On Friday afternoon after you leave work, you probably think about going out and having a few drinks with friends to relax and wind down. Even though you may think you deserve to go out and have a few drinks, there are some things that you should certainly keep in mind.
Like any other day, tomorrow is going to be a day for exercise, and since you are exercising on a regular basis, a few drinks of alcohol won't really hurt anything, right? Before you decide to rush out to the local bar, there are a few things below that you should think about before you make your choice about going out to drink some alcohol.
Research has proven that even small amounts of alcohol with increase muscular endurance and the output of strength, although these types of benefits are very short lived. After 20 minutes or so, the problems will begin to surface. All of the negative side effects associated with alcohol will easily outweigh any possible benefits that it can have. No matter how you look at it, alcohol is a poison that can really harm your body if you aren't careful.
The negative side of alcohol can reduce your strength, endurance, aerobic capability, recovery time, ability to metabolize fat, and even your muscle growth as well. Alcohol will also have an effect on your nervous system and brain. If you use it long term, you can cause severe deterioration of your central nervous system. Even with short term use, nerve muscle interaction can be reduced which will result in a loss of strength.
Once alcohol reaches the blood cells, it can and probably will damage them. With alcohol users, inflammation of the muscle cells is a very common thing. Over periods of time, some of these cells that have been damaged can die which will result in less functional muscle contractions. Drinking alcohol will also leave you with more soreness of your muscles after you exercise, which means that it will take you a lot longer to recuperate.
Alcohol will also have many different effects on your heart and circulatory system as well. When you drink any type of alcohol, you may begin to see a reduction in your endurance capabilities. Anytime you drink, your heat loss will increase, due to the alcohol simulating your blood vessels to dilate. The loss in heat can cause your muscles to become quite cold, therefore become slower and weaker during your muscle contractions.
Drinking alcohol can also lead to digestive and nutrition problems as well. Alcohol cause a release of insulin that will increase the metabolism of glycogen, which spares fat and makes the loss of fat very hard. Due to alcohol interfering with the absorption of several key nutrients, you can also become anemic and deficient with B type vitamins.
Because your liver is the organ that detoxifies alcohol, the more you drink, the harder your liver has to work. The extra stress alcohol places on your liver can cause serious damage and even destroy some of your liver cells.
Since alcohol is diuretic, drinking large amounts can put a lot of stress on your kidneys as well. During diuretic action, the hormones are secreted. This can lead to heightened water retention and no one who exercises will want this to happen.
If you must drink alcohol, you should do it in moderation and never drink before you exercise, as this will impair your balance, coordination, and also your judgement. Think about your health and how you exercise - and you may begin to look at things from a whole new prospective.
Showing posts with label Exercise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Exercise. Show all posts
Anti Aging Benefits Of Stretching Exercises| Why Stretch Muscles?
In many exercise programs, be it weight lifting for building and toning muscles or cardio vascular exercises for increasing stamina and to lose weight, most people do not perform enough stretching exercises even though stretching exercises can be performed by anyone at any age unless that person has some physical restriction to stretch. What is worse, many people do not even stretch before and after exercising. Unknown to most people, stretching also has anti aging benefits.
•Benefits of stretching exercises for muscle growth
Stretching is an important aspect of exercising and should be a part of any exercise routine and program. There are many wonderful benefits when you perform regular stretching exercises. Stretching exercises not only help you to warm up and cool down before and after your workouts, it can and will actually help your muscles to grow bigger and stronger too. Don't believe me? Then read on.
Stretching exercises help muscle growth because stretching lengthens your muscles and thus giving your muscle fibers a greater range of motion when lifting weights. So in effect, it recruits more muscle fibers and thus causing your muscles to grow stronger and bigger from your weight training.
By stretching your muscles after an intensive workout will reduce muscle soreness commonly known as DOMS (delayed onset muscle sore) which usually occurs a day after your workout.
Performing stretching exercises before your workout or before a physically demanding sporting activity will also decrease your chances of sustaining injuries and muscle cramps which will certainly destroy the joy of your activity.
When you stretch regularly, stretching exercises will help you gain agility which will make your daily chores much more pleasant and if you play sports, you will notice your agility is much better than others who do not stretch. This will put you in a more beneficial position against your opponents.
