Students who received a supportive touch on the back or arm from a teacher were nearly twice as likely to volunteer in class as those who did not, studies have found. A sympathetic touch from a doctor leaves people with the impression that the visit lasted twice as long, compared with estimates from people who were untouched. Research by Tiffany Field of the Touch Research Institute in Miami has found that a massage from a loved one can not only ease pain but also soothe depression and strengthen a relationship.
Many People believe that older adults should avoid resistance training because they may injure themselves. But the opposite is true! Properly performed resistance training is crucial for older adults for many reasons. many older adults (especially those older than age 80) are too weak to get out of a chair, prevent themselves from failing, or engage in simple activities of daily living. Resistance training has been shown to increase strength dramatically. When combined with a cardiovascular routine, resistance training will not only improve overall health but also may help prevent fails, improve mobility, and decrease the need of assistance with simple activities of daily living. The America College of Sports Medicine recommends that older adults perform:
at least on set of each of 8 to 10 exercises using major muscle groups
sets that involve 10 to 15 repetitions rated as somewhat hard on perceived exertion scales
at least two training sessions per week, separated by at least 49 hours
Older adults should consult a qualified exercise physiologist to ascertain whether they have any physical limitations or other situations, such as hypertension or diabetes mellitus, that may require special attention.
Hey everyone! Wow, what a week! I have had so much going on? How about you? Do you ever feel overwhelmed, like you just can’t keep up? Does your fitness and nutrition tend to fall by the wayside? How much of a priority do you make your health and wellness when you feel stretched for time? Here are 3 fitness tips that will help you maintain a healthy mind and body while you live a big, busy, and beautiful life!
1) Be prepared- There is no such thing as “healthy” fast food, so you better pack food from home or find the one or two restaurants in your entire city that actually serve healthy, quality food. If you cannot get there 3 times a day, you’d better pack your lunch and snacks. You MUST plan in your meals and workouts. To live a life you love in a body you love, it is NOT AN OPTION to eat poorly and not workout.
2) Find foods you like and exercise you like. Face it, healthy living will not work for you if you try to eat something you hate and do something you hate every day. There are plenty of veggies and fruits and whole grains to choose from. It may take some effort on your part to find your favorite health foods, but just think of how much effort you put into getting your coffee in the morning, or finding the perfect outfit in the morning to hide the fact that you feel like crap. We go to great lengths for the things we want. All you need is the willingness to make these self improvements. Just Do It.
3) Do your day one task at a time. Be where you are. It takes a lot of energy to worry about what is not done yet or what is next. Just enjoy what you are doing now, until you are finished. Then pick the next task and enjoy it until it is also completed. This has made a huge difference in my happiness and productivity!
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please leave all questions and comments here for me on the blog! Here’s To Your Health, Wellness, and Vitality!!!
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Yes! I can not stress how important weightlifting is as part of a balanced workout program for both men and women. Yoga and Pilates don’t provide enough resistance to build substantial bone or muscle mass. As we age, we naturally lose muscle and bone mass unless we do weight lifting to protect our body. This process of deterioration begins in our thirties. At the same time, weight lifting doesn’t have the stretching benefits of yoga or the core focus of Pilates. Focusing all your efforts on one type of exercise will make you weak in other physical aspects. You may notice, as you age, that your mid-section begins to widen and you become stiffer. Again these effects are preventable by keeping up a stretching program, maintaining core strength and a healthy weight. Physical fitness is a use it or lose it situation as we age. If you don’t lift weights, you atriphy. If you keep a well-rounded program you will have strong bones, flexibility and at least some resemblance of your girlish figure through your 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.
In order to loose weight (I need to loose about a stone & half, preferably more) I started running last November. I had some issues to begin with – Im not exactly built for sports and I’d never been very athletic at school. I’d tried running earlier in 2009, but my chest bought me unwanted attention and the humiliating horn honking was enough to put me off for 6 months.
However, the cooler weather November brought made it easier for me to get out there and run due to the fact I had to cover up in layers against the cold (of course, that means I am dreading the coming spring & summer where my over-excessive boncing will be drawing unwanted attention again, but I’ll face that when it comes).
I have been completely shocked at how much I have enjoyed running, even in the cold, and especially in the rain. I’ve just got in from a 4.5mile (7.2km) run which took me a few minutes over an hour, and despite the fact it was cold and humid out, I feel fantastic!! It’s the runners high you get after a great run, and yes, I’ve had bad runs, some so bad I’ve given up after 15mins and walked home, but runs like this one make it all worthwile.
I wish my milage was a little higher. I had to take a break over the Christmas period due to a cold on my chest, then it snowed, and snowed, and snowed some more, before I caught another cold, so I picked up running again in the last week of January and was pretty much back to when I started in early November. But at last I feel Im getting somewhere again. I’ve lost about 6lbs, which isn’t much and certainly isn’t showing yet, but I know I’m going about loosing weight the right way, plus my fitness is up, and I get to have legal highs like the afterglow I’m experiencing now. It’s awesome!!
The new trend in health and fitness has seen men opting for a well defined or chiseled look rather than the bulky wrestler appearance! Let’s face it guys; the ladies certainly prefer six pack abs over excessive brawn and bulk any day! And how about scrawny flake types? No thanks!
Women are attracted to well toned, fit masculine men with taut, tight abs giving them a look that’s so hot; they sizzle! Just how do you go about getting rid of unsightly tummy fat and turn it into six pack rock hard abs easily? Is the process really that simple or not? Truth is there is an easy fail-proof secret to getting rid of it and keeping that flab off once and for all. With Beta Alanine Pro you’ll see fabulous results of a flatter, firmer stomach in absolutely no time whatsoever! Want to know more about this fantastic product that’s changing the way to get rid of belly fat forever? Read on for more information that’s not only exciting, but so easy to implement into your daily belly fat reduction routine as well! Guaranteed!
Everyone that’s tried to lose belly fat or get fit has experienced the sting or burn of abdominal crunches! Not nice for sure! This type of exercise along with cardio vascular workouts and diet all play a vital role in getting rid of tummy fat! You know the type that refuses to get up and go despite the fact that you’ve been getting up and going for weeks! The lacking secret ingredient to ridding yourself of excess tummy fat is Beta Alanine Pro. It’s a great, easy to take supplement that will help with getting wash-board abs fast! Here are the facts of what makes it so good! Read on.
What’s So Great About Beta Alanine Pro? According to a recent study this supplement is deemed as the world’s leading dietary product rating very high with many top doctors and specialists suggesting their clients try it for themselves. What’s the secret formula? Beta Alanine Pro has a mesmerizing formula that allows you to stay healthy and fit for longer. It is a scientifically proven product comprising herbal ingredients including nitrogenous compounds that encourage muscle growth. It also contains protein & metric acid which acts as a hemodilator. This amazing product boosts your metabolism, burns up surplus calories and also prevents fatigue and gives you plenty of energy reducing the chance of being over weighted. Beta Alanine Pro is 100% safe and you will certainly notice the difference within just a couple of weeks of taking it.
