By DINA ARÉVALO
Port Isabel-South Padre Press
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
It’s a new year, and with it come New Year’s resolutions. One of the most common resolutions people make, aside from eating right, and keeping a better eye on finances, is the promise to become more physically active — to exercise more and get in better shape.
I’m sure local gyms see a rise in their memberships every January, while the App Store and Google Play store see similar increases in the number of fitness app downloads. With the technology we have available to us today, it’s easier than ever to get off the couch and start exercising. There’s even an app that references that comfortable seat of leisure in its name; it’s a running app called Couch to 5K. It aims to train even the least athletic among us to the point where we can complete a 5K event.
There are apps that will track every step you take, or mile you ride, or meal you eat. There are even apps that can track how you sleep at night. Other apps exist to improve your mental focus or to aid in relaxation via various forms of guided meditation. No matter what you’re looking for, there are myriad ways of pursuing better health and wellness.
But perhaps one of the most popular activities for people looking to get in shape is running. And there’s good reason for it. According to active.com, not only can running help you lose weight (if that’s one of your goals), but it can also help prevent disease. It can lower the risk of having a stroke or heart attack. It can also help boost your immune system.
Aside from the physiological benefits of running, however, there are some pretty great intangible benefits, as well. The exercising can help boost your self-confidence, which, in turn, can aid in relieving stress and even alleviating the symptoms of depression.
Then there’s the social aspect. Though you’ll often see joggers marking off the miles solo, running is not entirely an activity of solitude. There are plenty of runners groups who will meet for group runs, not to mention the existence of numerous friendly and competitive races like 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons and marathons.
In fact, one such social event is set to occur this weekend. Saturday morning, thousands of people will gather near Beulah Lee Park in Port Isabel for the 32nd Annual Longest Causeway Run and Fitness Walk. There’s still time to sign up, so lace up your shoes and get on out there. You might even see a few staffers from the Port Isabel South Padre Press and the San Benito News running beside you.
And as always, be sure to visit us online at www.portisabelsouthpadre.com.
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