Three cyclists on a tree-lined trail
Jan 17 2022

Health, Wellness & Social Connections

Written By Marissa McDonald, MSES
Three cyclists on a tree-lined trail
Summary

Did you know that having friends can actually increase both your quality and quantity of life?

Did you know that having friends can actually increase both your quality and quantity of life? 

Meaningful and intentional relationships, in combination with purposeful living, create a space of life-change and consistency!

Have you ever failed at a fitness goal you’ve set for yourself? I have.

Have you ever fallen off the bandwagon of consistency? I have.

Have you ever binged on unhealthy foods? I have.

Are you still searching for that “one thing” that will create motivation, regularity and confidence in your health and wellness journey? If you are, my best advice: FRIENDSHIP.

The answer may seem simple, but it’s not always easy to let people into our space, revealing our flaws and being held accountable for our actions.

Did you know that having friends can actually increase both your quality and quantity of life? Harvard Women’s Health Watch recently released a study suggesting that strong social connections can improve health and increase life expectancy. A healthy social life is just as important, if not more so, than choosing healthy foods, sleep habits, smoking habits, etc.

So, today, grab a friend who will hold you accountable and find SOMETHING you like to do (or at least don’t hate) and move your body with purpose. If you already have this person or people in your life, you’re one step ahead!

Consider trying some of these fun classes together:

  • Yoga
  • Step Aerobics
  • Pilates
  • T’ai Chi Chih
  • Cardio Barre
  • Cycling
  • Zumba
  • Low Impact Conditioning
  • HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training)

Meaningful and intentional relationships, in combination with purposeful living, create a space of life-change and consistency!

Marissa McDonald for web
Marissa McDonald for web
Meet the author

Marissa McDonald, MSES

Marissa McDonald, MSES, ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist, is a fitness instructor at Pontotoc Wellness Center. She graduated from The University of Mississippi in 2013 with a master’s degree in exercise physiology and is a Certified Exercise Physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine. Her passion is women’s health and fitness, and she enjoys coaching women’s HIIT classes.

Take Advantage of It!

Fitness specialists at an NMMC Wellness Center near you can help you get started with a healthy lifestyle.

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