Why not try Beta Alanine Pro and see the benefits for yourself? What do you have to lose? Absolutely nothing; except all that stubborn, ugly belly fat! A little regular aerobic exercise, weight training, healthy diet and your daily dose of Beta Alanine Pro are all that you need to get the results you’ve always wanted.
Get your free trial pack of Beta Alanine Pro here!
Good news out of Tennessee, according to an article in The Tennesseean: the child obesity rate in that state is headed south. Tenn. is third in the country for pediatric obesity, so this is especially good news. Dance Dance Revolution in school PE programs is getting part of the credit, along with eliminating sugary sodas and juices from most schools.
West Virginia made news a few years ago by putting DDR in all its high schools and middle schools, and they are even hosting a statewide DDR competition for school kids later this year. That garnered praise from First Lady Michelle Obama, who told a meeting of governors yesterday that they have DDR at Camp David, called it “addictive” and “the president still can’t do it”. Just keep your feet out of the center square, Mr. Prez.
Don’t let the small frame fool you, Chalene Johnson is a small woman who carries a big stick. From the turbo jam series to Chalene extreme, to her Turbo Fire network of workout coaches who teach her fitness method all over the country, Chalene Johnson has absolutely become a powerhouse in the world of home health and fitness.
So, what is it about Chalene Johnson and her programs that have literally lit a fire beneath those of us in the health and fitness world?
It is a combination of Chalene’s passion and obvious commitment to her personal development and to that of others. From Twitter updates to Facebook communications, Chalene is all over the web, reaching out to her clients, her students and to Beachbody coaches and customers. Through the web she’s made herself accessible to anyone interested in developing themselves physically and mentally.
But, what really gets people fired up about the little woman from California is that her programs give you results. Some months back, out of a desire to help a friend and to be able to coach someone in person as opposed to on the other side of the country (As an emerald coach, Beachbody sends you customers weekly from all over Northern America) I gave Kim Epps, a friend of mine a TurboJam program from my personal fitness library. Fast forward 2 months later: Kim lost 17 lbs (You heard me) and dropped from a size 12 to a size six. Her energy went through the roof and, here’s the kicker: Kim is a heart transplant recipient. Now if a heart transplant recipient can “bring it” and shed fat and dress sizes, then imagine what Chalene Johnson can do for you! Turbo Jam
The Secret is “Turbo Training“
Chalene Johnson packs each workout with calorie-blasting kickboxing, body sculpting, and the hottest dance music. The “Elite 11″ signature moves are proven to burn fat and give you a sleek, sexy body and ripped, rock-hard abs.
Enjoy All This . . .
Workouts
Learn & Burn
Chalene shows you the “Elite 11″ moves you’ll use to blast pounds and inches!
Turbo Sculpt
A 40-minute tighten-and-tone session to reshape, trim, and flatten those problem areas.
-20 Minute Workout
-For when you’re short on time.
-Ab Jam
-A 20-minute ab routine that attacks your core for lean, sexy abs.
-Cardio Party
-A turbocharged, 45-minute dance fest!
-Tools
-”Elite 11″ flash cards To teach you the signature moves!
-24/7 Online Support
-Access live chats with Chalene and an amazing online community.
-Turbo Results fitness and nutrition guide
-All the information you need, plus Chalene’s favorite meals!
-Plus 3 FREE gifts worth $70! Turbo Sculpting Gloves
Scientifically proven to increase muscle activity by up to 96%, so you get ripped even faster.
Punch, Kick & Jam
Advanced workout specially designed to tap into the power of the Turbo Sculpting Gloves! (50 minutes)
Turbo Slim® diet plan
An easy-to-follow meal plan to help you lose up to 10 inches in just 10 workouts! Includes a measurement card for tracking your progress.
Tape measure
Eliminates guesswork and shows the inches melting away.
ChaLEAN Extreme®
With this program, you will burn fat, boost your metabolism, and get lean. this is an extreme workout system from Chalene Johnson so be ready to bring your “A” game. It’s a fact: The more lean muscle you have, the more fat you burn. You can lose up to 60% of your body fat in just 3 months and see visible results every 30 days, because MUSCLE BURNS FAT®.
Lean Phasing burns fat through resistance training
Chalene’s proven Lean Phasing technique supercharges your metabolism by shifting your body’s fat-burning focus from cardio exercise to resistance training. You burn fat long after your workout—even while you sleep. With ChaLEAN Extreme, you can burn up to 60% of your body fat in just 3 months.
15 workouts
Before you start Chalene teaches you the proper form and technique for the resistance moves you’ll be doing in the program, whether you’re using weights or bands.
Burn Basics Band Basics Phase 1: Burn Start resistance training at your own pace to jump-start your metabolism and break down those extra reserves of fat. In these moderate training workouts, you’ll work your upper body then lower body, using the Lean Phasing technique to help you see results every 30 days.
Burn Circuit 1
Burn Circuit 2
Burn Circuit 3 Phase 2: Push Chalene shows you how to push beyond your comfort zone safely, so you build the muscle you need to burn fat. Chalene helps you push yourself, so you get fast results.
Push Circuit 1
Push Circuit 2
Push Circuit 3 Phase 3: Lean Here is where you really melt the fat, with new routines and dynamic moves. This phase is designed to deliver major changes to your body.
Lean Circuit 1
Lean Circuit 2
Lean Circuit 3 Extreme Cardio During each phase, Chalene ignites your metabolism with intense cardio and strength-training routines, and then rejuvenates and lengthens your muscles with an invigorating flexibility workout.
Burn Intervals
Burn It Off!
Recharge
Core Power Shrink, tighten, and tone your abs with two targeted routines for a rock-hard midsection.
Extreme Abs
Ab Burner
Support Tools
Muscle Burns Fat Guidebook
Includes workout calendars to show you which workout to do each day and how much resistance to use.
Thigh Toner Band
Adds some extra resistance to your lower-body training.
Body Fat Tester
Measure your body fat at each stage to see how much you lose.
Plus 4 FREE Gifts
Fat-Burning Food Guide
Shows you what to eat in each phase to maximize fat burning.
Extreme Motivation Audio CD
Chalene’s personal message to help you get pumped for your workouts.
Healthy Eats and Kitchen Makeover DVDs
Chalene shares her personal recipes and nutrition tips to help keep you and your family eating healthfully.
Pro-Grade Resistance Band
Burn fat and tone muscle faster.
90-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Chalene’s so sure you’ll love ChaLEAN Extreme, she’s giving you her 90-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not 100% satisfied for any reason, just call Customer Service to return it within 90 days for a full refund of the purchase price, less s&h, but keep the FREE gifts worth $120.
