Commit to Be Fit Newsletter

3 February 2023/ Issue No. 234

At the beginning of the year, RCPS staff was given the opportunity by Governor Glenn Younkin to improve their wellness by participating in the Governor's Physical Activity Award Program. Participants have been logging their physical activity for the past few weeks in hopes to, not only better their health and fitness, but to also win that PLATINUM award at the end of the 16 week program!

This Friday marks 4 weeks since our community started this challenge together. To show some encouragement and motivation to our staff, C2BF delivered some little post work-out goody bags to each participant! Each bag contained a sweat towel, a pack of trail mix, strength training exercise handout and some post work-out recipes to help their body recover after all that hard work. We are so proud of the progress they have made the past few weeks and excited to show the Commonwealth what commitment this little county has to the program!

RCES 3rd grade student participants finished up their last classes of Fresh Food Fiesta this week! The young chefs made a yummy cookie skillet topped with some fresh strawberries, blueberries, oranges and kiwi. A big thank you to Ms. Kim and Ms. Viviana for taking the time to teach these kiddos some useful cooking skills. Those smiles say it all!

Commit to Be Fit will be continuing this after school program with 4th grade students next week!

20 Minute Move and Review continued strong this week! RCES Kindergarten students practiced their site words with Mr. Gates while moving up and down the ladder. These students improved more and more on their word recognition after each passing minute!

To view the FEBRUARY CALENDAR, CLICK HERE.

As a friendly reminder, classes will not be held on early release days or when school is not in session for students. Be sure to join our Facebook GROUP (search Commit to Be Fit) or sign-up for our newsletters at the bottom of our website homepage (www.rappc2bf.com) to receive class updates and/or cancellations.

Location information is available on our website www.rappc2bf.com/activities

Have additional questions? Email c2bf@rappahannockschools.us.

This semester, C2BF invited all staff members to participate in a weekly free salad drawing. This week's winners are Joanna Forde (high school) and Kelly Estes (elementary). C2BF will be delivering your free salad coupons shortly. Enjoy, Joanna and Kelly!

Registration for the 2023 Fodderstack 10K Classic is now open. CLICK HERE to register. Due to a generous donation from the Rappahannock County Park Foundation (RCPF) and others, registration for the first 50 YOUTH (17 and under), registering by 2/28/23 will be FREE!!

Mindset is magical when it comes to sticking to your fitness routine. Rather than viewing it as something you "have to do" or that you "should do," try telling yourself how lucky you are to have the ability to move and, therefore, reap the benefits. By now, most of you probably know that I am out of the office recovering from surgery. The one thing that I was most worried about when preparing for it was knowing that I would be on exercise restrictions for up to eight weeks post-op. I recently heard a motto that really resonated with me. "Exercise isn't about vanity; it's for sanity." Getting my heart rate up or lifting weights is a surefire way to guarantee a good day. It doesn't mean everything will be perfect and rosy, but I will approach challenges with a better perspective and attitude. The ability to move is a true gift, as are the physical (and psychological) benefits. The next time you find yourself begrudgingly thinking about exercise, try telling yourself that you are fortunate to have a capable body. I know that I will be saying it once I'm back at it!

February is American Heart Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for Americans. Take preventative steps to lower the risk of getting heart disease. Practice self-care for your heart! Start with choosing heart-healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and lean meats while limiting saturated fats and added sugar. Get movin’! Regular physical activity benefits your heart and can help you manage weight, sleep better, improve your mood, and combat stress. In general, aim for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day. Activities requiring moderate effort include walking, cycling, swimming, dancing, or rowing. A famous saying comes to mind, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Don’t overthink it - do what you enjoy!

February's Harvest of the Month is Butternut Squash! Check out this quick, comforting and nutritious meal by Garden in the Kitchen to try out for dinner this week.

CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE