Weekend Warrior
It's going to be a beautiful holiday weekend for us here in the Bay area, and we thought we might give you some tips on getting out and about. There's plenty of ways to get exercise that aren't going to sweaty work-outs at the gym. With this extra-long weekend, don't waste any time on staying at home when you could be out and about (and doing your heart, blood sugar levels and waist-line a favor)! As always, make sure you have your Diabetes testing supplies and medications or insulin in a cool, dark place so they don't give inaccurate readings or break down. Keep in mind, the idea here is to have FUN. So much so, that you don't even realize you're burning calories and fiercely on your journey to better health.
Walking Tours
From botanical to historic, walking tours are a great, leisurely way of exercising the whole body. Walking can be incredibly beneficial and lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Add in the stress free approach of appreciating something visually (like an architecture appreciation walking tour in a historic district, or a window-shopping walk around your local downtown), and you have the makings of the best kind of workout. Here's a few ideas in the Bay Area:
Geocaching
Have you ever heard of Geocaching? It's a hobby of many in the Bay Area. Essentially treasure hunting, participants use GPS enabled devices (like a cell phone) to hide and find "Geocaches" at specific locations typically locally, but caches can be found all over the world. Typically, a cache is a container with a logbook and pencil where Geocachers can check-in their findings. Sometimes, you'll even find a small sentimental trinket. This is a fun way to get out of the house and indirectly interact with people all around you while sight-seeing. Check out the Geocache website if this sounds like something you'd be interested in: https://www.geocaching.com/guide/
Pokémon GO
By this time, you've probably heard of Pokémon GO, and may have even tried out the popular app. This game involves real world augmentation to get participants out of the house and 'catching' animals (Pokémon) which they then train and battle. In the first two months of being out, Pokémon GO players walked a collective 4.5 BILLION miles! That's Incredible! The game is free, fit for all ages (some very competitive players are in the 50+ age group!) and very fun. Find out more here: http://www.pokemongo.com/
The Walk game
Similar to Pokémon GO, this application uses augmented reality having the participant 'carry' a package to a mysterious location. It's a great way to look forward to morning walks and inspires you to log those miles. If you haven't had success with normal step counters, this is for you! As the website describes:
"A bomb explodes in Inverness station, and you're given a package that could save the world. To stay alive, you'll need to walk the length of the UK.
The Walk is more than just a (great) pedometer — it's a way to turn walking into a journey, a challenge, and a rip-roaring adventure."
Sounds like a thrill to us! Check it out here: http://www.thewalkgame.com/
Go to a Museum
Have you ever considered how many miles you can log in a museum? The New York Met holds an impressive 10 miles of exhibits! Sometimes people need visual distraction to get out and take those steps (to better health and otherwise), so why not feast your eyes on works of art, sculpture or treat your brain to the wonder that is natural history. There's museums in the Bay Area for everything. From modern art to aviation, learn something and get out there! Here are a few of our favorites:
Do Some Gardening (Or just visit one!)
Did you know gardening can burn up to 330 calories an hour? That kind of activity can really add up. Additionally, sunlight isn't just good for plants, the increased time in the sunshine can boost Vitamin D levels which can be incredibly beneficial to those with Type 2 Diabetes. Get out there and show the world your gardening prowess by planting some of these summer crops:
-Pumpkin
-Cucumber
-Sweet corn
-Peppers
-Tomatoes
-Lettuce
-Runnerbeans
Don't have the greenest of thumbs? What about a walk through an already established garden? Check out these Bay Area destinations:
- Hakone Estate & Gardens in Saratoga
This weekend, most importantly, take care of yourself. It should be an opportunity to relax, refresh and spend time with family. We hope each and every one of you gives yourself a little TLC, and has a happy Memorial Day Weekend!
-The Human Engine Clinic
