Washington County Weekend Post

As warm temperatures return, many people renew their interest in spending time outdoors. Spring and summer are peak times of year to enjoy the great out- doors. A popular activity in spring, summer and fall, cycling benefits the mind and body in various ways. Mind One of the more common mental health benefits of exercise is that working up a sweat can help alleviate physical and mental stress. Reducing stress is important for overall health and can reduce a person's risk of developing certain illnesses. Cycling is a great way to get outdoors, meet people and see the scenery. Getting out- side to exercise also can reduce anxiety and depres- sion. A study conducted in 2007 by researcher Charles Hillman indicated that exer- cise boosts brain power and may be able to stave off Alzheimer's disease in the elderly. Dr. Phil Tomporows- ki has studied how children with ADHD may be positive- ly affected by bike riding, and how control issues were improved without the use of medication. Body The Victoria State Department Better Health Channel says that cycling for health and fitness is a good idea. Riding a bicycle is a low-impact form of exercise for people of all ages. Cycling can be fun and doesn't require expensive equipment. Cycling general- ly causes less strain on joints and other areas of the body because it is low- impact. However, cycling provides enough resistance to be an effective muscle workout. People who want to improve their cardiovascu- lar health and manage their weight can turn to cycling to achieve their goals. Cycling raises one's metabolic rate to help the body burn fat when combined with a healthy diet. Cycling Weekly says cycling burns between 400 and 1,000 calories an hour, depending on the intensity of a ride and the rider's weight. Individuals can mod- ify the distance and intensi- ty of a cycling workout to suit their fitness goals. Disease risk and adverse health outcomes can be reduced by hopping on a bike. A study conducted by researchers at the Universi- ty of Glasgow examined more than 260,000 individu- als over the course of five years. The study found that cycling to work can cut a rider's risk of developing heart disease or cancer in half. Those eager to get started on cycling are encouraged to begin slowly, especially if it has been awhile since they last exercised. It's also important to find the right- sized bicycle to reduce strain and injury. Always consult with a physician prior to exercise to ensure that the regimen is safe. Those with prior injuries or health problems should be doubly careful, though cycling is generally safe for beginners. 2A • WASHINGTON COUNTY POST • SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2021 GMTODAY.COM Shared experiences are ideal ways to make new friends or solidify estab- lished relationships. Bonds can be strengthened even further when those shared experiences include enter- taining activities. This is a great reason for adults to incorporate routine game nights into their social cal- endars. Game nights are nothing new. Perhaps your parents or grandparents gossiped over a few games of gin rummy or weekly poker gatherings? Before the widespread prolif- eration of digital video games, board games were a go-to way to have fun. Even now, game nights can pro- vide the perfect way to slow down, have fun and get together with friends. Hosting a game night can be an ideal way to have fun at home without turning on the television. The following are a few things to consider when planning a game night. The number of people dictates which games can be played How many people are invited to game night will determine the games that can be played. Game nights tend to be more successful with a guest between four and eight players. Keeping people engaged in a game can be more challenging if there are more than eight individuals, and most games are designed for a maximum of eight players. Plan for finger foods Game night etiquette typ- ically dictates that hosts will provide refreshments. In lieu of a sit-down meal, offer finger foods, which are easi- er to manage while engaged in game play. Premade party platters are an option if you want to spend more time entertaining and less time preparing food. Guests also can be encouraged to bring small dishes, such as sand- wiches, chips and dips or other snacks. Have a variety of games on hand Let the course of the night be relatively fluid, even if you have a certain game in mind. If guests are not fans of a particular game, make sure you have others at the ready. Music or a sports game playing in the background also can be a way to keep guests enter- tained between turns. When deciding on games, consider these criteria, courtesy of Game Night Gods, an online game night resource: • The game should be easy to learn. • The game should be rel- atively fast-moving. • The game should pique interest and be strategic. Get out of your comfort zones Acting zany and engag- ing in games that push peo- ple out of their comfort zones can help guests get to know one another and laugh along the way. Games also are a perfect way to learn something new with little to no pressure. A game night can unite existing friends and help people interested in making new acquaintances find com- mon ground. If in person game nights are not doable, gather virtually through video chat applications. How to plan a perfect game night Reasons to embrace cycling now

• Cover