•Anti Aging Benefits Of Stretching Exercises
If you are a baby boomer and age is catching up, this agility will make your life so much more pleasurable because you will be able to avoid stiff muscles and stiff joints unlike your peers who do not stretch. You will be more mobile, agile and suffering from less pain associated with aging and stiff body parts. These anti aging benefits from stretching regularly are priceless. Benefits that money can never be able to buy.
What is more, you can stretch anytime any where as and when you like. Stretching exercises need not be limited as a pre and post workout activity. So start a stretching exercise routine soon and make it part of your everyday lifestyle. You will surely enjoy the pleasures and anti aging benefits that a regular stretching routine can bring you.
•Benefits of stretching exercises for muscle growth
Stretching is an important aspect of exercising and should be a part of any exercise routine and program. There are many wonderful benefits when you perform regular stretching exercises. Stretching exercises not only help you to warm up and cool down before and after your workouts, it can and will actually help your muscles to grow bigger and stronger too. Don't believe me? Then read on.
Stretching exercises help muscle growth because stretching lengthens your muscles and thus giving your muscle fibers a greater range of motion when lifting weights. So in effect, it recruits more muscle fibers and thus causing your muscles to grow stronger and bigger from your weight training.
By stretching your muscles after an intensive workout will reduce muscle soreness commonly known as DOMS (delayed onset muscle sore) which usually occurs a day after your workout.
Performing stretching exercises before your workout or before a physically demanding sporting activity will also decrease your chances of sustaining injuries and muscle cramps which will certainly destroy the joy of your activity.
When you stretch regularly, stretching exercises will help you gain agility which will make your daily chores much more pleasant and if you play sports, you will notice your agility is much better than others who do not stretch. This will put you in a more beneficial position against your opponents.
•Anti Aging Benefits Of Stretching Exercises
If you are a baby boomer and age is catching up, this agility will make your life so much more pleasurable because you will be able to avoid stiff muscles and stiff joints unlike your peers who do not stretch. You will be more mobile, agile and suffering from less pain associated with aging and stiff body parts. These anti aging benefits from stretching regularly are priceless. Benefits that money can never be able to buy.
What is more, you can stretch anytime any where as and when you like. Stretching exercises need not be limited as a pre and post workout activity. So start a stretching exercise routine soon and make it part of your everyday lifestyle. You will surely enjoy the pleasures and anti aging benefits that a regular stretching routine can bring you.
Heart Rate Monitors
Heart rate monitors used to be exclusively operated by physicians and nurses alone but that was soon rectified with today's multi-tasking generation. Every person seemed to want to know about everything that was related to them and that of course included monitoring their own heartbeats.
What is a Heart Monitor
Also known as a cardiac monitor, a heart monitor is a piece of electronic equipment that can be used to track or observe heart functions continuously. It allows people to place a numerical value on their healthiness based on their heart rate and have a target heart rate to work for. The more complex versions of the heart monitor allow physicians to see any signs of deterioration or improvement and make the necessary adjustments immediately.
Types of Heart Monitors
Today, heart monitors are produced by the millions and designed to cater specific types of individuals. Some heart monitors are primarily designed for weight loss programs while others are meant for the use of athletes or fitness programs. Some are wireless or come as a built-in feature of exercise equipment like a treadmill or an exercise bike. It can be strapped to your wrist or of considerable size. It may or may not emit any electromagnetic waves, depending on its purpose. A fetal heart monitor, for instance, must not produce any waves at all as this may affect the health of the baby.
Factors on Selecting the Best Heart Monitor for You
ECG-Accurate Monitors with Chest Straps - Heart monitors that come with chest straps are more often not the most accurate of heart monitors. The chest strap is strapped around your chest, a few centimeters below your breast. It contains a device that's able to detect electrical activity of your heart and transmit it to the brain of the machine - just like an ECG. The results are shown on the display monitor, which most of the times is attached to your wrist like a watch. Others however prefer results to be transmitted through audio messages via earphones.
Upon choosing heart monitors with chest straps, you need to remember to keep the strap constantly connected to your body lest you want the heart monitor to produce inaccurate readings.
