniquely UK concept where you just turn on a Saturday at a local ‘park’ and ‘run’ for 5km. The event is curated by a team of volunteers who guide as run marshals and keep time - The best part is it is absolutely free..Running 5km every week in the company of friendly runners has massively helped in my fitness journey! I feel lively, energetic and motivated!!! An article by Professor Theodore Turocy (University of East Anglia School of Economics) described Parkrun as a ‘wildly successful nudge’ and linked its success to the Behavioural Insight Team’s ‘EAST’ framework. (https://lnkd.in/eefrKvrZ) EAST stands for Easy, Attractive, Social and Timely. And Parkrun embodies all 4 of these values. It is Easy - Just turn up on a Saturday 9am Attractive- parkrun events are held in parks or other similar open spaces, on traffic-free paths. A run, jog, or walk in the park always sounds like a good idea. Social - You run in the company of friendly runners, Runners are a very social community, many of them run as family and stay behind for a cuppa Timely - the runtimes are timed and you have an incentive to beat your PB (Personal Best) week after week - Also the event happens all around the UK at the same time - Saturdays 9am (Enthusiastic ‘Parkrunners’ I’ve heard choose their holidays so they can participate in the local parkrun where they holiday) What do you do to keep fit - Any tips and tricks, please feel free to share with us here. PS: If you are wondering why I’m talking about Parkrun today, on a Monday, well, Parkrun special happens on ‘Christmas day’ and ‘New Year day’ too #MerryChristmas #fitness #Parkrun #itstheseason

Running Forward: Navigating the Shift from Virtual to In-Person Experiences In the dynamic landscape of the running community, a recent Running USA survey struck a chord — 75% of over 5,000 surveyed runners believe virtual races miss the mark on delivering the real-life experience. As the lead coordinator for two major running events production companies, I facilitated the successful participation of over 33,000 virtual runs globally from 2019 to 2020. This experience speaks volumes about our team's adaptability and innovative approach to running industry trends, all while accurately forecasting the ones that unfolded. The running community, once immersed in virtual races, is now finding harmony with both in-person and virtual options in the post-COVID era. On a positive note, the outdoor recreation industry in the United States is thriving, contributing significantly to the economy and reflecting an even greater appreciation for outdoor activities. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the industry reported an impressive $563.7 billion in 2023, constituting 2.2% of the nation's GDP and employing 5 million workers. This upward trend echoes the positive impact of the recreation industry on our economy. Image Credit: UltraSignup (Dirt Circus - Bentonville 11/17/2023) #RunningCommunity #OutdoorRecreation #runningindustry #getoutside

Go for a stroll along Melbourne's foreshore on a Saturday morning and you'll notice a change over the past 12 months. A gradual change but difficult to miss, they have taken over footpaths and coffee shops everywhere. Run clubs. 🏃 Hundreds of runners, of all fitness levels getting up at the crack of dawn to run, chat and coffee. They have popped up all over the place, in country towns, suburbs and cities. And the growth isn't surprising. The State of the Nation Report for 2023 found that loneliness is on the rise here in Aus, especially for those aged 18-24. An alarming statistic that was amplified by Covid and continues today. So enter run clubs and the reason for their success: 👟 Low barrier to entry: its for everyone, you just need a pair of trainers 👟 Kills two birds with one stone: meet people and get fit 👟 Scales very well on social media: content is approachable & shareable 👟 Fills a gap: we have been missing true connection and community 👟 We love coffee: and it usually finishes with a flat white, ultimate incentive And despite us being more digitally 'connected' than ever, we are still missing out on real human connection. Communities have always played an essential role in human societies and while not for everyone, run clubs have found a segment of the market that caters for their needs and desires. Anyone in a run/cycle/swim/gaming/book club or similar? What do you get out of it?

What's Your Story? We Believe It Matters The NYC Marathon took place on Sunday November 5th and 50,000 athletes were expected to cross the finish line. That same day in Panama City Beach, Florida over 2,000 athletes finished the 140.6 mile race that is comprised of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run. This is not new as these events have been happening for years but what is new is the resurgence in participation. The pandemic caused many gyms to shut down, but what didn’t close was the outdoors. Many people picked up running as a way to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. That has not subsided, as expected, because of the benefits that people received from being active. The New York Road Runners Club (NYRR) had the second most applications in its history for their event and the majority will finish late into the afternoon or early evening because they are not in the elite category. Is this a new running resurgence or just a continuation? Does it matter? People are engaging in the sport of running. The everyday person is becoming the everyday athlete and basking the glow of their improved health, camaraderie and overcoming obstacles that once stood in their way. These everyday athletes are the people that we talk to. This week alone I have spoken to a man from Bangladesh via London who lives in LA. I have also chatted with Kristen Tippit who has a goal of running 40 miles for her 40th birthday on New Year’s Eve. These stories and many others like them are the backbone of Run Tri Bike and the list is growing longer. Our goal is to prove that there is a spot at the starting line for everybody and every body. With the increase in participation, we believe that there will be stories to tell for ages to come. Your Story Matters. Share It With Us. https://lnkd.in/grEH-_hY