B-LINES® Resistance Bands contain natural rubber latex which may cause allergic reactions.
~Michael Ezell IBC
For more information on Chalene Johnson and her line of fitness programs, leave a message here, or email us at gethealth@live.com.
Thanks to some social network / social media savvy runner, everyone else is running these days. I am getting sick of all the fun run photos posted on the net. Great! You guys have the time to run, I don’t. STFU already! KIDDING!
The truth is I envy the regular runners and their pictures that I see on Facebook. I’ve even seen a dramatic size change on one friend and that should be enough to advocate the benefits of running. However, I don’t think the activity is not for everyone — that includes me. Seriously, with my busy schedule, I don’t think I can devote a lot of time for running. Plus, I feel that I need to build up my resistance first before I try running. In my mind, I should condition my body, then I run. LOL. Am I full of excuses or what?
My chosen gear
As a resolution, I have decided to go on walks. Yes. I’ve decided to take up WALKING instead. I can see my running friends snickering at this activity but I did read up on it. According to the article I read, a 30-minute walk is great to keep the pounds away. I get my endorphin kick less the hassle of scheduling a run. I think I’ve found the perfect activity since I lost time for sports; I miss badminton and football right now.
So, how on earth did I find the time for this activity?
I figured that since the office is not strict with my manner of dress, I can just come in wearing chinos and sneakers. I’ve done away with the shirt, tie, office slacks and office leather shoes and I am dressed for comfort and functionality. I will use that privilege to my full benefit.
My other chosen gear
Three days ago, I turned off my computer then put on my earphones, turned on my favorite playlist and decided to go for my walk — all the way home. I just told myself that I was done procrastinating. Plus, I figured that after office hours is the best time for me since I don’t have to worry about getting all sweaty; I can just take a shower at home after the exercise.
At first, I figured to start with a 30-minute walk home. Since I felt good after the walk, I went for full hour the following day. The effect so far has been positive. I did a full hour again last night and I think I am getting hooked on walking. I like the fact that I get to clear my head of the day’s thoughts AND get my exercise, all in one motion. The other night, I even saw parts of my route that I never notice while traveling inside a vehicle — great! I think I found a spot to put up a neat business.
I guess my advice to those needing exercise but just can’t figure out their schedule or is too tied up with everything else is to hit the road with your sneakers and walk. While you’re walking, you can think about when you can run.
Cu totii dorim sa ne mentinem un aspect fizic placut chiar daca timpul uneori nu ne permite, insa cu minimum de efort, pentru a obtine rezultate notabile, combinand o alimentatie echilibrata cu exercitiile aerobice sau antrenamentul de fitness veti pierde multe calorii. Consultati-va cu instructorul dumneavoastra de fitness in stabilirea unei diete echilibrate si concentrati-va in atingerea scopului propus !
Echipamentul de sport personalizat in functie de preferintele fiecaruia
Daca v-ati hotarat sa incepeti activitatea fizica primul pas este alegerea echipamentului de sport personalizat.
Fie ca mergeti la aerobic, la sala sau alergati, echipamentul de sport are un rol foarte important. Trebuie ales cu grija, rezistent, si sa ofere protectie in timpul exercitiilor. Materialul din care este confectionat echipamentul trebuie sa asigure protectia si sa mentina pielea uscata pe parcursul activitatii fizice. Din acest motiv este necesar un echipament de sport personalizat in functie de preferintele fiecaruia. De preferat ar fi combinatia bumbac cu elastan datorita puterii de absorbtie a bumbacului si elasticitatea fibrelor sintetice ale materialului lycra. Astfel acest tip de echipament va fi moale si foarte rezistent, protejand pielea pe tot parcursul exercitiului.
Exercitiile aerobice si efectele lor asupra organismului
Orice fel de activitate care implica miscare este benefica pentru organism. Plimbarile, ciclismul alergatul, stimuleaza musculatura si au un efect benefic asupra sanatatii, influentand in mod pozitiv activitatea inimii, plamanilor si vaselor de sange. Inainte de a incepe programul de exercitii aerobice este recomandata consultarea unui medic. Acest lucru este prioritar in cazul fumatorilor, consumatorilor de alcool, sedentarilor, sau celor cu surplus in greutate. Medicul va poate ajuta sa va alegeti un program potrivit.
Un rol important pentru inceperea exercitiilor aerobice il are incalzirea. Incepeti cu miscari usoare care stimuleaza circulatia, evitati pauzele mari si incercati sa efectuati in mod corect exercitiile aerobice.
Antrenamentul de fitness si alimentatia echilibrata cu ajutorul instructorului de fitness
Nutritia are un rol foarte important pentru sanatate in general, chiar daca practicati sport sau nu, in special pentru a obtine rezultatele dorite. Solutia ideala pentru aspectul fizic dorit este combinatia intre antrenamentul de fitness care arde multe calorii si alimentatia echilibrata in functie de recomandarile medicului sau chiar ale instuctorului de fitness. Este foarte important sa consumati produse naturale cu un continut moderat de proteine, grasimi si carbohidranti. Numarul de calorii consumate nu ar trebui sa depaseasca numarul de calorii recomandate, instructorul de fitness va poate sfatui.
Alimentele recomandate sunt carnea slaba, peste, legume si fructe, branzeturi slabe, albus de ou, orez, iar cele care ar trebui evitate sunt mezelurile, dulciurile, carnea grasa, etc.
Sfaturi :
Pentru o mai buna desfasurare a activitatii fizice consultati instructorul de fitness, astfel veti slabi si veti capata si o forma fizica de invidiat. Efectuarea exercitiilor este recomandata la inceputul zilei.
I don’t have classes tomorrow, but I’m debating whether or not to attend this extra-credit seminar in the afternoon… I want to go because it seems interesting…but I’m kind of lazy .
My dad and I plan to go hiking tomorrow morning! I can’t wait ^_^! I haven’t hiked in a long time! So much for my resolution .
So…a few hours ago I had this really awkward and random moment. My dad’s printer got jammed when I tried to print something. I stared at it for while, hoping it would fix itself. It didn’t…so I walked away…
Haha, I didn’t want to deal with it so I got fed up with trying to stare down the printer. Then I realized that no matter how much I didn’t like the printer, it still wouldn’t cooperate. So I decided to manually feed the papers through the printer so that the papers wouldn’t get jammed. Then I felt like a big kid who accomplished something really stupid…O_o so…
One in three people can expect to be diagnosed with asthma in their lifetimes, Ontario research suggests.
Researchers followed the medical histories of more than nine million Ontarians for 16 years, between April 1991 and March 2007. A study of the data found the lifetime risk of developing asthma was 33.9 per cent.
“Asthma is a disease that affects a huge number of people, either because they suffer from it personally or because they have a child, another relative, or a friend who does,” the study’s co-author, Dr. Andrea Gershon said.
Researchers at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, the Hospital for Sick Children and Sunnybrook Heath Sciences Centre collaborated on the study, full details of which are published in the Feb. 15, 2010, issue of American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Although patients of all ages were included, the data suggested the risk of developing asthma was highest in children.
But even a person who had not been diagnosed with asthma by age 10 still had a 20 per cent risk of being diagnosed with asthma during the rest of his or her lifetime. Likewise, a person who had not been diagnosed by age 30 still had a 13 per cent risk of being diagnosed, the study found.
At more than 33 per cent, the lifetime risk of being diagnosed with asthma was comparable to that of being diagnosed with diabetes or any type of cancer, the study’s authors said. But while other chronic diseases tend to develop in older people, the effects of asthma could be greater, because asthma is more likely to develop in the young and last a lifetime, the authors suggested.
Other factors besides age
There were factors besides youth that increased the likelihood of an asthma diagnosis. Women, people of lower socioeconomic status, and people living in rural areas had a higher risk of being diagnosed with asthma than men, people of higher socioeconomic status, and people living in urban areas.
“A lot of work still needs to be done to look at the actual causes or the etymology of asthma so we could actually prevent asthma from developing,” said Dr. Teresa To, the principal investigator of the study.
The data was drawn solely from Ontario medical records, but the one in three chance can be applied to the rest of Canada, To said.
This class is NOT for beginners. That is all I have to say…my arms have never shaken so much in my life trying to hold myself up in plank position. Man oh man…
When I got home I started calling. I called my GP – Dr. N. I booked an appointment for Monday to get referrals to other surgeons. I called a naturopathic health centre in Newmarket and booked an appointment with Autumn, a naturopath, for the following Wednesday and with her nutritionist for some seemingly new age testing. Dr. S was right, she did recommend surgery. However, she also recommended lots of natural remedies. I called Chris M. Just like me, he was shocked. None of us believed it would be this bad. I found in Chris, the someone who knew my pain and in that found comfort. Chris had Hepatitis ‘C’ contracted from a blood transfusion – he’s a hemophiliac. Five minutes after we hung up, Carol, Chris’ wife showed up at my door. Chris had called and told her. She took Amy and told me to bring John with me to eat dinner at their place after I met with Donna.
At Donna’s I was met with hugs and tears. Her kids looked on very somberly. We went into the living room and cried. I don’t really remember what we talked about – specifically. John arrived and we cried some more. Donna asked if they were able to get me a juicer, would I use it. Of course, but how do I accept such a gift? Donna told me that we need to learn to receive as well as to give. She said that arrogance keeps us from receiving God’s gifts. So I needed to trust in God and receive His gifts. We left and went to Chris and Carol’s and had dinner. I think at that point, shock and numbness had set in. Once home I called my sister Julie. I hadn’t told her I’d been for the biopsy, hadn’t told her about the tumour. The fewer people worried the better.
I actually slept well that night. When I woke in the morning I was devastated. I stared at the ceiling and cried – completely lost.
I spent the bulk of that day, Friday, trying to be “there” for Amy, but many times found myself not “there”. I wondered what her life was going to be like after I died. How would she cope without her mommy? How would John cope? Would our friends be able to find him a Christian wife who would love Amy and bring her up with God? I was morose.
That evening, Donna called and told me she and Greg were going to be at Chris and Carol M’s for dinner and we were invited to join them. Thankfully, again I didn’t have to cook. After I spoke with Donna, a friend from church, Shannon called. I hadn’t spoken to Shannon on the phone in months – and was pleased to hear from her. She’d heard about my diagnosis. She said that God had told her to give me her juicer – before she’d even heard about the diagnosis. I thought perhaps she had spoken with Donna about it and they’d agreed she’d give me her old one, but no she hadn’t spoken with Donna. WOW. We spoke about healing bible verses – she would share them with me. The previous fall Shannon had come close to death due to a heart condition. We spoke about the healing benefits of juicing. She would come over Monday night, bring the juicer and some tapes on juicing.
Shannon and I were on the phone for five minutes, perhaps ten. When I took her call, I was still morose. When I hung up I was filled with joy, euphoria. I wasn’t just happy ‘cause I was getting a free juicer. God took my pain and fear away! While I was distracted, He took it away. I felt peace. Still cranky, but cranky peace. Amy and I went to Chris and Carol M’s and shortly after we got there, another friend Mary Ann arrived. She was shocked and wanted to hold me and cry. Poor Mary Ann. I held her and told her don’t worry, be happy! I was going to be fine. God said so.
(Editor’s Note: I saved a draft of bullet point notes on Day 19, but I’m flushing them out on Day 20.)
(Note to self: Just write them next time, this is too much work.)
Okay, so first thing I need to write about is about what happened with Hubby on Day 18, when I came back home. I’m going to give it to you fast and dirty, and unapologetic. I’ve learned a lot, and I’ve had to be very humble…there are always two sides to every story, and though I sometimes wish that weren’t true, it is. What can I do about that? I mean, really?
Hubby’s Original Perspective: He didn’t miss me. He felt a lot calmer, better in fact. He doesn’t see that I contribute anything to the relationship, and a divorce is just fine with him.
My Rebuttal: We have a lot going for us, I’ll divorce you if that’s what needs to happen, but let’s make sure we’ve tried everything else first. I’ve felt the same way; that it was easier without you. And I had fantasies about being single, and empowered. But let me give you my vision of our future life together, and see if it’s something you want? (I describe an emotionally supportive, mutually beneficial life where our priorities are one another, not superficial garbage.) Hubby agrees that’s a great vision.
Hubby’s Rebuttal: That vision is NOT where our life is headed. In fact, he wonders if it can ever go that direction. He carries me financially, and he didn’t sign up for that. I act like a kid, and he picks up all the slack. I complain, I feel entitled, I demand, I am a pain in the ass.
My Rebuttal: You’re right.
His Rebuttal: I am?
My Rebuttal: Yup. You’re right. I’ve been blogging about coming into my own, being independent, and if you read my blog, I’m talking more and more about how it’s not fair to expect a paragon of support from you when you’re so burdened down by my faults. I expect you to take the brunt of almost everything throws at us, and to be tougher. That’s what you’ve always done. And that’s what I always assumed you’d do…but it didn’t occur to me how resentful you were about that. I don’t want you to feel that way!
And it’s so difficult for me to know that’s how you’re feeling because you never share your feelings, you just bottle them up. That’s what I was talking about when I said that being the strong, silent rock was what attracted me to you, but at the same time, those same qualities are lso working against you now.
What I learned & what happened: I took responsibility for really causing Hubby a great deal of anxiety, making him feel abandoned with all of the stress of the world on his back, and putting him in the position to constantly protect me from the harsher realities of life. But I’m done using him like a shield from life. In return, he’s going to try to be nicer, and to appreciate what I DO bring to the relationship.