Lastly, the only alternative against buying heart monitors with chest straps are the ones that rely on pulses on your fingertips. These however do not provide readings as accurate as those with chest straps.
Heart Monitor Features - Basic and lower end models tend to display only your heart rate and maybe the elapsed exercise time as well. This of course does not provide sufficient information if you want to know exactly how much you need to improve before you can be qualified as a completely healthy individual. Higher end models will naturally offer a wider range of features - for a price. Examples of such features are - but not limited to - heart rate zone alarms, timers and number of calories burned. It may also allow users to set pre-programmed workouts along with a targeted heart rate.
Ease of Use - Lastly, you must purchase a heart rate monitor that you will have no problems of using. What good would a high end heart monitor do if it takes you an hour to operate it? Are the numbers and words appearing in the heart rate monitor readable? Can it be used in no-light situations? Are buttons well-labeled and ergonomically positioned?
To Buy or Not to Buy a Heart Monitor
Heart monitors can be especially costly, more so if you are intent on purchasing higher-end models. If you have a limited budget, you should ask yourself whether or not you truly need to buy a heart monitor. You can of course purchase one of the lower-end models but low quality heart monitors can lead to inaccurate results and that sort of defeats the purpose of buying one.
If you are intent on purchasing a heart monitor, you need to ask yourself another question: do you need to make a solo purchase or is it alright with you to use the heart monitor that comes as a built-in feature of a treadmill? Lastly, you should remember as well that you can always pay your doctor regular visits and have him monitor your heart rate for you.
What is a Heart Monitor
Also known as a cardiac monitor, a heart monitor is a piece of electronic equipment that can be used to track or observe heart functions continuously. It allows people to place a numerical value on their healthiness based on their heart rate and have a target heart rate to work for. The more complex versions of the heart monitor allow physicians to see any signs of deterioration or improvement and make the necessary adjustments immediately.
Types of Heart Monitors
Today, heart monitors are produced by the millions and designed to cater specific types of individuals. Some heart monitors are primarily designed for weight loss programs while others are meant for the use of athletes or fitness programs. Some are wireless or come as a built-in feature of exercise equipment like a treadmill or an exercise bike. It can be strapped to your wrist or of considerable size. It may or may not emit any electromagnetic waves, depending on its purpose. A fetal heart monitor, for instance, must not produce any waves at all as this may affect the health of the baby.
Factors on Selecting the Best Heart Monitor for You
ECG-Accurate Monitors with Chest Straps - Heart monitors that come with chest straps are more often not the most accurate of heart monitors. The chest strap is strapped around your chest, a few centimeters below your breast. It contains a device that's able to detect electrical activity of your heart and transmit it to the brain of the machine - just like an ECG. The results are shown on the display monitor, which most of the times is attached to your wrist like a watch. Others however prefer results to be transmitted through audio messages via earphones.
Upon choosing heart monitors with chest straps, you need to remember to keep the strap constantly connected to your body lest you want the heart monitor to produce inaccurate readings.
Lastly, the only alternative against buying heart monitors with chest straps are the ones that rely on pulses on your fingertips. These however do not provide readings as accurate as those with chest straps.
Heart Monitor Features - Basic and lower end models tend to display only your heart rate and maybe the elapsed exercise time as well. This of course does not provide sufficient information if you want to know exactly how much you need to improve before you can be qualified as a completely healthy individual. Higher end models will naturally offer a wider range of features - for a price. Examples of such features are - but not limited to - heart rate zone alarms, timers and number of calories burned. It may also allow users to set pre-programmed workouts along with a targeted heart rate.
Ease of Use - Lastly, you must purchase a heart rate monitor that you will have no problems of using. What good would a high end heart monitor do if it takes you an hour to operate it? Are the numbers and words appearing in the heart rate monitor readable? Can it be used in no-light situations? Are buttons well-labeled and ergonomically positioned?
To Buy or Not to Buy a Heart Monitor
Heart monitors can be especially costly, more so if you are intent on purchasing higher-end models. If you have a limited budget, you should ask yourself whether or not you truly need to buy a heart monitor. You can of course purchase one of the lower-end models but low quality heart monitors can lead to inaccurate results and that sort of defeats the purpose of buying one.
