It Takes a Village: Boosting Physical Activity with Your Community

The Twin Cities Kidney Walk took place earlier this month and it got our team thinking about all the wonderful benefits associated with partaking in community-based exercise. To see ANC’s Kidney Walk highlights be sure to visit our Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn! In the meantime, keep reading to learn more about activities recommended for kidney patients and how you can find the support you need in order to meet your daily exercise goals.

Fall Fitness and How to Get Started

One of the most common challenges we hear patients struggling with as the seasons change is finding the motivation to start exercising and maintaining this healthy habit. Regardless of your activity level, here are a few important things to keep in mind as you tailor your routine to support you throughout the fall and winter! 

1. Seasonal Adjustments

Many of us try to seize the abundance of fresh air in the summer and spring by going on runs or doing low-impact activities outside. If you’re not too sensitive to the cold, Autumn is the perfect time to take advantage of the cooler fall weather and gorgeous scenery on calming walks. Another easy way to maintain activity while battling the cold is by getting a gym membership or regularly visiting your county’s local recreation center. 

Not a fan of the gym? Don’t worry! There are so many creative ways to get up and active indoors. A popular alternative is strolling through malls! Not only are malls a great way to engage in window shopping, but they also allow you to take your time and pace your walks. Running errands? Parking a little further away also helps you boost your steps! Remember: maintaining your activity levels doesn’t have to be a fully regimented HIIT workout. Some activity is always better than none! 

2. Community Activities

When asked about their favorite activities and ways to stay accountable for exercise, our team came up with several recommendations! Number one was having a workout buddy. Finding a close friend or loved one to get active with can encourage the routine aspect of exercising! It forces you to schedule a time with your buddy which, in turn, aids in setting specific, timely goals. Group activities also encompass so much breadth – our favorites include bike rides, walking our pets, morning strolls, and exploring nature centers! As the leaves change, two of our favorite locations for these activities include the Twin Cities Arboretum and Dodge Nature Center.

Community centers in the area can be a great way to find workout partners as well! Within the Twin Cities, several community centers offer low-impact mobility classes to the public. Our team recommends the Maplewood Community Center, Shorewood Community Center, and Woodbury Community Center; however, any local governmental centers can help depending on your region. The YMCA also offers “Silver Sneakers” classes for senior members! 

Though low-impact exercises may not feel like much, they are tremendously helpful in improving mobility – a key factor in regulating the cardiovascular system. Beyond physical health, exercise is proven to improve mental health! Being around similarly abled people can ease the “disease of loneliness” and even push you to new heights you didn’t think you could reach on your own!

Conclusion

The next time you find yourself struggling to get up and get active, remember that you don’t have to brave it alone! It’s all about re-positioning the way you perceive exercise so that it becomes something you can look forward to! Call upon your loved ones, friends, and community members to make physical activity a routine piece of your day as the months get chilly. Want to learn more about specific exercises or opportunities in the Twin Cities area? Please connect with our care team and providers to establish a plan that works best for your unique circumstances.