Series Feature: Bolivia Train-to-Terrain Series

Spring is here, which means one thing: It’s time for some deep cleaning! It’s definitely the time to get your home in order and tackle those big, once-a-year chores. For whatever reason, this season of warmer weather, blooming flowers, and a shining sun lights a fire in people to clear the cobwebs, wipe out the winter dust, and declutter all the junk. While it takes some effort (okay...maybe a lot of effort) to maintain a clean and organized home, there’s no denying that everyone likes a tidy space. There really are few things more satisfying than a sparklingly clean house! But did you know that the cleanliness of your home can actually affect your health? This Indiana University study found that people with clean houses were healthier than people with messy houses, concluding that the state of your interiors directly affects your physical activity. Additionally, this St. Lawrence study also discovered that clutter led to poor sleep and a higher risk of suffering from stress and depression. So for the sake of your sanity and your health, we’re here to help you get your house in order with our top six tips! 1. Declutter. Before you even start cleaning, get rid of any items you don’t use or love. Having a lot of clutter can add unnecessary stress to your life and decrease productivity. By removing it, you eliminate a lot of visual noise that competes for your focus. If you’re familiar with the KonMari Method, say goodbye to anything that doesn’t spark joy when you look at it. If that sounds silly, just watch “Tidying Up With Marie Kondo” on Netflix to be convinced of the magic. 2. Start with one area at a time. If the thought of cleaning and decluttering your entire house all at once feels overwhelming, don’t worry—you’re not alone. It can be a lot of space to cover. Experts recommend starting with one area at a time and working on sections over a period of time. That way, the process doesn’t feel impossible. 3. Make a list beforehand. Lists are great for a lot of things, but making one for chores is especially helpful. You may find that having a list of action items you want to accomplish and checking them off as you go will be incredibly satisfying and motivating. This checklist also covers a lot of big chores that are probably not a part of your everyday cleaning routine. 4. Gather your cleaning supplies. Depending on your home and what you’re cleaning, you may need different supplies. To help you get started, I’d recommend Branch Basics or Force of Nature multi-purpose cleaners. They are both great products that work on a variety of surfaces and objects, including your fitness equipment! I especially love Force of Nature. It’s an EPA-registered, hospital-grade disinfectant and sanitizer that kills 99.9% of germs, even staph, MRSA, norovirus, influenza A, salmonella, and listeria. It’s basically a non-toxic, safe alternative to bleach! 5. Hit high-traffic areas. Don’t forget to clean and sanitize areas that get a lot of traffic, including light switches, doorknobs, stair railings, fridge and freezer handles—anything that gets touched a lot! 6. Don’t forget your home gym. Whether your exercise equipment resides in your living room or you have a designated home gym, the fact is this area probably doesn’t get cleaned as much as it should. A lot of sweat and grime can build up on your machine and fitness gear, so if you’re not already cleaning it regularly, be sure to give everything a nice, thorough wipedown. Be sure to unplug your machine before you get started! When cleaning your machine, use a gentle cleaner and a warm microfiber cloth to prevent scratching. If you have a touchscreen console, use an ammonia-free glass cleaner on your screen and a disinfectant spray on the rest of your machine. For all other fitness gear, spray and wipe, rewetting your cloth as needed. Then use a dry microfiber cloth to absorb any excess moisture! Try to avoid using Clorox wipes or any harsh cleaning products on your equipment. Now, who’s ready to start cleaning? I hope these tips inspire you to take control of your home and your health this spring!