Valecia Weeks is licensed though the state of Texas as a therapeutic massage therapist who specializes in providing on-site chair massage for corporations and events. She currently provides massage for such organizations as Houston Ballet and Houston Methodist Hospital. Valecia is also a certified personal trainer with NESTA, as well as a licensed ZUMBA instructor.
Ladies, who remembers the song with the phrase, “What have you done for me lately?” Well, I want to change and ask, “what have you don’t for others lately?” Perhaps you spent a few minutes taking an elderly neighbor the mail from their mailbox. Or maybe you spent an hour or two serving lunch to the homeless during the Thanksgiving holiday. Maybe you were a volunteer at the children’s hospital reading to the young patient who was awaiting a heart transplant. Whatever “give-back” activity you may have performed, ladies, you know that doing good feels good, but as much as you might love to get your philanthropy grove on, the life of a busy woman is not always conducive to allowing huge chunks of time to be dedicated to doing what we love… giving. So, what is a woman with a busy lifestyle to do?
Analyze how much time you spend exercising each week. Whether you are walking, jogging, or squeezing in a yoga class, consider redirecting that time to a more “giving-of-self”, but still active, outlet. By choosing one of these more vigorous volunteering options, you can burn calories and build strength, while utilizing that energy to help others improve their lives.
Run For A Cause – Races for a cure are generally not hard to find. With October being breast cancer awareness month, there will be several opportunities to join a team to walk or even run for the cure. To make it even more effective and interesting, you can recruit a few friends to hang with you. Whether you train for the event or decide to just be a last minute participant, you will be making a difference to others by giving and to yourself by being physically fit. A few popular races that you can check into are Susan G. Komen Race For the Cure, The Wounded Warrior Project, and the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk.
Stop The Trash – Unfortunately, litter is a sad fact of life. When you are walking down the street, there is a huge chance that you’ll see a piece of trash every few steps. Most of it will probably be fast food packaging and paper products. The organization Keep America Beautiful organizes hundreds of volunteer programs across the United States, some of which include cleaning up litter at the local parks and along the roadways. Get connected with them to get your steps in and to keep making America beautiful. Each time you bend to pick up a piece of trash, tighten your abs and exhale. Be sure to tighten your tummy as you walk.
Hammer Away – Participating in programs such as Habitat for Humanity gives you not only the opportunity to assist someone in getting a newly renovated place to dwell, but it also gives you a chance to work toward your goal of being physically fit. Just think of the work your arms will get with your DIY skills of painting and hammering. As you transport a piece of wood from point A to point B, hold it above your head to build strong shoulders. Remember to keep that tummy tucked.
Ladies, I know life hands us busy–lady-duties; but just think of all the ways we can put that energy into doing a good deed and getting our fitness grove on. Try some of these volunteer activities and try to think of other ways to get fit while doing good.