If you are intent on purchasing a heart monitor, you need to ask yourself another question: do you need to make a solo purchase or is it alright with you to use the heart monitor that comes as a built-in feature of a treadmill? Lastly, you should remember as well that you can always pay your doctor regular visits and have him monitor your heart rate for you.
Tips on How to Become a Fitness Model
Everyone is busy. But considering what is at stake, making time for exercise needs to be a priority right now. Thirty minutes a day is not too much when you get right down to it. Cut one prime-time show out of your evening television-viewing schedule. Get up a half-hour earlier each morning. Use half of your lunch hour for a brisk walk. You can find time if you look hard enough for it.
In fact, there are people who find time to manage and endorse the advantages of physical fitness just so they can prove to the world what a physically fit person can look like.
It is for this reason that most people contend that fitness models are one of the healthiest and most appealing people in the world. They embody the perfect concept of a physically fit person. Fitness models are, indeed, the epitome of health, life, vigor, and real beauty.
In reality, virtually everyone who has the capability to move can exercise to some degree; and everyone who is capable of projecting the benefits of exercise and physical fitness can be a fitness model.
Therefore, if you think that you have what it takes to be a fitness model, here are some tips on how to be come one.
1. Deviate from the common notion of everybody that fitness is just a matter of the body figure.
The problem with the society today is that people tend to admire and look up to females who are thin and sexy and to males have brawny, muscular biceps, triceps, and wonderful abs.
The upshot is that people tend to exert so much effort in exercise not because they want to be healthy and fit but because they want to like the fitness models that they usually see in TV, posters, and magazines.
To be a fitness model, you should start working your way to a healthier you and not just a sexier, physically attractive person that you want to be. <
After all, being a fitness model does not necessarily mean you have to have a "fashion-model" body size.
2. Believe in the saying, "You are what you eat."
If you want to be a fitness model, you have to believe on the fact that our body shows what kinds of food we eat. Your body will also depict the kind of physical activities that you have in life.
Hence, if you do not conform to this belief, chances are, you will find it hard to be a fitness model, and to inform the people what it is like to be physically fit.
3. Live a healthy lifestyle
Genes play big roles in a person's health. But these do not certainly influence what you will eat at breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and the kind of activity that you will engage in.
Hence, if your lifestyle will not be healthy, chances are, you can never be a fitness model.
4. Have a "positive self image"
In order to be a fitness model, you have to incorporate positive body image in your life. This means that you should love your body in spite of what is happening in the environment or the occurrences in your life.
You should never wish for a body that you know it is not yours. Do not burden yourself into thinking that life could have been better if you only have thinner thighs or beautiful abs.
Through positive self-image, you are able to gain respect for yourself, which in turn generates other s to respect you and admire you.
The key point here is that, being a fitness model is not all about vanity and physical attributes alone. What matters most is the beauty of being physically fit and healthy that radiates from your body as it exudes the glow of health.
In fact, there are people who find time to manage and endorse the advantages of physical fitness just so they can prove to the world what a physically fit person can look like.
It is for this reason that most people contend that fitness models are one of the healthiest and most appealing people in the world. They embody the perfect concept of a physically fit person. Fitness models are, indeed, the epitome of health, life, vigor, and real beauty.
In reality, virtually everyone who has the capability to move can exercise to some degree; and everyone who is capable of projecting the benefits of exercise and physical fitness can be a fitness model.
Therefore, if you think that you have what it takes to be a fitness model, here are some tips on how to be come one.
1. Deviate from the common notion of everybody that fitness is just a matter of the body figure.
The problem with the society today is that people tend to admire and look up to females who are thin and sexy and to males have brawny, muscular biceps, triceps, and wonderful abs.
The upshot is that people tend to exert so much effort in exercise not because they want to be healthy and fit but because they want to like the fitness models that they usually see in TV, posters, and magazines.
To be a fitness model, you should start working your way to a healthier you and not just a sexier, physically attractive person that you want to be. <
After all, being a fitness model does not necessarily mean you have to have a "fashion-model" body size.
2. Believe in the saying, "You are what you eat."
If you want to be a fitness model, you have to believe on the fact that our body shows what kinds of food we eat. Your body will also depict the kind of physical activities that you have in life.
