10 Reasons To Keep Your Crew Fit & Healthy

The human body was designed to move and be active, and by exercising regularly and making intelligent food choices you will improve your overall health & wellbeing.

28 October 2013
Here are some benefits of having a fit & healthy crew in 2014.

1. A Healthy Heart

Weight training can enhance cardiovascular function and lower blood pressure, however many people will benefit from a conditioning program as well. Try high intensity training for better heart and lung function; ask your trainer for a personal programme based on your personal fitness levels.

2. Look & Feel Better

Regular exercise can increase self-confidence and lower the symptoms associated with mild depression and anxiety. Staying active helps you tone, shed those excess unwanted kilos & build overall strength.

3. Escape Cabin Fever

Physical activity helps to bump up the production of your brain's feel-good neurotransmitters, called endorphins (our ‘happy' hormone). People who train outdoors tend to benefit more from increased levels of endorphins, increased levels of Vitamin D, a ‘super' nutrient which helps to promote the absorption of calcium and facilitate normal immune system function. Research has also shown that by training in cold weather you can burn up to 30% more calories while training.

4. Lowered Health Insurance Costs

Your yacht will benefit from lowered health costs due to the reduction of crew absences and healthier crew.

5. Have Sweet Dreams

Exercise can also improve your sleep, which is often disrupted by stress, depression and anxiety. All this can ease your stress levels and give you a sense of command over your body and your life. Research has shown that exercise can help to improve not only the quantity of sleep but also the quality.

6. Curb your Sweet Tooth

Spikes and rapid drops in blood sugar can result in unhealthy food cravings. Complex carbohydrates and lean proteins help to stabilize blood sugar to prevent these rapid changes. As your diet becomes balanced with nutritious foods, you will find that intense cravings for unhealthy food lessen over time.

7. Stress Management

As you begin to regularly shed your daily tensions through movement and physical activity, you may find that this focus on a single physical task, and the resulting energy and optimism, can help you remain calm and clear in other areas of your personal and working life.

8. Be a Better Employee

Healthy foods boost your brain power, and this means increased productivity onboard. Leafy greens contain antioxidants to protect brain cells from the damage causing cognitive decline. Omega-3 fatty acids are associated with improved concentration and mental alertness. The better your focus and attitude, the more effective you will be at work.

9. Have a Healthy Smile

When it comes to your smile, the benefit of healthy food goes beyond strengthening teeth. High-fibre fruits and vegetables that require lots of chewing stimulate saliva with antimicrobials to also reduce bacteria in the mouth. Harvard researchers have also found that fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids may reduce rates of gum disease due to reduced inflammation.

10. A Good Social Life

Group activities like bluewater's CrewFIT are a great way to make new friends and have fun. It is a social environment where you can meet like-minded people and expand your social network within or outside of the yachting industry.