National Exercise Day is a great reminder to prioritize physical activity and healthy living. Planet Fitness trainer Jeremy Smoot recently shared some fantastic tips on Good Morning Delmarva to help everyone get motivated and stay fit. Whether you’re a seasoned gym-goer or just starting your fitness journey, Smoot’s advice can help you make exercise a fun and sustainable part of your daily routine.
Who is Jeremy Smoot?
Jeremy Smoot is a dedicated and experienced fitness professional. As the National Director of Fitness Training at Ohana Growth Partners, a franchise of Planet Fitness, he oversees fitness programs for 79 clubs across five states. With certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the Mental Wellbeing Association, Jeremy is committed to improving both the physical and mental well-being of others. He’s also a familiar face on FOX 5 DC and other media outlets, where he shares workout tips for various occasions, such as Earth Day, National Watermelon Day, and even baseball’s Opening Day. Jeremy was also part of the award-winning United We Move Campaign.
National Exercise Day: Why It Matters
National Exercise Day, celebrated annually, aims to highlight the importance of physical activity and encourage people to adopt healthier lifestyles. Regular exercise offers numerous benefits, including:
- Improved Heart Health: Regular physical activity strengthens the cardiovascular system, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Increased Strength and Flexibility: Exercise helps build muscle mass and improve flexibility, making everyday tasks easier and reducing the risk of injuries.
- Mood Boost: Physical activity releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects and can help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Better Sleep: Regular exercise can improve sleep quality, helping you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.
- Increased Energy Levels: Exercise can combat fatigue and increase energy levels throughout the day.
- Prevention of Chronic Diseases: Regular physical activity can help prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and certain types of cancer.
Tips from Jeremy Smoot to Stay Fit
While the details of Jeremy Smoot’s specific appearance on Good Morning Delmarva for National Exercise Day aren’t available in the search results, we can still gather valuable insights from his general approach to fitness and the recommendations he’s shared in other similar appearances. Here’s a breakdown of practical tips and exercises to incorporate into your routine:
1. Embrace Bodyweight Exercises
Jeremy Smoot often emphasizes the importance of bodyweight exercises. These exercises require no equipment and can be done anywhere, making them perfect for people with busy schedules or limited access to a gym.
- Squats: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, extend your arms in front of you for balance, and lower your body as if sitting in a chair. Keep your heels on the floor and your knees over your feet. Squats strengthen your legs and glutes.
- Push-ups: Start in a plank position with your hands under your shoulders. Lower your body until your chest touches the ground, then push back up. Push-ups work your chest, shoulders, and triceps. If standard push-ups are too challenging, modify them by doing them on your knees.
- Planks: Lie face down on the floor with your elbows under your shoulders. Lift your body off the floor, keeping your body in a straight line from head to heels. Engage your core and hold the position for as long as possible. Planks improve core strength and stability.
- Modified Push-Up: Push-ups are great because anytime you’re doing any type of physical exertion, you’re releasing endorphins, which are natural boot lifters.
2. Prioritize Low-Intensity Workouts
Smoot often promotes low-intensity workouts that are accessible to people of all fitness levels. These workouts are gentle on the joints and can be easily modified to suit individual needs.
- Walking: Walking is a fantastic way to start moving more. It’s free, can be done anywhere, and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of walking per day.
- Box Breathing: Start by exhaling for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, inhale for 4 seconds, and hold again for 4 seconds. This controlled breathing technique can stabilize your heart rate and prepare your body for physical exertion.
- Side Line Legs Lifts: Lie on your side and lift your top leg, repeat, and switch sides. This exercise can help with hip mobility and strength, potentially reducing anxiety around physical limitations.
3. Focus on Mental Well-being
Jeremy Smoot is a strong advocate for the connection between physical and mental health. He often incorporates exercises that promote relaxation and stress reduction.
- Mindful Movement: Pay attention to your body and breath as you exercise. This can help you stay present and reduce stress.
- Box Breathing: Practice box breathing exercises to calm your mind and reduce anxiety.
- Enjoyable Activities: Choose activities that you find enjoyable. This will make exercise feel less like a chore and more like a fun and rewarding experience.
4. Stay Active During Cold Weather
Even when the weather is cold, there are still plenty of ways to stay active. Smoot has shared cold-weather cardio workouts that can be done indoors or outdoors.
- Indoor Cardio: Consider activities like dancing, jumping jacks, or stair climbing.
- Outdoor Cardio (with precautions): If you choose to exercise outdoors, dress in layers, wear warm socks and gloves, and be mindful of slippery surfaces.
5. Incorporate Fitness into Daily Life
Finding time for dedicated workouts can be challenging, but there are many ways to incorporate fitness into your daily routine.
- Take the Stairs: Instead of taking the elevator, opt for the stairs whenever possible.
- Walk During Breaks: Get up and walk around during your breaks at work or school.
- Active Commuting: If possible, walk or bike to work or school.
- Standing More: Small goals like standing up more during the day will also benefit your health.
6. Nutrition and Hydration
No matter how committed to exercise you are, the benefits will be limited by how well we tend to our bodies. Without proper nutrition and hydration, the benefits of exercise are lessened, and one’s capacity to perform these workouts can also be severely impacted. Experts recommend minimizing sugar, focusing on nutrient-rich foods, consuming lots of protein, ensuring you eat fruits and vegetables, taking proper portion sizes and eating balanced meals. Drinking plain water consistently throughout the day is critical to staying hydrated and healthy.
7. Set SMART Goals
To start, it’s essential to assess your current fitness levels so you can evaluate how to best move forward towards your goals. For the best fitness plan, your goals should be SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. By focusing on these constraints, you can better craft a fitness plan that suits your body, life, and needs. Specific outcomes set your destination, while keeping it measurable allows you to track your progress and ensure it’s achievable, which helps avoid burnout. In the same manner, ensuring your goals are relevant and time-bound increases the likelihood of getting what you want from your fitness journey in a reasonable amount of time.
8. Don’t Be Afraid to Try New Things
If you are someone who gets bored with the same routine, explore different options. Try activities such as kickboxing, Zumba, water aerobics, boot camps, yoga, or going to the batting cage. See if there are free groups or clubs in your community.
Final Thoughts
National Exercise Day is the perfect opportunity to recommit to your health and well-being. By following Jeremy Smoot’s tips and incorporating regular physical activity into your daily routine, you can enjoy a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection, so start small and gradually build up your fitness level over time.