Hence, if you do not conform to this belief, chances are, you will find it hard to be a fitness model, and to inform the people what it is like to be physically fit.
3. Live a healthy lifestyle
Genes play big roles in a person's health. But these do not certainly influence what you will eat at breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and the kind of activity that you will engage in.
Hence, if your lifestyle will not be healthy, chances are, you can never be a fitness model.
4. Have a "positive self image"
In order to be a fitness model, you have to incorporate positive body image in your life. This means that you should love your body in spite of what is happening in the environment or the occurrences in your life.
You should never wish for a body that you know it is not yours. Do not burden yourself into thinking that life could have been better if you only have thinner thighs or beautiful abs.
Through positive self-image, you are able to gain respect for yourself, which in turn generates other s to respect you and admire you.
The key point here is that, being a fitness model is not all about vanity and physical attributes alone. What matters most is the beauty of being physically fit and healthy that radiates from your body as it exudes the glow of health.
Thirty Minutes of Exercise a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
¡°Exercise is good for you!¡± If you had a dollar for every time you
heard this statement uttered, you'd be rich by now, right? Well,
proponents of everyday physical activity aren't just blowing smoke
when they repeat this mantra. Medical research has uncovered
resounding evidence to back up this ¡°good for you¡± claim. In fact,
the U.S. Surgeon General, the American College of Sports
Medicine (ACSM) and the National Centers for Chronic Disease
Prevention and Health Promotion all recommend the same thing
when it comes to regular exercise: American adults should aim for
30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity on most,
and preferably all, days of the week.
Inquiring minds want to know, so how exactly will daily exercise
impact your health and well-being? Regular physical activity
positively affects not only your body but also your mind. That's right:
Exercise simultaneously improves your physical, your emotional
and your psychological health. In fact, it's a triple-threat combatant
against the physical and mental disorders Americans most often
face: heart disease, diabetes, stroke, stress, anxiety and
depression, just to name a few.
When industry experts stand in staunch agreement, you know it's
time to focus your attention on their advice and take their
concurring counsel to heart. To that end, consider daily exercise's
benefits as purported by three of the leading medical sources: the
American Heart Association, the Surgeon General's Report on
Exercise and Fitness Management magazine.
The American Heart Association (AHA) lists a reduction in the risk
of heart disease at the top of its daily physical activity benefit list.
Exercise improves circulation throughout the body and lowers
cholesterol, thereby decreasing the likelihood of a heart attack or
stroke. The AHA also touts exercise's ability to counteract the health
problems plaguing today's young people: obesity, high blood
pressure, high cholesterol and poor lifestyle habits. In so doing, it
prevents the conditions that lead to heart attacks and strokes later
in life.
The U.S. Surgeon General, while echoing the AHA's claims,
narrows down physical activity's benefits into specific categories.
Overall, he maintains that exercise reduces one's risk of dying
prematurely, but explicitly mentions a reduction in heart disease,
diabetes, high blood pressure, colon cancer, depression and
anxiety and obesity among its lifesaving advantages. According to
the U.S. Surgeon General, healthier bones muscles and joints as
well as improved psychological well-being are some of the other
benefits regular exercisers enjoy.
In an article entitled ¡°The Psychological Benefits of Your Exercise
Program,¡± Fitness Management magazine further details physical
activity's favorable effects on emotional and mental health. In
particular, the article cites the following psychological advantages
of exercise: 1) It reduces feelings of anxiety, worry, self-doubt and
uncertainty about the future; 2) It lower stress levels and the
accompanying physical complaints, such as headaches and
muscle tension; 3) It energizes, thereby enhancing one's mood; 4)
It improves sleep quality; and 5) It improves one's self-image and -
confidence by keeping weight down and elevating mood.
So, while an apple a day is still sound advice, it seems exercising
every day is the new and improved ticket to keeping the doctor
away.
heard this statement uttered, you'd be rich by now, right? Well,
proponents of everyday physical activity aren't just blowing smoke
when they repeat this mantra. Medical research has uncovered
resounding evidence to back up this ¡°good for you¡± claim. In fact,
the U.S. Surgeon General, the American College of Sports
Medicine (ACSM) and the National Centers for Chronic Disease
Prevention and Health Promotion all recommend the same thing
when it comes to regular exercise: American adults should aim for
30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity on most,
and preferably all, days of the week.
