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Gift of Exercise: Treat Your Body to Fitness – Mount Pleasant Magazine

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Gift of Exercise: Treat Your Body to Fitness – Mount Pleasant Magazine

The new year is here and with it comes the perfect opportunity to focus on giving yourself — and your loved ones — a life-changing gift: the gift of exercise. Forget the guilt-laden resolutions or unrealistic goals. This year, it’s all about celebrating what your body can do and discovering the joy of movement.

Why Exercise is the Ultimate Gift

Exercise isn’t just about fitting into a smaller size or breaking personal records. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, improving physical, mental and emotional well-being. Research shows that just 150 minutes of moderate activity a week can lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers by up to 50%. If that’s not motivation enough, regular exercise has also been linked to better sleep, improved focus and even a boost in happiness thanks to those feel-good endorphins.

Plus, moving your body can strengthen relationships. Studies indicate that couples or friends who exercise together not only deepen their bonds but are also more likely to stick to their fitness routines. So, grab a buddy or join a group class to make fitness both fun and social!

Getting Started: It’s Easier Than You Think

Not sure where to begin? Start small and pick activities you genuinely enjoy. Love the outdoors? Walking on Sullivan’s Island or biking the trails around Mount Pleasant can turn movement into an adventure. Prefer something structured? Local studios offer yoga, Pilates, HIIT and spin classes that cater to all fitness levels.

The key is consistency, not perfection. Even 10-minute bursts of exercise throughout the day can add up to major health benefits. Try parking a little farther from the store, taking the stairs instead of the elevator or incorporating stretches into your morning routine. These small steps can help you build momentum without feeling overwhelmed.

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Stay Inspired All Year Long

Nearly 80% of New Year’s resolutions fizzle out by February. To stay on track, focus on progress, not perfection. Celebrate small wins, like walking an extra block or mastering a new move. Remember, exercise is a lifelong journey, not a momentary sprint.

And don’t be afraid to mix it up. Trying new activities — like paddleboarding on Shem Creek or a group pickleball class — keeps things fresh and exciting. Who knows? You might discover a hidden talent or favorite workout.

This year, make exercise a gift, not a chore. Whether you’re hitting the gym, dancing in your living room or exploring Mount Pleasant’s gorgeous outdoor spaces, every step is a step toward a healthier, happier you. The best time to start? Today. Let’s move into the new year together!

By Katie Finch

 

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Fitness

Trending Exercise & Fitness Gear for the new year…

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Trending Exercise & Fitness Gear for the new year…
“Exercising” topped the list of resolutions for 2026, followed by “eating better” and “saving money.” Beauty and Style Editor, Marianne Mychaskiw, joins California Live with trending exercise products that will help you keep your fitness resolution… Or motivate you to get started.
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Fitness

You can now exercise with Dunkin’ weighted fitness bangles

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You can now exercise with Dunkin’ weighted fitness bangles

Dunkin’ has released a limited-edition set of weighted bangles on Tuesday, Jan. 12 through a collaboration with fitness accessory brand Bala, coinciding with the nationwide launch of its new Protein Milk option.

The 2-pound weighted bangles are available exclusively at ShopBala.com/dunkin-bala-bangles for $65 while supplies last. The wearable weights, which can be worn on arms or legs, feature Dunkin’s signature pink-and-orange color scheme and add resistance to walks, stretches, and everyday movement.

The bangles coordinate with Dunkin’s existing Dunk N’ Pump Collection.

Alongside the fitness accessory launch, Dunkin’ introduced Protein Milk as a new beverage addition available at locations nationwide. Customers can add 15 grams of protein to any medium drink that includes a milk or non-dairy base.

The coffee chain rolled out several protein-focused beverages featuring the new Protein Milk, including Megan’s Mango and Strawberry Protein Refreshers, a Caramel Chocolate Iced Protein Latte, and an Almond Iced Protein Matcha Latte.

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Just 10 Minutes of Exercise May Help Slow Cancer Growth, New Study Suggests – Muscle & Fitness

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Just 10 Minutes of Exercise May Help Slow Cancer Growth, New Study Suggests – Muscle & Fitness

Exercise has long been known for its muscle building, heart saving, and mind stimulating benefits, but more and more research is beginning to shed light on how being active can inhibit the spread of cancer, with a new study suggesting that just 10 minutes of exercise can switch off the signals that lead to cancer growth. The study, undertaken by researchers at England’s Newcastle University and published by the JAMA Network, showed that even short burst of energetic exercise can trigger quick molecular changes within the bloodstream that can halt cancer growth and accelerate DNA repair.

How Was the Study Carried Out?

30 overweight or obese male and female volunteers aged between 50 and 78 (risk factors associated with cancer) who were otherwise healthy, were asked to complete cycling sessions for around ten minutes. Following this activity, blood samples were then taken to measure 249 different proteins, and how the intervention of exercise may have affected these proteins.

Does Exercise Lower Cancer Risk Long-Term?

The scientists discovered that 13 proteins increased after this exercise, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), a protein that is associated with DNA and damaged cell repair. “These results suggest that exercise doesn’t just benefit healthy tissues, it may also create a more hostile environment for cancer cells to grow,” said Dr. Samuel Orange, who is a Clinical Exercise Physiologist. “… it sends powerful signals through the bloodstream that can directly influence thousands of genes in cancer cells”

It is estimated that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of bowel cancer by around 20 percent. “It’s an exciting insight because it opens the door to find ways that mimic or augment the biological effects of exercise, potentially improving cancer treatment and, crucially, patient outcomes,” added Orange. “In the future, these insights could lead to new therapies that imitate the beneficial effects of exercise on how cells repair damaged DNA and use fuel for energy.”

The study also found that exercise supercharged activity in genes that support mitochondrial energy metabolism, enabling calls to use oxygen more efficiently, while genes that encourage rapid cell growth were essentially switched off, reducing the aggressiveness of cancer cells. “Even a single workout can make a difference,” commented Orange. “One bout of exercise, lasting just 10 minutes, sends powerful signals to the body. It’s a reminder that every step, every session, counts when it comes to doing your best to protect your health.”

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