The conversation wasn’t perfect, it wasn’t a Hallmark card…but we’ve agreed to give it one more shot, now that we really have nothing else to lose. And you know what? I’m glad.
It’s going to be so difficult to really grow up, and produce an earning, and to understand that taking care of me really is his way of showing affection, and also is something that I’ve always taken for granted.
But it’s going to be equally difficult for him to get out of his negative head space, and open up, and adjust his personality for those of us who constantly want validation from someone who’s never been in the habit of giving it.
We’ll see where this goes…and if all else fails, fine: divorce. I’m not scared of divorce, I’m only scared of missing the lesson that is in this situation. Every bad situation has a lesson to be learned, and my job isn’t to stick to my own perspective and beat others into seeing thigns my way. My job is to say “Where have I been wrong and how can I improve?” If I don’t look for the lessons, I’ll only repeat my mistakes again.
I accept full responsibility for how I’ve come across to him. I need to grow more. (So does he, but my responisbility is to take my own inventory, not his.) In any case, it’s kind of a relief that some of this situation is my fault. If it’s my fault, I can affect it, I can change it, and I can make it better. By being my fault, it actually improves the situation. I said to Hubby, “What say you give me another chance? You’ve given me 50 chances or so before, why not one more? Especially when this time there’s actually a chance that it’s going to work?”
Oh, and the make up sex was fun! But speaking of make up sex, I’m glad this happened now instead of 2 weeks ago, because my cardio is much better, and all that plank position stuff really comes in handy when you can hold up your own body weight! Oh, and reduced fat increases your testosterone! I’m just beginning to get some sex drive back! (Which really helped!)
So, I’m going to be writing up some solid things that I need from him and asking him for solid things that needs from me. With concrete actions explained and expected, evaluating if we are improving won’t be emotional or vague. It will be a “check yes or no” kind of thing. Once again, we’ll see how it goes. Wish us luck.
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I dillian #2 this morning…only one more day to go until Jillian #3! Today went fine…although my knee is really bothering me. I ended up not doing my cardio today…I’ll do an hour tomorrow!
I spent a lot of time at my new massage office. I brought a friend along who laid on the table, and we tried a bunch of different furniture arrangements, and finally found the whole room set up that works the best. =) My next door neighbor was there again: She’s still a bitch.
And can I say that this whole “working in a professional office instead of my home studio” thing makes me feel really guilty over the time I’m not spending with my doggies? I trust that life and work will balance out? How do new mothers go back to work? It’s insane!
Well, my office is all ready, but I haven’t got any calls yet. I mean, my new ad has been out for a whole day…come on people!
I have decided that I’m going to go around to the local businesses within a 10 block radius and hand out flyers and coupons for massages. Wee. That should help with business. Also when I give the magazine those coupons for trade, that should bring some clients in too! Oh, and Hubby reminded me that the SD Gay Wrestling league is gonna have their tournament this weekend. That always gives me a few bucks, and it’ll be good advertising.
After a week running in Walt Disney World, it was back to the UK today … sapped of energy after an eight hour flight that was one of the bumpiest I’ve ever flown.
A day off Valentine’s and with no decent cards in America, I ended up coinciding the run with a bit of VD shopping in Norbury as I ran through so a couple of stops were in order: one to withdraw cash and one to buy the card.
Now I just want to get to sleep… I’ve a 15mile run tomorrow to get back on the training for the Brighton Marathon and I feel shattered.
Click here for a Google Map and full details of the day’s run
Miles today: 3
Target: 441
Miles to date: 554.93
Want to dedicate a run to someone or have one dedicated to you? Click here
PR Log (Press Release) – Feb 08, 2010 – Houston, TX – February 2, 2010 – Houston Weight Loss Expert Dr. Michiel Rorick is proud to announce a better and healthier way for the locals in the area to live the healthy life they have always wanted.
It is all about complete health and wellness. Since we cannot do away from all the consequences, good and bad, of modernization, it has also been harder to go against the convenience and ease offered before us. Everything is good to go. However, such fast paced processes have also resulted to products that may do us worse than we already are doing. This is where the need for an attempt to get back to the natural way of living.
Chiropractic a medical philosophy based on the capacity of the human body to heal itself, chiropractic is a continuously growing field. The professionals working in this field posit that as long as the body is what it is supposed to be, it can do what it is supposed to do.
When something gets in the way of normal body processing, sickness occurs. A very simple example is the common colds. This is the body’s reaction to the incoherence brought about by the presence of certain viruses. Such element should be removed from the system in order for the body to function efficiently again.
Wellness And Chiropractic Furthermore, the chiropractic philosophy believes that being healthy is beyond the absence of a sickness. Healthy connotes a complete sense of wellness that encompasses all aspects including mental and psychological well-being.
Unlike the practices of modern medicine where something is taken in to lift the person out of the state of unhealthiness, chiropractic focuses on eliminating the thing that is not naturally a part of the system. After this is done, the body heals and goes back to its natural state.
Want to know more about chiropractic? Visit http://www.houstonhealthandwellness.com
So, I had my first week of weight gain since starting. However, it was only .4lbs. It could have been a lot worse. This was a bad week (from a fitness standpoint). Thursday and Friday were fine – my normal fitness routine and eating healthily. Then it went downhill. Saturday morning, Eric Dunlop was in town with his wife Christie. The two of them, Jason and Heather, and I met at Mongol’s in Westwood for lunch. To try to not go way overboard in calories, I skipped breakfast. Then I didn’t eat until around 6PM between the dress rehearsal and concert. I had chips and salsa, tacos, and a beer. After the concert I had some little meatballs and a large glass of wine. I also never had time to do my normal exercise routine.
Luckily the next day was… the Super Bowl… Yeah, that was even worse. I went to my cousin’s place and had a lot of unhealthy party foods. They were delicious! I also had three beers. That morning I at least worked out my arms and abs. That night, Michelle and I slept for three hours (terrible for weight loss).
At 8am on Monday morning, Michelle and I met with the Rabbi who will be officiating our wedding. Monday was a really long day. After the meeting, I had work, and then two rehearsals at UCLA. I did not work out.
I finally got back on track Tuesday and Wednesday. I was pleasantly surprised at the weigh-in to find that I only gained .4lbs. After over-eating, junk food, sleep deprivation, large infrequent meals, beer, wine, and not working out, it could have been worse.
PR Log (Press Release) – Feb 09, 2010 – Boston, MA – New research from Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) shows that giving a vaccine through a scratch on the skin, a technique called scarification, results in a better immune response when compared to injecting the vaccine into the body, and that the amount of vaccine needed to generate the immune response through scarification is 100 times less. Nearly two centuries ago, the first vaccinations against smallpox were given via scarification. Today, virtually all modern vaccines are delivered by hypodermic needle and syringe.
Researchers also have found that the memory of the cells responsible for mounting an immune response may be more important than antibodies, which are generated from the types of needle and syringe vaccines most commonly used today. This cell memory resides in T cells, which are cells that are responsible for mounting an immune response to an invading virus, and are located not only in lymph nodes and blood but also in peripheral tissues, like skin and lung. These findings are published in a paper in Nature Medicine on January 17, 2010.
“This research illustrates the remarkable capacity of the most superficial layer of skin to generate powerful protective immune responses after vaccination, said Thomas Kupper, MD, senior researcher on the paper and chairman of the Department of Dermatology at BWH. ”The ability of vaccination through injured epidermis-or scarification-to generate such powerful tissue resident protective T cells, is a completely novel observation that should make us reconsider the way we think about vaccine delivery for all infectious diseases, as well as cancer. After all, our immune system evolved over millions of years to respond to infections of injured skin, not vaccines delivered by hypodermic syringe into muscle.”
Lisa Liu, MD, PhD, lead author of the paper and physician in the Department of Dermatology at BWH, along with Kupper and colleagues designed a study to understand why scarification was so uniquely effective at generating immunity. They demonstrated that scarification with vaccinia virus – an infection induced by inoculation in order to confer resistance to smallpox – was vastly superior to delivery of the same vaccine by hypodermic needle and syringe, in the generation of robust immune responses. Researchers also tested a melanoma vaccine and found that the vaccine when delivered by scarification was vastly superior to vaccines delivered by multiple other injection routes in the protection against melanoma tumor growth in animals.
In further experiments, researchers mapped the immune response in the body following the delivery of vaccine by scarification. They found that when the virus enters the skin, viral particles are first filtered through lymph nodes before accessing the blood stream. In the lymph node is where researchers found two types of virus fighting T cells that were activated. The first population of T cells were designed to leave the lymph nodes to the blood stream and traffic to the skin – both the infected and normal skin. These early responder cells are rapidly able to destroy the virus in the skin and also remained in the skin for extended periods of time. Up to months later these cells were able to respond to and destroy a second skin infection. The second population of T cells also exited the lymph nodes to the blood stream, but from there they circulated to other lymph nodes in the body and remained indefinitely. Some of these cells also acquired the ability to travel to lung tissue, where they also remained for long periods of time. These cells were also able to be recruited to fight against a second infection many months after the original vaccine, whether the infection occurred in lung or skin.
“The lessons we are learning from these studies of vaccination by scarification could help us develop new and more powerful vaccines for influenza, HIV, malaria, and other infectious diseases,” said Kupper. ”We should also continue to explore the implications for developing powerful cancer vaccines, like the one demonstrated by melanoma vaccine results in this study.”
This work was funded by the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health.
About Brigham and Women’s Hospital:- Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) is a 777-bed nonprofit teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School and a founding member of Partners HealthCare, an integrated health care delivery network. In July of 2008, the hospital opened the Carl J. and Ruth Shapiro Cardiovascular Center, the most advanced center of its kind. BWH is committed to excellence in patient care with expertise in virtually every specialty of medicine and surgery. The BWH medical preeminence dates back to 1832, and today that rich history in clinical care is coupled with its national leadership in quality improvement and patient safety initiatives and its dedication to educating and training the next generation of health care professionals. Through investigation and discovery conducted at its Biomedical Research Institute (BRI), BWH is an international leader in basic, clinical and translational research on human diseases, involving more than 860 physician-investigators and renowned biomedical scientists and faculty supported by more than $416 M in funding. BWH is also home to major landmark epidemiologic population studies, including the Nurses’ and Physicians’ Health Studies and the Women’s Health Initiative. For more information about BWH, please visit http://www.brighamandwomens.org/
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Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) is a 777-bed nonprofit teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School and a founding member of Partners HealthCare, an integrated health care delivery network.
It is proven that having a motivating and positive support system will help you stay with your goals long term. How many times have you started an exercise program and stopped? Remember those New Year’s Resolutions? How many have you kept? Was losing weight or eating healthier part of those resolutions that are now on a shelf collecting dust? Do you have multiple pieces of exercise equipment that you bought on an infomercial late at night that you now hang your clothes on collecting dust? Get motivated and use a Fitness Coach or Personal Trainer to help support you in your life long mission to permanent weight loss and better overall body fitness and health.
Many people have good intentions when it comes to working out and getting fit. But getting in shape and staying that way may possibly be one of the biggest challenges that we all face in life. There are so many things that get in the way. Our work schedule, the kids schedule, errands to run just to name a few whew where do we find the time! Thats where your personal fitness trainer comes in. He or she will:
1 Keep you accountable for keeping your scheduled time at the gym
2 Keep you motivated
3. Design a customized workout plans just for you and adapt it as your fitness level improves
5. Assure you are using proper form for maximum results and injury prevention.
6. Help you set and attain realistic and attainable fitness goals.
Personal Trainers and Fitness Coaches can be a huge help to anyone serious about getting in shape and starting a healthier lifestyle. Certified Trainers and Fitness Coaches are up to date on the latest fitness training techniques and are always pursuing education to make sure the give you the right and proper advice and training for you. So make time to hire a Certified Fitness Trainer or Wellness Coach to help you achieve your fitness goals for this New Year and beyond. Having a fitness trainer as a part of your support system can help to motivate you to achieve your health and fitness goals. You will have someone to guide you in proper exercises form, proper eating and motivation. They present a wealth of knowledge and it is at your disposal to use for you health and fitness .Statistics show that those who work out with a personal trainer achieve and maintain more results than those who go it alone! So, what are you waiting for?
I am powerless over the effects of running. The feelings of strength and power. Accomplishments and fitness. Satisfaction and euphoria. Pride.
It takes me to a happy mental place. A place where oblivion and reality can coincide and I am free to think about anything… or nothing. I can fly. Or soar. I can slog and drag too. But usually, I just run… Wherever. Whenever.
Yesterday 10 miles. Today 6.2 miles.
Each run bringing me a little closer towards that next marathon. With a little heart. A take no prisoners attitude. And that happy mental place, I think this runner girl has a shot at running a good race…
3:45 or better.
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” ~ C.S. Lewis
“Don’t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as you mind lets you. What you believe, you can achieve.” ~ Mary Kay Ash
I went to the doctor’s Friday, regarding the persistent ache in my right knee. Its not a constant pain – more a “when I do certain things, it hurts” kind of pain. I thought it prudent, to have it looked at, before I started working on my running. I would hate to put effort into preparing for my tri and have a trashed knee ruin all my hard work.
So, to make a long story short – there is no apparent tendon or ligament damage. It would seem that a combination of running, possibly needing new sneakers and an awkward stride on the treadmill may be the culprit. So, for the next week, no running or fitness walking. I can still cycle, swim and use the elptical/cybex machine to maintain my muscle tone and continue to improve my cardiovascular endurance.
