Is Health a New Year’s Resolution? Local Businesses Can Help!
Chopped Salad from The Gladly.
Hello, 2020! Many of us make resolutions for ourselves that we try to adhere to throughout the new year in the hopes that we can better ourselves or our surroundings. For Local First Arizona, our goal is to continue our mission in supporting Arizona communities in promoting a healthy economy. Having looked at many people’s new year’s resolutions, we have found that making healthy choices is number one on their list. Luckily for us, we have a lot of options in Arizona that make living a healthy lifestyle easier.
Farmer’s Markets always provide healthy and delicious choices.
1. MAKE GOOD FOOD CHOICES
This does not mean you have to completely cut out junk food but the first step to any healthy lifestyle is making wise choices of what you should eat. Arizona offers a lot and you may not know where to look. So, here are some resources to check out:
Good Food Finder AZ is Local First Arizona’s online directory to guide you to local foods. It is a hub where consumers, farmers, restaurateurs, and other institutions can search, learn, and connect with local food providers. As a consumer, you will have access to recipes, seasonal produce checklists, and a comprehensive directory that lists restaurants that serve food from locally grown sources.
Visit Local Farmers Markets can be a great resource in finding healthy food alternatives. Studies have shown that buying locally grown food will taste and look better than what you will find in the grocery store. Crops are picked at their peak and meat products will likely be processed in nearby facilities where the farmer can oversee quality. By supporting local farmers and businesses, you can rest assured that you are receiving fresh tasty products that have been grown or raised with care.
Test your ability at Telos Strength & Condition in Tuscon.
2. GETTING ACTIVE
Another important part of maintaining a healthy life is through a consistent exercise routine. For many people this can be the most intimidating part, but don’t fret! Besides from the workouts you can do on your own, there are plenty of businesses that’ll help support you through your journey.
Village Health Clubs & Spas offer extensive resources that give their members the ability to fulfill all their fitness needs. The club provides weight rooms, cardio rooms, tennis courts, basketball courts, and offer group yoga classes in all their locations in the Valley. When you’re done with your workout, why not relax in the spa? After all, sometimes the best thing to do is just call it a day and get a massage.
Partake in group classes to achieve your fitness goals! Studies have shown that group exercises show major improvements in one’s mental, physical, and emotional states. By comparison, working out solo only saw a major increase in one’s mental health (American Osteopathic Association).
Some of our favorite spots to work out:
Tricore (Phoenix)
Telos Strength & Conditioning (Tuscon)
Remedy Pilates & Barre (Scottsdale)
Inspired Fitness (Tuscon)
Enjoy a hike in the beautiful Santa Catalina Mountains in Southern Arizona
3. EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS
One simple way people can get their fitness in is by visiting one of the many national and local parks in Arizona. Working out outside not only gives you a great excuse to explore our lovely park system, but has shown to push you closer to your maximum performance; creating a higher quality work out.
City Parks offer a lot of opportunities for the community to get their exercise in. They all have pathways that allow patrons to get their cardio in, some have volleyball, tennis, basketball courts, various sports fields, and some will have swimming pools during the warmer months. Most are available for free!
National & State Parks have a lot of opportunities for people to get their cardio in. Why not hike or jog in one of Arizona’s beautiful national and state parks. There’s not a better way to workout than taking in the fresh air and the quiet sounds from a natural landscape.