There’s no denying that over the decades, our society has become increasingly sedentary. Many of us work office jobs where we sit at a desk all day, while simultaneously balancing extremely busy schedules that offer little to no room for physical fitness activities or sports. This is why I, Dan Westra, have made physical fitness a priority in my life, no matter what my busy schedule demands. Physical health is more important than your salary, and studies show that maintaining an adequate level of activeness will keep your body functioning the way it should.
But physical fitness is not a ‘one size fits all’ program. While getting in shape can be extremely rewarding, it can also be difficult to stay motivated. This is why I suggest finding an activity that you genuinely enjoy, so that you are more likely to continue pursuing it long-term. There are several sports and activities that I enjoy doing in my spare time, but one of my favorites is sailing. As a Seattle, Washington native, sailing has always been a big part of my life. The great thing about sailing is that it is very multifaceted. On one hand, it’s a fantastic way to spend time with friends and family, and on the other, it is a good way to get fit and toned.
But physical fitness is not a ‘one size fits all’ program. While getting in shape can be extremely rewarding, it can also be difficult to stay motivated. This is why I suggest finding an activity that you genuinely enjoy, so that you are more likely to continue pursuing it long-term. There are several sports and activities that I enjoy doing in my spare time, but one of my favorites is sailing. As a Seattle, Washington native, sailing has always been a big part of my life. The great thing about sailing is that it is very multifaceted. On one hand, it’s a fantastic way to spend time with friends and family, and on the other, it is a good way to get fit and toned.
Physically, sailing is an extremely demanding sport. It requires pulling and hosting sails to maneuver the boat or yacht, which can be an excellent workout for your shoulder and back muscles. The strenuous activity involved in sailing can also improve your cardiovascular health, and balancing the various tasks associated with this activity can improve your flexibility, agility, and hand and eye coordination skills. In addition to my personal experiences sailing, I have also helped others get involved in this fulfilling sport as a salesman for several sailing companies, including North Sails, VenWest Yachts, and Open Sound Yachts, all of which are based here in Seattle.
Obviously, sailing is good for your physical health. But what many people tend to forget is the positive impact this tranquil hobby can have on your mental health. There’s nothing like being out in open water to calm your mind and improve your mood, while the rocking motion and swooshing sound of splashing water relaxes you. In my opinion, sailing is one of the best ways to get in shape and relax by getting in touch with nature.
