weight

Grip Strength

Multiple research shows a correlation between overall health markers and grip strength. There seems to be a particular correlation with cardiovascular health (based on a study of 140,000 people over 4 years). Some researchers think testing grip strength might be a cheap, easy way to assess general heart health.

This matters because grip strength often starts to diminish between the age of 50-55 (I don’t know about you, but that sounds young to me). And Millennials have lost grip strength compared to their adult counterparts from the 1980s. This loss is more pronounced in men than women, but both have lost their grip. (Note: the research on this did not indicate they are concerned this is causing heart issues in adults today, more just that as a population we do less manual labor.)

The real issue is that grip strength has such practical applications in life, so if and when you lose it, you notice it daily. If your grip strength is still good you might take for granted using a fork, pumping gas, vacuuming, lifting a water jug, or opening a jar of pickles, but all these tasks require grip strength.

Grip strength is interconnected with wrist health and forearm strength. So […]

Grip StrengthMaggie Downie2023-09-28T12:46:41-04:00

Feel Sluggish, Hot, & Tired?

Movement can be fun, playful, & silly

Feeling sluggish, hot, & tired? Let’s blame it on the previous year we all survived living with and in COVID-19. And now, as we step out of the tunnel into the light, let’s find tools to help ourselves. Here are some tips from Maggie at Personal Euphoria:

Have you been feeling sluggish?

You aren’t alone. It’s guesstimated that we put on 2lbs a month (on average) this year. I know I put on 8 and my doctor told me that was less than half what she’d seen this year. It can feel disheartening and putting on weight that quickly can slow you down. But you can make a change at any time. You can say, “Enough is enough. I’m getting back on track.” And this time of year is the easiest and best time of year to do so.

Get outside. Take walks. Exercise doesn’t have to be grueling. If you feel like you’ve fallen behind where you were a year ago, give yourself time to get back to where you want to be. These changes didn’t happen overnight (though it may have felt that way a […]

Feel Sluggish, Hot, & Tired?Maggie Downie2021-06-07T16:24:09-04:00

Weight Loss Tips

There are some key lifestyle changes that can help you lose weight. They can take time and be a challenge, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth a try. Consider this list and maybe pick three you think you can do. We’d love to hear which three you think would be the easiest to stick to or which ones you are already doing.

1) Take notes about everything you eat—use excel, a notebook, or your phone

2) Measure what you eat

3) Eat […]

Weight Loss TipsMaggie Downie2017-09-12T19:31:33-04:00

Run to Health

Nick Miller and I went to high school together. Since then we have found each other on Facebook, and he has been such an inspiration to me. I’ve been debating whether or not to run the Hartford Half Marathon based on how I feel. And then I read this article on Nick and once again he inspired me. I have no excuse.

I was interested in what Nick said at the end of the article in the New London Day about change and challenge. At first I was stunned because I spend a good portion of my life trying to convince people that starting small is worth it. I’ve even tried to convince people to start smaller because sometimes if you take on too much at once you can get injured or it will be so overwhelming you won’t stick with it. Small steps really can make a big difference. And if you go from doing nothing to walking even 20-minutes a day, you will start to lose weight, assuming you don’t change anything […]

Run to HealthMaggie Downie2017-10-25T14:30:14-04:00

Healthy Lifestyle Slow Going

My healthy lifestyle has been progressing slowly. I’m the same weight and same measurements–135 pounds. And at this point I’ve got less than two months before I’m 30. I think I have to make February no dessert month or something.

The problem is, that isn’t realistic. I’m not going to cut desserts out forever. However, I really would like to lose five pounds because I think my four physical challenges that I’m preparing for this year will be easier if I do. And I think my knees will thank me a little bit, especially when I run and hike. And, I think I’ll just feel better in my own skin.

Alright–that’s it. I’ve decide this very second:no dessert for Maggie in the month of February. It’s the shortest month of the year, so I should be able to do it. Anyone want to join me? When we feel like having chocolate cake we can convince each other that plain yogurt is just as good.

My only exception: if we get more good snow storms and I shovel or sled, afterward I […]

Healthy Lifestyle Slow GoingMaggie Downie2017-09-12T19:32:00-04:00