Inquiring minds want to know, so how exactly will daily exercise
impact your health and well-being? Regular physical activity
positively affects not only your body but also your mind. That's right:
Exercise simultaneously improves your physical, your emotional
and your psychological health. In fact, it's a triple-threat combatant
against the physical and mental disorders Americans most often
face: heart disease, diabetes, stroke, stress, anxiety and
depression, just to name a few.
When industry experts stand in staunch agreement, you know it's
time to focus your attention on their advice and take their
concurring counsel to heart. To that end, consider daily exercise's
benefits as purported by three of the leading medical sources: the
American Heart Association, the Surgeon General's Report on
Exercise and Fitness Management magazine.
The American Heart Association (AHA) lists a reduction in the risk
of heart disease at the top of its daily physical activity benefit list.
Exercise improves circulation throughout the body and lowers
cholesterol, thereby decreasing the likelihood of a heart attack or
stroke. The AHA also touts exercise's ability to counteract the health
problems plaguing today's young people: obesity, high blood
pressure, high cholesterol and poor lifestyle habits. In so doing, it
prevents the conditions that lead to heart attacks and strokes later
in life.
The U.S. Surgeon General, while echoing the AHA's claims,
narrows down physical activity's benefits into specific categories.
Overall, he maintains that exercise reduces one's risk of dying
prematurely, but explicitly mentions a reduction in heart disease,
diabetes, high blood pressure, colon cancer, depression and
anxiety and obesity among its lifesaving advantages. According to
the U.S. Surgeon General, healthier bones muscles and joints as
well as improved psychological well-being are some of the other
benefits regular exercisers enjoy.
In an article entitled ¡°The Psychological Benefits of Your Exercise
Program,¡± Fitness Management magazine further details physical
activity's favorable effects on emotional and mental health. In
particular, the article cites the following psychological advantages
of exercise: 1) It reduces feelings of anxiety, worry, self-doubt and
uncertainty about the future; 2) It lower stress levels and the
accompanying physical complaints, such as headaches and
muscle tension; 3) It energizes, thereby enhancing one's mood; 4)
It improves sleep quality; and 5) It improves one's self-image and -
confidence by keeping weight down and elevating mood.
So, while an apple a day is still sound advice, it seems exercising
every day is the new and improved ticket to keeping the doctor
away.
Making Fitness Part of Your Life
The pressures of daily life can be daunting, and with demanding careers and raising a family, working out is probably the last thing on your mind at the end of a busy day. However, physical fitness can benefit you in more ways than you think.
Being physically fit is not only about conquering marathons in record time and not only about looking your best on the beach -- even though looking your best is always a bonus. Being physically fit can help you live a longer, more fulfilling life, it can benefit your body, your self-esteem and help you deal with the stresses of daily life.
Isn't it ironic how you always manage to find the time to watch TV, time to catch up on your favorite program or the time to get together with friends? Yet when it comes to going to gym or getting physical, you can easily come up with at least 10 different reasons why you're either too busy or just don't have the time to break a sweat.
Making fitness part of your life should be a priority in everyone's life -- it should become a daily habit, the same as brushing your teeth or taking a shower. Setting aside one hour of your day isn't much to ask when you take into account all the positive things you achieve just by being physically fit.
Apart from looking and feeling good, working out can benefit you in the following areas as well:
* Help to relieve stress, depression and anxiety
* Increase your ability to concentrate, think faster and become more sharp
* Help reduce blood pressure
* Lower the risk of developing colon cancer
* Keep your heart healthy and reduce the risk of heart disease
* Help with gaining muscle, which can build and maintain strong bones
* Increase flexibility, which can help prevent injury and help with muscular tension.
So next time you put off going to the gym, stop and think about all the benefits you're missing out on. Just 30 minutes to an hour of physical fitness a day can be a major health investment. And remember you don't have to be in a gym to be fit. You can enjoy fitness with your kids, your spouse, family or friends by coming up with fun, physical activities such as going for walks, swimming, mountain biking, hiking or playing golf to mention a few.
