It’s here: SUMMER. At long last, we can fire up the barbecue, get some sun and sip some cool drinks. And while summer is our favorite season to let loose and relax, you don’t have to sacrifice being healthy. There’s plenty of summertime activities and events to consider so staying healthy isn’t such a chore this season. We’ve put together our “best of” list of eight things to consider to stay healthy and still have fun all summer long.
Really? A book club will help you stay healthy? Yes! Consider this: Reading while sitting, while it isn’t the most cardio-intensive activity, still burns more calories than both sleeping and watching TV for the same period of time. So curb your Netflix, organize a couple of friends and a summer book list, and get reading!
With more than 12 miles of trails snaking through Brambleton, the hiking and biking trails (map here!) in the neighborhood are our favorite way to get outside, stay active, and get some much-needed vitamin D. While you’re at it, check out Brambleton’s official Bluebird Trail, with over 75 nest stations scattered throughout the trails.
Brambleton’s inaugural Healthy Living Expo was rescheduled from the spring due to weather, and that just gave us more time to make it even better! On Sunday, July 24, organizations and businesses from the area will come together to help make Brambleton and all of Loudoun County the healthiest it’s been. There will be exercise demos from Sport&Health, an obstacle course and games (to channel your inner American Ninja Warrior), fresh farm stands and food trucks, free chair massages and so much more. Head to our events page for more info.
Recent studies found that too much screen time can be detrimental to your health and may be linked to obesity, sleep disorders, stress and depression. Tracking how much time you spend in front of a screen is the first step to curbing these potential side effects and from there, you can work to minimize your screen time and do something else like going for a hike, play with the kids (that means no video games!) or even just reading a book. For more tips on digital detoxing, check out this guide from Fast Company.
A well-utilized gym membership is one fast track to getting fit, but you can also help yourself by helping others and being an active volunteer. Fortunately, Loudoun County has an entire website devoted to volunteer opportunities and needs called Loudoun Cares. Find a number of reasons to get out and give back to the community—while staying off the couch.
Keeping healthy habits on your own takes a lot of effort. That’s why we like staying active with friends or family members. Set a schedule with your workout buddy (or buddies) and take turns choosing what exercise you’ll tackle, whether it’s swimming at the Brambleton community pools, taking a class at Brambleton Sport&Health or signing up for Bella Barre at Bella Ballerina. No matter what you do, even if it’s just going for a walk, it’s better with a partner!
Don’t forget, every couple of weeks at Brambleton Town Center the community hosts live outdoor concerts from local bands. July brings Vinyl Radio and Under the Covers, and in August, For The Win and Here’s To The Night take the stage. What better reason to get outside, dance a little and get that heart rate up! See the full lineup of our Sizzlin’ Summer Concert Series on our events page.
Every Sunday, Brambleton hosts its own Farmers’ Market, and we can’t think of a better way to get out of the house and find some fresh, healthy produce to take home for the week’s meals. Find fresh fruits and veggies from the likes of Crooked Run Farm and Valencia’s Produce and fresh proteins from Rainbow Acres Farm.
