Health and Fitness Month

Glenview “Sprint" Triathalon

Why July is My Fitness Month

As you may know, I organize my interests around balancing 9 main categories over the course of the year.  July is dedicated to fitness - given the season's ideal conditions for outdoor activities - and the opportunity to reset our exercise routines.

See my Website for other monthly examples here.

Recently, several friends have faced health challenges, which has been a stark reminder of the importance of fitness. So, I’m sharing a range of activities (from active to relaxed) that cater to various fitness levels.

Triathlon Training: A Personal Tradition

This month, I’m deep into training for the annual Glenview Sprint Triathlon, a tradition I've upheld for over a decade. Participating in triathlons keeps me motivated for exercise, especially with the unique combination of swimming, biking, and running.

While this can create some distractions for my seasonal golf, pickleball, and tennis schedule with friends, outdoor swimming at our local landmark, Roosevelt Pool, is a personal favorite ever since high school team practices. It offers a meditative and low-impact exercise that complements any overall regimen.

Fit for What Purposes?

You may be wondering how all this relates to my website and blog about “appreciating beautiful places.” On a practical level, the local triathlon course starts with the beautiful and inspiring Glenview Gallery Park, which also hosts the annual July 4th fireworks display. Years ago, I was involved in the conservation, planning, and design aspects of this park. It has now matured beyond my imagination, with summer-long wildflowers and lakeside paths. I urge you to visit for any recreational activities you may enjoy.

While I'm relieved now in the final countdown for the Glenview event, we’ll have to wait and see how that goes. But like most things in my life, I feel “the means are more important than the end.”

Yoga: Stretching Beyond the Physical

For friends who have been restricted from more competitive sports, I always recommend some form of yoga. It has long been a cornerstone of my fitness regime. There are many different types, ranging from core power/flow to gentle Yin stretching. Flexibility now seems more important every year, and some yoga styles also offer relaxation and mindfulness, essential for overall health. See my website for further recommendations here.

For Sports Enthusiasts: Must-Watch TV

Have you seen the latest Netflix series on golf and tennis (Full Swing and BreakPoint)? Their in-depth coverage on emerging pro athletes and major tourneys brings the excitement of these sports right into our living rooms, especially for the major summer events. This year, I'm also particularly inspired by the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris, especially with my extended family's connections to Paris events.

Reading for Health: A Summer Challenge

When and if I get the chance to sit down for a summer beach read, I’ve been bingeing with bestsellers on health and aging. One notable example is "How Not to Age" by Dr. Michael Greger. While it might be a bit dense for leisurely summer reading, it seems a valuable resource for anyone serious about sustaining fitness over the long term.

Let’s keep the conversation going and support each other in the quest for a balanced, healthy lifestyle.