GET A PLAN
There are many great fitness plans out there that can help you get into shape and enjoy fitness, but there are also many scams that promise you the world and don't deliver. If you have spare cash on hand, get in touch with a personal trainer at your gym and take up a few sessions or visit a biokinetisist who will help you with your goals. You can also browse the Internet for reputable sites for information.
KICK START YOUR FITNESS PLAN
If you're a beginner into the world of fitness, ease into a routine by starting off slowly and gradually increase your endurance level. If you go all out on the first day, chances are you'll burn out and overwork yourself to the extent that you'll be put off fitness forever. If you're a newbie, also remember that it takes time to get into a fitness routine and the only way to reach your ideal level is be consistent and stick with the program.
MAKE TIME
The best way to ensure that you avoid the excuses-zone is to make a habit of getting your workouts done first thing in the morning. Set your alarm to wake up an hour earlier, get to the gym and from there, you can shower and head for work. By doing your workout in the morning you are more likely to put it off later due to tiredness (or laziness), plus research has shown that you burn more fat if you do your cardio sessions first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
Being physically fit is not only about conquering marathons in record time and not only about looking your best on the beach -- even though looking your best is always a bonus. Being physically fit can help you live a longer, more fulfilling life, it can benefit your body, your self-esteem and help you deal with the stresses of daily life.
Isn't it ironic how you always manage to find the time to watch TV, time to catch up on your favorite program or the time to get together with friends? Yet when it comes to going to gym or getting physical, you can easily come up with at least 10 different reasons why you're either too busy or just don't have the time to break a sweat.
Making fitness part of your life should be a priority in everyone's life -- it should become a daily habit, the same as brushing your teeth or taking a shower. Setting aside one hour of your day isn't much to ask when you take into account all the positive things you achieve just by being physically fit.
Apart from looking and feeling good, working out can benefit you in the following areas as well:
* Help to relieve stress, depression and anxiety
* Increase your ability to concentrate, think faster and become more sharp
* Help reduce blood pressure
* Lower the risk of developing colon cancer
* Keep your heart healthy and reduce the risk of heart disease
* Help with gaining muscle, which can build and maintain strong bones
* Increase flexibility, which can help prevent injury and help with muscular tension.
So next time you put off going to the gym, stop and think about all the benefits you're missing out on. Just 30 minutes to an hour of physical fitness a day can be a major health investment. And remember you don't have to be in a gym to be fit. You can enjoy fitness with your kids, your spouse, family or friends by coming up with fun, physical activities such as going for walks, swimming, mountain biking, hiking or playing golf to mention a few.
GET A PLAN
There are many great fitness plans out there that can help you get into shape and enjoy fitness, but there are also many scams that promise you the world and don't deliver. If you have spare cash on hand, get in touch with a personal trainer at your gym and take up a few sessions or visit a biokinetisist who will help you with your goals. You can also browse the Internet for reputable sites for information.
KICK START YOUR FITNESS PLAN
If you're a beginner into the world of fitness, ease into a routine by starting off slowly and gradually increase your endurance level. If you go all out on the first day, chances are you'll burn out and overwork yourself to the extent that you'll be put off fitness forever. If you're a newbie, also remember that it takes time to get into a fitness routine and the only way to reach your ideal level is be consistent and stick with the program.
MAKE TIME
The best way to ensure that you avoid the excuses-zone is to make a habit of getting your workouts done first thing in the morning. Set your alarm to wake up an hour earlier, get to the gym and from there, you can shower and head for work. By doing your workout in the morning you are more likely to put it off later due to tiredness (or laziness), plus research has shown that you burn more fat if you do your cardio sessions first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
Shape Your Legs, Tone Your Butt and Build Strength
Shape your legs, tone your butt and build functional strength, with the Reverse Lunge. Lunges are an exceptional exercise for conditioning your lower body. They stress the muscles from a perfect angle to develop incredible shape and symmetry in your legs, thighs and butt.
Because they require balance, lunges also build neuromuscular and functional capacity - helping your body go through its daily motions and letting you pick up your children with ease.
Whether you're trying to lose weight, want to look sleeker in shorts, or improve your athletic performance, lunges should be part of your training program.
