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Story by Meredith Nelson / February 23, 2021
Show Your Heart (and theirs) Some Love!
February is a month to celebrate the heart . . . . not only do we have Valentine’s Day, but it is also National Heart Month. What better time to show appreciation for those you love, but also for the ticker that keeps you going … your heart!
This February marks the 56th consecutive occurrence of National Heart Month, established by Lyndon B. Johnson nine years after suffering a heart attack. Although the focus of this national designation is on awareness and prevention of heart disease, the American Heart Association encourages everyone to take care of their hearts all year long. And then of course there’s Valentine’s Day – an opportunity to proclaim and show our love for that special someone. But why save it all for just one day? There are plenty of ways you can show your loved ones how much they mean to you, and at the same time, give your heart a little attention as well, any day of the year. Take, for example, the following heart-healthy activities . . .
Splurge on some heart-healthy indulgences.
Go on an online “love me, love my heart” shopping spree – and shop local!
Treat yourself and your loved one to some things with which might motivate you to exercise and improve your heart health, such as:
Some of my favorite local places to shop – masked in-person, or even on-line at most places, are Play It Again Sports, Fleet Feet, Charleston Fitness Equipment, and Blue Sky Endurance.
Get some exercise together!
And now that you’ve gotten the gear… put it to use! We are so fortunate to enjoy mild temperatures year-round, which makes it ideal for most of these activities:
Take a walk. Enter a local socially-distanced race (there are a handful that have not been Covid-cancelled) together. Go for a bike ride. Spend an afternoon in a state or county park, exploring the trails by foot or bicycle. Learn to play pickleball or disc golf (YouTube offers excellent tutorials). Go for a swim in the newly renovated Martin Luther King indoor pool downtown. Make love (talk about burning calories!). Kiss (it’s actually good for your teeth – I’ve heard that kissing stimulates the production of saliva to wash food from your teeth, and also lowers the level of acid that causes decay).
And of course, with so many personal trainers WFH these days, it’s easier than ever to find a trainer who is compatible with you and eager to help you meet your fitness goals. .
So this month, take some time to show your loved one how much you really do care . . . about them and their health. Remember, a healthy heart is a happy heart!
Meredith Nelson, M.Ed, is the owner of PrimeTime Fitness, LLC. Meredith has spent more than 20 years in the fitness industry, from owning her own gym, to acting as Director of Training at the local Gold’s Gym Mt. Pleasant, and now offering her private training services in her home studio or virtually. Providing private and small group training, outdoor boot camps, TPI Golf Fitness, and yoga (both traditional and Yoga for Golfers), Meredith is ready to help you achieve your fitness and nutrition goals. She can be reached at Meredith@primetimefit.net.
I worked out with Meredith for years before she (sadly) moved away. She is creative, fun, and great at correcting your form. She can adapt to injuries you might have. She will incorporate things you like (yoga) and can work with all types of exercise equipment from machines to bands to TRX to free weights to your body weight. No two workouts are the same, which means you do not get bored and you want to keep coming back!
Meredith first sought to truly understand my fitness goals and then observed my current weight-training routine. She then helped me organize a workout plan that gave me better results, in the same amount of time. Now I have a more balanced routine that is producing better results, in the same amount of time, with the same amount of effort. She always had my work within my comfort level and has helped me develop a more balanced program that maximizes the results.
I found my happy place at home with Meredith and Primetime Fitness. I started virtual training with Meredith at the beginning of Covid and now virtual training is part of my weekly routine. What a joy to get a great workout and not have to leave the house! Thanks, Meredith!
I’ve been taking Meredith’s classes for a few short months and also doing some training sessions with her, and it has already made me stronger. I love that she offers lower-impact options (for this 58-year-old) and also motivates all of us during class!
I was recently diagnosed as a Type 2 Diabetic. I had worked out with Meredith once before, but at the time, I just wasn’t dedicated to a routine. As soon as I was diagnosed, I shot her a quick email, and she immediately responded. We met and discussed diet and exercise; she was a wealth of information. I started working out with her and figuring out what routine spoke best to me. She helped me set up a Peloton bike and monitored my form. Hey, if this 65-year-old woman can get in shape, anyone can. I’m 15 pounds down and on the right track. Thanks, Meredith!