Mark your calendars, Missouri, because June 15, 2023, will be the day when you Sweat 4 Your Brain! Sweat 4 Your Brain is an initiative started by the Alzheimer’s Association. This year, they’re teaming up with St. Luke’s and fitness centers around St. Louis and other cities, including the J! Thinking you should do something good for your brain? That’s your brain working! Here are seven reasons you should listen to your brain and sweat for it on June 15:
1. Over 6 Million People Have Alzheimer’s
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, over 6 million people of all ages are struggling with Alzheimer’s Disease. Alarmingly, there are 10 million new cases of Alzheimer’s Disease in the United States each year.
Chances are, someone you know will battle Alzheimer’s. If it’s genetic, unfortunately, there is an increased chance that this might happen to you, as well.
Thankfully, there are preventative measures that you can take to help prolong the development of Alzheimer’s or slow down its effects. That includes diet and exercise, two things that will be covered during this year’s Sweat 4 Your Brain on June 15, 2023!
2. There Are Plenty of Places to Participate
This year, Sweat 4 Your Brain is making brain health more accessible for Missouri residents. The Alzheimer’s Association has partnered with 15 fitness centers in the St. Louis area.
Events will take place at the following locations.
St. Louis
OrangeTheory
11943 Manchester Rd
Des Peres, MO 63131
6:10am (first class is free)
Call 314.646.8691 to learn more
St. Louis Jewish Community Center
2 Millstone Campus Dr, St. Louis, MO 63146
Forever Fit @ 10:30am
Call 314.432.5700 to learn more
Jewish Community Center – Chesterfield
16801 Baxter Road Chesterfield MO 63005
Cardio Pump @ 8:30am
Call 314.442.3428 to learn more
BKM Fitness Bootcamp
27 S Florissant Rd Ferguson MO 63135
(CLASS TIME TBD)
Call 314.837.7782 to learn more
Maryland Heights Community Center
2300 McKelvey Rd Maryland Heights, MO 63043
Silver Sneakers @ 12:15 – 1:10pm
Call 314.738.2599 to learn more
Center of Clayton
50 Gay Ave Clayton MO 63105
Golden Group @ 8:30am
Call 314.290.8500 to learn more
OakStreet Health – Jennings
8033 A West Florissant Avenue Jennings, MO 63136
Chair Exercise @ 10am
Call 314.391.5170 to learn more
Jefferson County
Jefferson County YMCA
1303 YMCA Dr, Festus MO 63028
(CLASS TIME TBD)
Call 636.931.9622 to learn more
Scott County
YMCA of Southeast Missouri
511 Taylor Sikeston, MO 63801
Crossfire at 9am
P.A.C.E. class at 10am
Line Dancing at 10:30am
Call 573.472.9622 to learn more
Jasper County
St. Luke’s Carthage
St. Luke’s Nursing Center
1220 E Fairview Ave, Carthage, MO 64836
5:00pm
Call 417.358.9084 to learn more
Lincoln County
Troy Senior Center
1380 Boone Street, Troy, MO 63379
Noon-1pm
Call 636.528.7000 to learn more
Pike County
Twin Pike Family YMCA
614 Kelly Lane, Louisiana, MO 63353
(DURING EARLY AFTERNOON CLASS TIME)
Call 573.754.4497 to learn more
Greene County
SeniorAge with Southside Senior Center
2215 S Fremont Ave, Springfield, MO 65804
Will be live-streamed throughout the day- no specific time
Call 417.890.1313 to learn more
Oregon County
SeniorAge with Alton Multi-Purpose Center
204 South Main Street, Alton, MO 65606
11am-2pm
Call 417.778.7342 to learn more
3. So Many People Are Doing It
Haven’t you heard? Joining group classes is all the rage. They’re growing even more popular when there is a theme attached, like Sweat 4 Your Brain.
Let’s be honest with ourselves. Sometimes, we need a little kick in the bottom to get us motivated to start healthier habits.
That’s why Sweat 4 Your Brain exists. Health fanatics are bringing their friends and family to participate. People on the fence are trying to exercise for the first time. An event like Sweat 4 Your Brain is a true community experience that brings everyone together!
4. It’s An Opportunity for a New Beginning
Everyone’s wellness journey has to begin somewhere. Might as well make it June 15, 2023.
Research suggests that scheduling healthy habits not only makes them more likely to happen – but also makes people happier. Marking Sweat 4 Your Brain on your calendar gives you something to look forward to and, inevitably, a box to check off.
Marking an event down is a sign of a new beginning. When you accomplish this goal, you will feel fulfilled and more willing to continue onwards with your health journey!
5. Learn Practical Nutrition Tips
Exercise is just a part of the healthy brain puzzle. Diet plays another significant role. The foods we eat turn into the nutrients that create brain tissue, help with brain cell communication, and even influence our moods.
One of the best features of this year’s Sweat 4 Your Brain will be St. Luke’s Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body presentation. This interactive event will give an in-depth look at factors that influence our brain health and practical tips on enhancing your nutrition for Alzheimer’s prevention. We will also be treated to a food presentation by St. Luke’s Diabetes and Nutrition Educator.
Join in on this presentation live at St. Luke’s or virtually! This important discussion starts at 6:00pm. Don’t miss out! Register for the livestream here.
6. You Don’t Even Need to Leave Your House for Some Events
Many Alzheimer’s patients are aging in place or are in a senior living facility. They may not be able to make it in person to partake in Sweat 4 Your Brain events. However, they are not excluded from all the fun!
This year, Sweat 4 Your Brain is more accessible than ever. Not only are there 15 locations all over Missouri, but some of the content and exercise programs will be available online.
We already mentioned St. Luke’s presentation, which will definitely be a must-see. However, those who can’t make it to their local fitness center can also join in during the SeniorAge with Southside Senior Center’s live stream. Plus, there are plenty of social media initiatives that will keep you engaged, which we’ll touch on in a bit!
7. Get Social In-Person and Online
The best part of events like this is the community aspect. It brings people from different backgrounds together for one common goal. During Sweat 4 Your Brain, the goal is to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s Disease, learn about nutrition for brain health, and get active with exercise!
Exercise classes are a great way to make new friends or hang out with those you already have. It creates core memories that many cherish forever.
Friendships go beyond the fitness center, especially during Sweat 4 Your Brain. Use the #Sweat4YourBrain to get in on all the fun on social media.
There will be day-long initiatives, including selfie workouts. Use this as an opportunity to get inspired to do your best. Even better, create content to be that inspiration. Be sure to tag any center that you join so they can share the love!