If my knee does not feel better in a week, we’ll go from there. Hopefully, it goes away or is something I can live with and work around. Pain doesn’t mean gain, after all.
This week has been tough on running days because we’ve had a lot of snow. For my first run of the week I went to my normal path but it was covered so after the first interval I went back to the roads. They were still icy in spots but had at least been plowed. For my second run I stuck to the roads from the start and was fine. Today was supposed to be my last run of the week but the snow has struck again. It started Friday mid-day getting me out of work 2 hours early. I went home and did my last lifting day of the week with my free weights in the cold garage. Working out in my long johns, gym pants and a wind breaker IS as sexy as it sounds. I went to the garage and ran in place lifting my knees as high as I could to reach the level 10 instead of my normal run today.
A friend of mine found and indoor climbing center near where we work and we both wanted to check it out. I had done a little climbing at similar facilities while I was in high school and then again years later after college. We did the basics class last Sunday to brush up on the knots and the belaying technique. Then we were free to climb and did that for about another hour. I quickly remembered how good of an upper body workout this was. Most of the walls here have an incline beyond 90 degrees so my forearms and back stay engaged for most of the climb. I plan to push myself as hard as I can to build up the muscles needed for climbing and to use these days to replace one of my upper body workout days.
I also wanted to cover other products I’m using along with the program. One of those is EAS whey protein. I buy the big purple bag of vanilla flavored whey at Costco. I’d prefer chocolate but they don’t carry it. I take one serving immediately after I finish a workout. I do this only on lifting days, not running days. The other product is creatine monohydrate. I take this everyday including my rest day. I use one “heaping teaspoon”, as the package describes, immediately before I lift then one more immediately after. On my rest day or running days immediately after running I take only one serving.
For food this week I made two meals I think are worthy of mentioning. One is a turkey chili recipe that is incredibly simple and easy to make in bulk which I did. Here is the recipe:
1 lb ground turkey breast
1 can diced tomatos
1 can kidney beans
1 packet chili seasoning
First brown the turkey and drain off excess liquid. Make sure to rinse off the beans because the liquid they’re stored in will cause some unpleasant wind from your backside (brilliant advice from EC). Then mix everything together and bring to a simmer stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes then remove from heat. In prep for this storm I doubled up on the recipe and added a can of tomato sauce.
Since the chili was my protein source but has carbs from the beans, I just increased the portion size slightly and reduced the rice portion size.
My other meal was equally simple. I stopped in at the local grocery and picked up the biggest piece of fresh catfish on the rack. I had the lady cut it in half and season one piece with cajun spices and one with lemon pepper. I took these home and wrapped each separately in foil. Cooked them at 425 degrees for 20 minutes. For my veggie I cut up some zucchini squash and put it in a pan with just a little oil over medium heat and lowered a little once they started cooking. I seasoned it with lemon pepper seasoning. I used rice for the carb and this made two meals.
Let’s just say the first thing first about a Trotter treadmill – there is little doubt that on your treadmill comparison travels, you will find a cheaper exercise machine. With the pervasiveness of money in today’s society, or rather the ubiquity of our wanting to hold on to as much of it as we can, it is easy to see why other machines might beat a Trotter treadmill in the consumer’s treadmill comparison. But while some people might make the selection from their treadmill comparison of the machine that comes with the lowest price tag, discerning consumers hold on to their money and invest it in something that might be a little more expensive, but is definitely worth it. These canny consumers know that with a Trotter treadmill, you get more than what you pay for.
There are a number of schools of thought that inform any treadmill comparison: one runs along the lines that fitness equipment is expensive, so let’s limit our costs by purchasing the cheapest treadmill we can find. This line of thought, of course, is extremely limiting and would knock a Trotter treadmill right out the window, along with the many great features a Trotter treadmill has to offer. The canny consumer, however, appreciates that while a treadmill comparison can throw up some cheap treadmill alternatives, you really do get what you pay for, and if you’re going to invest, you may as well invest in the best. Many consumer reviews would argue that the best is a Trotter treadmill.
A Trotter treadmill is large and extremely well built, with professional runners rating the Trotter line as one of the most durable on the market. Its sturdy build means that it will require a dedicated spot in your home for its use, but a Trotter treadmill is worth every inch. With a professional grade running board that provides you with the most ergonomic exercising stance and high quality cushioning, with a Trotter treadmill you will hardly notice your exercise time fly by. This comfort is combined in a Trotter treadmill with a great range of programs and user interface, allowing you customize your workout to your own specific needs.
Any treadmill comparison will tell you that a Trotter treadmill should be high on your list, and it is usually the price tag alone that frightens people off. But the treadmill comparison of the canny consumer will illustrate how price shouldn’t necessarily be at the top of your treadmill list: invest in the best, invest in a Trotter treadmill.
So, I had yet ANOTHER crazy binge last night (that make the third one this week) and it took me awhile to realize that I am PMSing. After much thought and internet searching, I decided to start tracking my PMS symptoms, but then I realized that what I really wanted was to track my emotional eating. Cause y’all, when I have an emotion, I eat. A lot. And sometimes I don’t even realize what’s going on until it’s too late (like last night when I had 3 bowls of tortilla soup. THREE bowls. Yeah it was good and yeah I was hungry, but come on! Three? Crazy.), so I used my very limited mad spreadsheet skillz to make a logsheet where I could track what was happening on a day to day basis. I didn’t want to make it to complicated, but there are a few key things that needed to be included for me to get a good idea of what’s going on. Oh, that’s the title of my spreadsheet: the What’s Going On Log (WGOL). So anyway, here’s what I have included on my WGOL (pronounced woggle):
Where I am in my cycle
how many hours I slept last night
how much exercise I did
how much water
any digestive issues (you all know how important this is to me!)
and finally, what’s going on with 1) my marriage, 2) my kids, 3) work, and 4) anything else.
If I can remember to fill this out every day I think it will really help me figure out WHY I am overeating and eventually HOW I can head off those binges before they start. I’d like to get a few month’s worth of data and then see if there are any trends. I think this will be an interesting experiment. Is there anything that maybe I should add to this? I want to keep it simple, but I don’t want to leave off anything that might be helpful.
When it comes to exercise, people like to walk or run. These are natural activities for us. They can have practical applications, such as getting from one place to another. They require less gear than many other forms of exercise (although you can spend a bundle on shoes, clothes and other accessories if you really wanted). And walking or running are great forms of exercise. They burn calories, work many muscle groups and strengthen cardiovascular components in the body. Walking is one of the best or perhaps the only feasible form of exercise for people with diseases such as osteoporosis, hypertension and chronic back pain. Walking doesn’t require a lot of technical know-how or instruction. We already know how to do it, and a few pointers about heart rate and breathing will at least get us on the road. In general, walking and running are easy and convenient ways to improve health and fitness and a home treadmill adds to this overall appeal.
