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Exercise is Medicine, Northern Virginia

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Exercise is Medicine, Northern Virginia

Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Exercise is Medicine, Northern Virginia, Medical and health, 10900 University Boulevard, Manassas, VA.

The mission of EIM at FAFC is to provide a clinic to community care program that implements exercise and other lifestyle change interventions for the prevention, management and rehabilitation of chronic disease, obesity and sedentary lifestyles. This FB page was created as a resource for both current participants and non-participants of the Freedom Center's Exercise is Medicine (EIM) program who are actively making lifestyle changes, just beginning to think about it and everybody in between. Many of the resources provided here are collections of science backed information that support the mission of EIM and the importance and challenge of increasing exercise, improving nutrition and making healthy lifestyle change.

10/26/2025

🤸 Why Flexibility Matters 🤸

Most people focus on cardio 🏃‍♀️ and strength 🏋️‍♂️, but flexibility is the third pillar of fitness that often gets overlooked.

Benefits of stretching:
✅ Improves posture & freedom of movement
✅ Relieves tension & soreness
✅ Increases relaxation
✅ Lowers risk of injury

Tips for safe stretching:

Warm up first 🚶‍♀️

Hold each stretch 15–30 sec, repeat 2–4x

Breathe normally—don’t hold your breath

Never bounce or force a stretch

⏱ Even 5 minutes after a workout helps, though 30 minutes 3x per week is ideal.

💡 Easy ways to fit it in: stretch after a shower, before getting out of bed, or join a class like yoga or tai chi.

✨ Bottom line: Flexibility training keeps your body moving better, longer. Don’t skip it!

https://www.acefitness.org/resources/everyone/blog/6646/benefits-of-flexibility/?topicScope=fit-facts

10/22/2025

🍴✨ Tips for Mindful Eating ✨🍴

With busy lives, it’s easy to eat on autopilot—but mindful eating helps you slow down, tune into your body, and avoid overeating.

Here’s how to practice it:
🔹 Check your hunger – Use a 1–10 scale (eat at “3,” stop at “6–7”).
🔹 Make time for meals – Sit at the table, not on the go.
🔹 Ditch distractions – Turn off TV, phone, or work while eating.
🔹 Choose smaller portions – Take small bites, chew slowly, pause before seconds.
🔹 Engage your senses – Notice colors, textures, smells, and flavors.

💡 Mindful eating = more enjoyment, better digestion, and fewer chances of overeating.

https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/take-charge-healthy-aging/newsfeed-post/tips-for-mindful-meals/

10/19/2025

🧠💪 Weightlifting Isn’t Just for Muscles — It’s for Your Brain Too!

Lifting weights does more than build strength and shape your body. Research shows it also strengthens your central nervous system and boosts mental health. Here’s how:

1️⃣ Better Mind-Muscle Connection – Improves coordination, movement efficiency, and overall strength.
2️⃣ Brain Health & Cognition – Encourages brain regeneration, supports memory, and protects against age-related decline.
3️⃣ Stress Regulation – Helps balance cortisol and supports your “fight-or-flight” and “rest-and-digest” systems.
4️⃣ Improved Mental Health – Reduces anxiety & depression, improves sleep, and boosts mood.

✨ Bottom line: Resistance training = stronger body + sharper mind. It truly is exercise for both muscles AND the brain.

Ready to lift for those brain gains? 🏋️‍♂️ Find out more in this article from InBody: https://inbodyusa.com/blogs/inbodyblog/4-ways-that-lifting-weights-strengthens-your-central-nervous-system/

10/16/2025

💪 Why We Quit Exercise… and How to Beat It 💪

Did you know? 🧐
➡️ 80% of adults don’t meet exercise guidelines
➡️ Most people drop out within the first 6 months
➡️ Top reasons: no time, low motivation, caregiving, lack of support, or no safe place to work out

But here’s the good news: ✅ Research shows you can build long-term exercise habits with the right strategies!

✨ Here are a few powerful tips to stay on track:
1️⃣ Set realistic, short-term goals 🎯
2️⃣ Put workouts on your weekly schedule 📅
3️⃣ Start slow & avoid injury 🏃
4️⃣ Find workouts you actually enjoy 😃
5️⃣ Track your progress & celebrate wins 📝🎉
6️⃣ Join a supportive community or get a workout buddy 🤝

🔑 Bottom line: Consistency beats intensity. Keep showing up, stay positive, and exercise will become a natural part of your lifestyle.

💭 “Your body will achieve what your mind will believe.”

Tips from ACE: https://www.acefitness.org/resources/everyone/blog/8704/sticking-to-an-exercise-program-25-tips-to-achieve-exercise-success/

10/13/2025

🌟 Prioritize YOU! 🌟
Life gets busy—we’re constantly juggling family, work, and responsibilities. But here’s the truth: taking time for self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential.

📊 A USA Today poll found that 1 in 3 people feel guilty about self-care… yet 67% admit they desperately need more of it.

When you invest in yourself, you recharge your energy, lift your mood, and show up stronger for everyone else. 💯

Here’s a simple 15-minute self-care challenge you can start today:
🧠 5 min reading – Pick something uplifting or motivational
🙏 5 min gratitude – Write 2–3 things you’re thankful for + a few affirmations
💪 5 min movement – Quick walk, push-ups, or a mini yoga flow

✨ Try it daily for 15 days and see how powerful prioritizing YOU can be.

