National Women’s Health & Fitness Day: Staying in shape is good for your body and mind

September 23, 2020 Providence Women's Health Team

Fitness round-up for National Women’s Fitness Day

  • An effective, stay-at-home workout
  • How to use yoga tools safely
  • How low-impact exercises keep you fit as you age
  • Achieving the perfect plank for healthy abs
  • Health and fitness tips from UFC fighter Cat Zingano

[2 MIN READ]

It's no secret that staying in shape is good for your body. But taking control of your physical health will also have a positive effect on your mental and emotional well-being.

Each year, women of all fitness levels observe National Women’s Health and Fitness Day, taking time to renew their commitment to exercise, healthy foods, emotional care and adequate rest in an effort to live the healthiest life possible. Staying in shape will not only help you look your best, but it can reduce stress and anxiety and promote a positive outlook.

With so many resources available to inspire you to get moving, there’s no reason to put it off. Make a commitment to your health today—for yourself and for the people who love and depend on you.

Try this stay-at-home workout: No equipment necessary

Staying motivated to keep up an exercise routine at home during the COVID-19 pandemic may be proving more difficult than you thought. But, you don’t need a home gym or expensive exercise equipment. Just grab a yoga mat and develop a routine using furniture or common household items. Here are some tips.

Yoga tools that raise your game

Yoga is a body of physical, mental and spiritual practices known for improving balance, flexibility and strength. It also may alleviate pain associated with aging and the symptoms of menopause. Yoga tools can help you achieve the correct poses and avoid injury. Learn more.

Low-impact exercises to stay fit as you age

Taking care of your bones and joints is important at any age, and it becomes especially critical as you get older. Low impact exercises are a great way to keep moving without putting too much strain on your ankles, hips or knees. Try these activities.

How to do a perfect plank

The plank is a simple bodyweight move that not only strengthens your abs, but also provides a total body workout. It’s an exercise that focuses on your core, improving support for the muscles that control your spine and pelvis. "This is a great foundational movement because a lot of exercises start with a plank," says Betina Gozo, NASM-certified personal trainer. Get started.

Cat Zingano steps out of the ring for Q&A on health and fitness

Professional UFC fighter Cat “Alpha” Zingano shares in this four-part video series how she prepares, trains, heals, eats and still manages a work-life balance. “One thing I really like to stick to when I’m starting a new training camp, or even a diet, is just remembering even when I’m on the downside of things, that going and continuing to go always makes me feel better,” Zingano says. “I can forget that. I can be resistant. There are times that I’m sitting at home … and I’m just sitting there staring at my ceiling and thinking about how much I don’t want to do this. But I also know, in the back of my mind, as hesitant as I am and as stubborn as I can be, that every single time I go, I always feel better… It’s setting those little goals and meeting them so that the big goal is what’s achieved.” Hear more from Cat Zingano.

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Find a doctor

A primary care doctor can help you develop a healthy nutrition and fitness plan. Search for one in our provider directory. Or use one of the regional directories below:

Alaska

California

Montana

Oregon

Washington

What motivates you to protect your heart health today? Share your inspiration with #WomensHealthFitnessDay @providence.

Related resources

Staying active while sheltering in place

Easy ways to get diet and nutrition while you’re cooped up

Easy and creative workouts you can do at home

Working from home: Step away from your desk

This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.

About the Author

The Providence Women's Health team is committed to providing useful and actionable insights, tips and advice to ensure women of all types can live their healthiest lives.

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