According to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, over 40 million consumers purchase treadmills each year and the number continues to grow. Treadmills account for over 1/3 of all home exercise equipment sales. So why do so many people choose treadmills and how do they compare to stair machines, stationary bikes and other home fitness equipment?
Ease and Convenience
The number one reason people use a treadmill is convenience. It allows you to exercise even when the weather is bad or the fitness center is closed. You can exercise in the early morning or after dinner or whenever the mood strikes you. You can even use your treadmill in the buff if you don’t feel like washing your workout clothes.
You can read, watch TV, talk with friends, or listen to music or audiotapes while you exercise on a treadmill. You can keep an eye on your kids, wait for files to download, take care of dinner or the laundry and even meditate, think through problems or make grocery lists.
For those who need to stay in the office until five – even when it’s not busy, or who prefer to exercise in the privacy of their own homes, a treadmill is ideal. Also, in some areas and neighborhoods, walking or running exposes one to traffic, muggers or vicious dogs. These hazards are avoided by using a treadmill.
Another reason people like treadmills is because you can just hop on and walk without a great deal of preparation and even if you don’t work terribly hard at it, you still accomplish something. But today’s treadmills make it easy to program in workout routines that simulate hills or vary speeds to enhance the effectiveness of your workout or challenge you to work harder and improve. The control panels are typically user friendly and many machines have built in heart rate monitors.
Clearly a treadmill provides several advantages over walking or running outside. And it is often easier and less expensive than other types of home exercise equipment, but how does it compare in terms of pure cardiovascular workout and calorie burning?
A Better Burn
According to a study done by the Medical College of Wisconsin and the VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, a person using a treadmill for 60 minutes burns an average of 865-705 calories. Check that against other common exercise equipment:
What about the new elliptical machines? An elliptical cross trainer with handles to work the upper body provides a workout that compares to that of a treadmill when it comes to muscles used and heart rate issues. The main difference between the two types of home exercise equipment is that and elliptical machine operates more smoothly and creates less of an impact on bones and joints. This might be good for those with recent injuries or chronic conditions, but it is the impact that helps maintain or improve bone density, which in turn strengthens bones and prevents the loss of calcium.
Most experts agree that a healthy person needs the bouncing and jarring associated with walking or running to keep bones, muscles and joints working properly. A treadmill is one of the few home fitness machines that provide this type of exercise. And most come with a cushioned platform to minimize impact or keep it at an acceptable level. As with any form of exercise, it is a good idea to check with your doctor first if you have health conditions that may make it difficult or unwise for you to participate in certain activities.
With a treadmill, the concept is basically simple. If you want to work harder, you increase the incline or the speed. Usually this is done with a push of the button. An elliptical machine can be adjusted to target certain muscle groups, but it requires some knowledge and usually must be done manually. And because elliptical machines are relatively new to the home fitness market, there are fewer models to choose from and they tend to cost a bit more than the average treadmill. Some people have commented that they feel the elliptical machines can be more difficult to use because the motions do not feel as natural as walking or running. It is a good idea to try out any piece of exercise equipment before buying to see how it feels and fits with your needs.
Many people who exercise do so because they know they should, not because they thoroughly enjoy it. Sure you feel good after you complete your workout, but sometimes getting motivated can be difficult. And if you are going to put in the time, you want to know that what you’re doing is actually helping you burn calories and become more fit. Treadmills rank at the top of the list when it comes to home fitness equipment, providing one of the most effective workouts in proportion to the amount of time spent. So make your movements count. Try a treadmill.
C.J. Gustafson is a successful writer for Treadmill-Ratings-n-Reviews.net, providing treadmill ratings and reviews on the best treadmill models.
Copyright 2004 Treadmill-Ratings-n-Reviews.net
Permission is granted to publish this article on your site only if all links are left intact.
On the way home from work last night, I looked at the streets very closely. With all the snowpiles everywhere and the forecast for mid-twenties overnight, I expected to rise this morning to a bunch of glazed ice.
Thankfully, when I got up, the Weather Channel on my Iphone said it was 33 degrees and my patio thermometer read 34. I confirmed on my run that the streets were wet but not glazed, so when I got back I hurriedly threw my bag together and set off on my bike to look for groundhogs on my way to work.
Sadly, I didn’t see any, so I guess they had all hurried back into their holes for another six weeks of winter in spite of the clouds and drizzle.
Exercise bikes are a good way of losing calories and cutting the flab. They are a good cardio vascular workout and make the calf muscles especially strong. Cycling or biking is a very good form of exercising, as it tones up the entire body. Exercise bikes are equally good for providing such a workout. In the comfort of the home or the gym, you can easily work out and at any time of the day. Most of the exercise bikes, which are available in the market, have a control panel as well as a range of resistance levels. In this way it’s beneficial to both the beginner as well as the advanced user.
The exercise bikes are available for as little as $200 for a simple bike and can cost till $3000 for an exercise bike with all the frills added. Thee are innumerable types of exercise bikes, which are available in the market. Before you buy an exercise bike its important to read before you make a decision as exercise bike reviews will give you an idea of the latest prices, functions and types of exercise bikes which are available in the market. There are essentially three types of exercise bikes, which are available in the market, which are upright stationary cycle, semi recumbent stationary cycle and recumbent stationary cycle.
It’s important that you note all the functions of the exercise bike before you in for the purchase. Read all the exercise bike reviews online as well as visit the stores where they are displayed. There are many magazine which are specifically dedicated to reviews, in these exercise bike reviews each and every aspect of the bike is given and compared with many other bikes. In this way a person can compare various models, prices and functions before the final purchase decision is made.
Yes! I can not stress how important weightlifting is as part of a balanced workout program for both men and women. Yoga and Pilates don’t provide enough resistance to build substantial bone or muscle mass. As we age, we naturally lose muscle and bone mass unless we do weight lifting to protect our body. This process of deterioration begins in our thirties. At the same 
time, weight lifting doesn’t have the stretching benefits of yoga or the core focus of Pilates. Focusing all your efforts on one type of exercise will make you weak in other physical aspects. You may notice, as you age, that your mid-section begins to widen and you become stiffer. Again these effects are preventable by keeping up a stretching program, maintaining core strength and a healthy weight. Physical fitness is a use it or lose it situation as we age. If you don’t lift weights, you atriphy. If you keep a well-rounded program you will have strong bones, flexibility and at least some resemblance of your girlish figure through your 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.
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have you started an exercise program and stopped? Remember those New Year’s Resolutions? How many have you kept? Was losing weight or eating healthier part of those resolutions that are now on a shelf collecting dust? Do you have multiple pieces of exercise equipment that you bought on an infomercial late at night that you now hang your clothes on collecting dust? Get motivated and use a Fitness Coach or Personal Trainer to help support you in your life long mission to permanent weight loss and better overall body fitness and health.