Embrace the Green: Golf's Therapeutic Benefits for Mental Health and Well-being 🌞 In the quest for mental well-being, golf emerges as a powerful ally. A sport that combines physical activity with the serene beauty of nature, golf offers a unique blend of therapeutic benefits that extend beyond the green. Nature's Healing Power Getting outside, even for a round of golf, has been shown to significantly improve mood and mental health. The tranquil environment, combined with the physical activity, helps in reducing anxiety, depression, and even dementia. It's a natural antidote to the stress of daily life, offering a sense of peace and relaxation. Physical and Mental Fitness Golf is not just about swinging a club; it's a low-impact exercise that can significantly boost physical health. It's a sport that can help individuals improve their confidence, self-esteem, and anxiety levels, without the side effects often associated with medications. Social Interaction and Community ---- GreensGuild and Steven Henchel The social aspect of golf is another key benefit. It provides a platform for camaraderie and human contact, which is known to improve mental health. Golf clubs offer a supportive community where players can share experiences, support each other, and find common ground. Inclusivity for All Golf's inclusivity is a testament to its therapeutic potential. Studies have shown that golf can significantly improve the quality of life and life satisfaction for golfers with disabilities. It provides opportunities for positive life experiences through sport participation, fostering a sense of belonging and achievement. Research and Studies Recent studies have highlighted golf's role in enhancing mental well-being and life expectancy. From the Golf Science Journal to the peer-reviewed journal BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, the evidence is clear: golf is a game that can transform mental health and contribute to a healthier, happier life. A Green Path to Health So, whether you're looking to improve your mental health, find a new hobby, or simply enjoy the great outdoors, consider adding golf to your routine. It's a sport that not only offers physical benefits but also a therapeutic escape from the daily grind. Read more here : https://lnkd.in/eTSnNKh8 #Golf #MentalHealth #Wellness #Nature #Inclusivity #HealthBenefits #Florida #SoakUpTheSun #WeAreABillionStrong #Veteran

Extreme Sports Pups: Pushing the Limits of Canine Agility Take a thrilling ride with Daniel Reitberg through the exciting world of extreme sports for dogs, where daring dogs resist gravity and do amazing tricks that push the limits of what dog athletes can do. Fearless dogs show off their agility, courage, and boundless energy in amazing acts that leave people in awe. They do amazing things like surfing waves, mastering tricks that defy gravity on a skateboard, and even base jumping. In a risky look into how athletic dogs can be, Reitberg sees for himself the amazing things these extreme sports dogs can do. "It's remarkable to see the level of skill and determination these dogs possess," he points out. "Their performances not only showcase their physical prowess but also highlight the strong bond between dogs and their handlers." These dogs have honed their skills to perfection through specialized training and a love of adventure. They are incredibly agile, coordinated, and fearless when faced with difficult challenges. Every trick they do shows how hard they work and how much fun it is to push the edges of what dogs can do. As Reitberg digs deeper into this exciting world, he learns about the many extreme sports that dogs can do, such as mountain biking with their human partners and handling agility courses very quickly and accurately. "These extreme sports pups inspire us to embrace adventure and live life to the fullest," he says. These brave dogs' heart-pounding acts are both entertaining and inspiring. They show what amazing athletes dogs can be and how strong the bond is between people and their furry friends. As people cheer and applause for these brave performers, it's clear that extreme sports dogs are a force to be reckoned with. They're pushing the limits of what's possible and changing what it means for a dog to be agile and athletic.

When it comes to choosing your ideal neighborhood, what's your top priority? ☕🛒🏙️👨👩👧👦🏋️♂️ Coffee shop ☕, Grocery store 🛒, Downtown 🏙️, Family 👨👩👧👦, or Gym 🏋️♂️? If your current location isn't working for you, it is time to find a new place to call home. I would 💗 to help! 👉DebbiePlatts.com #debbieplatts #home #pittsburghliving #wealththruhomeownership #wealth #homeowner

Exciting news for Strava! The company has been named a partner by The White House for its Challenge to End Hunger & Build Healthy Communities (the Challenge), which focuses on ending hunger and increasing healthy eating and physical activity by 2030. I am regular user of Strava, using the platform to as part of my bike training for triathlons. I recently passed 10,000 miles of "virtual riding" on Strava. All told, Strava has more 120 million athletes in more than 190 countries that are actively utilizing their digital platform. Many of my friends that use Strava are already active. I am interested to see how Strava and The Whitehouse will work together to get new people to adopt an active lifestyle to help their overall health and well-being. Obesity, poor health choices and food deprivation are very complex issues in the United States. It's a topic that bi-partisan efforts should be taken to help change the course. Let's hope this is a step in the right direction. #strava #whitehouse #hunger #activelifestyle #healthandwellness #healthcare #cycling #running # https://lnkd.in/enBt3NGj