10/10/2025

⚖️ BMI ≠ the Full Picture

The American Medical Association (AMA) has stated that BMI should not be the only measure of someone’s health. Why?
❌ It doesn’t distinguish between muscle vs. fat
❌ It was built on a limited population study
❌ It often overlooks real health indicators

💡 At Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center, our Exercise is Medicine program goes beyond BMI. Here’s how we do it:

📊 InBody Scans – see muscle & fat breakdown, not just weight
🩺 Biomarkers that matter – blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol
🏋️ Functional fitness – focusing on what your body can do
🌱 Lifestyle support – because health is more than a number

Yes, BMI can help track population trends, but your health is personal—and it deserves a holistic approach.

✨ Our mission: Help you manage risks, improve strength, and build a healthier, stronger YOU.

10/07/2025

🌟 Exercise isn’t just for your body—it’s one of the most powerful tools for your mind. Regular movement can ease depression, lower anxiety, and boost overall well-being. Here are 6 simple ways to use exercise to support your mental health:

1️⃣ Get Outside – Fresh air + sunshine = better mood and a natural dose of vitamin D.
2️⃣ Find Your Tribe – Workout buddies bring accountability, connection, and joy.
3️⃣ Hit the Sweet Spot – Aim for moderate intensity. (Tip: You should be able to talk, but not sing!)
4️⃣ Keep Moving – Any movement beats sitting still. Even short bouts add up.
5️⃣ Choose Positive Spaces – Skip environments that feel competitive or discouraging. Surround yourself with support.
6️⃣ Practice Gratitude – After each workout, thank your body for what it can do.

✨ Move for your mind as much as your muscles—and you’ll feel the difference.

10/05/2025

🎗️ Exercise & Breast Cancer: Why Movement Matters 🎗️

Research shows that regular exercise isn’t just safe during and after treatment—it’s one of the most powerful tools for prevention, recovery, and overall well-being.

✨ Key Benefits:
💪 Lowers risk of developing breast cancer
🔄 Reduces risk of recurrence & improves survival
⚡ Eases side effects like fatigue, depression, pain & lymphedema
🦴 Strengthens bones & muscles
🛌 Improves sleep, mobility & overall quality of life

🏃 What to do:

Aim for 150 min/week of moderate activity (like walking, biking, or swimming)

Add 2+ days of strength training

Include stretching & mobility work

Start slow, listen to your body, and always get your doctor’s OK

💡 Bottom line: Exercise is medicine. No matter your age or stage, movement can help you feel stronger, healthier, and more in control.

For more information, check out this article from BreastCancer.org https://www.breastcancer.org/managing-life/exercise

10/04/2025

💪 Why Core Strength Matters
A strong core does more than give you toned abs—it’s the foundation for your entire body.

✅ Protects your spine & helps prevent injuries
✅ Reduces back pain by supporting your lower back
✅ Makes daily movement easier & more efficient
✅ Improves balance & stability (less risk of falls)
✅ Boosts posture & alignment, reducing joint stress

Want to build yours? Check out these core stability exercises from ACE Fitness—simple, effective moves to create a rock-solid foundation.

👉 Read more here: https://www.acefitness.org/resources/pros/expert-articles/5922/improve-spine-health-with-these-core-strengthening-moves/

09/18/2025

Want a natural mood booster? Move your body. 🏃‍♀️✨

September is Healthy Aging Month, and one of the best ways to support both your mind and body as you age is through regular exercise. It’s not just about staying fit—it’s about feeling better every day.

Here’s how exercise helps your emotional well-being:
💙 Reduces feelings of depression and stress
😊 Boosts mood and overall outlook
⚡ Increases daily energy
😴 Improves quality of sleep

Staying active is one of the simplest, most powerful ways to protect your mental health and keep you feeling vibrant at any age.

09/15/2025

Struggling with sleep? Your health may depend on it. 😴💤
Poor-quality or too little sleep isn’t just about feeling tired—it raises your risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, obesity, memory loss, and even accidents or falls.

The National Institute on Aging recommends aiming for 7–9 hours each night. Here are simple habits to help you get there:

🕒 Keep a schedule – Go to bed and wake up at the same time daily (yes, weekends too!).
🌙 Wind down before bed – Try stretching, reading, or relaxation techniques.
📵 Ditch distractions – Keep phones, TVs, and computers out of the bedroom.
🏃‍♀️ Exercise smart – Stay active, but avoid workouts within 3 hours of bedtime.
🥗 Mind your meals – Skip heavy dinners, caffeine, and alcohol late in the day.
😴 Nap wisely – Limit naps to under 30 minutes, and not too late in the afternoon.

Quality sleep = better health, stronger memory, and more energy to enjoy life. 🌟

Read more tips from the NIH here:
🔗 https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/sleep/good-nights-sleep

Address

10900 University Boulevard
Manassas, VA
20110

Opening Hours

Monday	5am - 10pm
Tuesday	5am - 10pm
Wednesday	5am - 10pm
Thursday	5am - 10pm
Friday	5am - 8pm
Saturday	8am - 6pm
Sunday	8am - 4pm

Website

http://www.freedom-center.com/fitness/exercise-is-medicine/

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