Experimenting with Autonomy. It’s a fine art balancing between the structure of having a programme to follow in your training and the freedom of doing whatever feels right on any given day. The art is in educating someone to make the right choices, so that they know what’s appropriate, when it’s an appropriate and why it’s appropriate so that they can make the best informed decision for themselves. If an athlete really wants to add in arm work and there is adequate recovery time before the next training session/match, then that’s absolutely fine. Equally, if someone really enjoys thrashing themselves at the end of a session through a circuit (often because that’s historically been the culture of that sport) but they have a competition the next day, then understanding why that probably isn’t best practice with minimal recovery time to justify that stressor. Recently, we’ve been experimenting with giving autonomy back to our clients during their group sessions. The first half of the programme is set out in detail by us, with exercises, sets, reps and loads suggested with each individuals end goal in mind. The second half of the programme is decided by the client themselves, with a number of different pathways open to them - they can choose the exercises and load but the sets, reps are set out as a guideline. This sparks a conversation between client and coach, allowing us to discuss on a regular basis, what is your goal? Which pathway do you think will get you closer to that goal? Which pathway do you want to take? This then allows us to discuss the merits and benefits of each pathway but ultimately it’s down to the client to choose their path, we only offer guidance. Once chosen, they are committed to this pathway for a minimum of 6 weeks, at the end of which we can then measure progress and results against their goal and this opens up another discussion about what worked and what didn’t. Then we discuss whether it’s time to stick or twist! It’s early stages but the results seem positive! It’s nice to be putting the decisions back in the clients hands! #strength #strengthandconditioning #strengthtraining #strengthandconditioningcoach #personaltrainer #gym #fitness #health #tenburywells #bromyard #ludlow #cleoburymortimer #temevalley #wyreforest #worcestershire #shropshire #herefordshire #bewdley #kidderminster #leominster #healthylifestyle #strengthforlife

💜 DATE NIGHT IDEAS 😍 The simple truth is that in order to feel close to your partner and foster a thriving relationship, you need to prioritize and be intentional about date night. Date night, however, doesn’t need to be at night, and it doesn’t necessarily need to mean taking your partner out to an extravagant dinner or an expensive event. Dates don’t need to be expensive to be meaningful. It could be as simple as coffee on the balcony on Sunday morning. The goal of dating your partner is to spend uninterrupted time together, where you’re focused solely on each other. That means no kids, no electronics, no double dates and no errand running! Date nights are always doable, even if it means getting a little creative in carving out your time together. Below are fun and creative date night ideas that previous clients, friends and family members have shared with me since I started practicing in 1999. Enjoy! - Adler Planetarium - Apple Picking  - Art Institute of Chicago - Ax Throwing - Beer, Wine or Liquor Tasting. - Boat Ride  - Bookstore or Library Date. - Bowling - Canoeing - Carve a pumpkin. - Casino - Challenge Course.  - Chicago History Museum. - Chicago Sports Museum. - Christkindlmarket. - Christmas Lights Tour.   - Comedy Club - Community Veterans Memorial in Munster.  - Concert - Cooking Class - County Fair - Cross Country Skiing - Dance Lessons   - Deep River Waterpark. - Deep River Park’s Edge Adventure. - Dinner.   - Dinner Theater - Drag Show - Driving Range - Escape Room - Fair Oaks Farms Adventure Center - Field Museum - Fireworks Show - Fishing - Golfing - Haunted House - Haunted Bus Tour - Helicopter Tour - Hiking - Horseback Riding - Hot Air Balloon - Ice Castles - Ice Cream - Ice Skating - Indiana Ballet Theatre - Indiana Beach - Indiana Dunes State Park - Indoor Skydiving (or the real thing, if you prefer)  - Karaoke! - Kayaking  - Laser Tag - Magic Show - Miniature Golfing - Mixology Class - Morton Arboretum - Movie with dinner, dessert or a drink after. While going to the movies is not a good date idea (because the couple spends 2 hours focused on a screen and not each other) combining it with dinner, dessert or a drink afterwards is a great way to discuss the movie and connect. - Murder Mystery Dinner - Museum of Illusions - Museum of Science and Industry - Old Joliet Prison - Overnight Date at a museum - Paintball - Picnic lunch in a park - Recreate Your First Date. - Rock Climbing - Roller derby - Roller Skating - Sailing Lessons - Shed Aquarium - Sip & Paint - Shot of Art - Shrine of Christ’s Passion - Sledding - Snowperson.   - Soldier’s Field Tour - Sporting Event   - Stand-up Paddle Boarding - Symphony  - Theatre at the Center - Thrift Store Scavenger Hunt - Top Golf - Trapeze - Untouchable’s Tour - Wave Runner Rental - Windsurfing - Wrigley Field Tour - Ziplining - 49er Drive-In Theater.