In my opinion, the Ultimate Lunge is the Reverse Lunge. There are many types of lunges, and many ways to perform them all, but since we only have time to cover one - my choice is the reverse lunge. Here's why:
- Because you have more balance and support, it's easy to learn and perform. Plus, you have less momentum to contend with during the exercise which provides more effective stress to the muscles and yields better results.
- It's safer and softer on your knees because your back foot absorbs the ballistic shock of the lunge step. (Contrasted to the front lunge where impact shock can transfer to the knee even if you land heel to toe.)
- It creates muscular balance by initiating the movement backward as opposed to most other exercise movement patterns that take you forward and bias your musculature toward forward motion.
How To Do A Reverse Lunge Correctly
- Start facing forward, with your feet shoulder width apart, and your arms at your side.
- Step back with one leg far enough to allow your knees to bend at 90 degree angles. You can simultaneously bring your arms up to act as a slight counter balance. If you want a greater challenge, hold light weights in your hands.
- You're in correct position at the bottom of your lunge when your front knee is directly over the ankle.
IMPORTANT - To go back to the start position, start dropping your arms and lift from the heel of your front leg. DO NOT PUSH OFF YOUR BACK LEG. This simple advice will dramatically improve the effectiveness of your reverse lunge, give you a far tighter, leaner butt and get you much better results in half the time.
Try doing reverse lunges 3 times a week on non-consecutive days. Work up to 2 sets of 10 repetitions on each leg. After a month, I think you'll be amazed at the impact the reverse lunge will have on your physique.
Because they require balance, lunges also build neuromuscular and functional capacity - helping your body go through its daily motions and letting you pick up your children with ease.
Whether you're trying to lose weight, want to look sleeker in shorts, or improve your athletic performance, lunges should be part of your training program.
In my opinion, the Ultimate Lunge is the Reverse Lunge. There are many types of lunges, and many ways to perform them all, but since we only have time to cover one - my choice is the reverse lunge. Here's why:
- Because you have more balance and support, it's easy to learn and perform. Plus, you have less momentum to contend with during the exercise which provides more effective stress to the muscles and yields better results.
- It's safer and softer on your knees because your back foot absorbs the ballistic shock of the lunge step. (Contrasted to the front lunge where impact shock can transfer to the knee even if you land heel to toe.)
- It creates muscular balance by initiating the movement backward as opposed to most other exercise movement patterns that take you forward and bias your musculature toward forward motion.
How To Do A Reverse Lunge Correctly
- Start facing forward, with your feet shoulder width apart, and your arms at your side.
- Step back with one leg far enough to allow your knees to bend at 90 degree angles. You can simultaneously bring your arms up to act as a slight counter balance. If you want a greater challenge, hold light weights in your hands.
- You're in correct position at the bottom of your lunge when your front knee is directly over the ankle.
IMPORTANT - To go back to the start position, start dropping your arms and lift from the heel of your front leg. DO NOT PUSH OFF YOUR BACK LEG. This simple advice will dramatically improve the effectiveness of your reverse lunge, give you a far tighter, leaner butt and get you much better results in half the time.
Try doing reverse lunges 3 times a week on non-consecutive days. Work up to 2 sets of 10 repetitions on each leg. After a month, I think you'll be amazed at the impact the reverse lunge will have on your physique.
Start a Weight Training Exercise Program Today
Although there are many sites that claim that they will show you weight training exercises online, in reality this is not the way to go.
If you want to start a weight training exercise program, you really need to be working with someone else. There are many options available. You can go to the gym, use free weights at home with a buddy, or get one of those machines, but if you do not do your weight training exercise with proper safety precautions, it is quite possible for you to get seriously injured.
I recommend doing your weight training exercise at the gym. There are several good reasons for this, and I will go ahead and tell you some of the very best ones. First of all, you can get a spot at the gym. Of all of the weight training exercise injuries, most of them could have been avoided with a proper spotter. This is especially true with free weights which can injure or even kill you if you are forced to drop them based on muscle fatigue. This is the most important reason to go to the gym, but it is really far from the only one. The fact is that it is easier to psyche yourself up for your weight training exercise when you do go to the gym. With all of those people around you dedicating their time to getting in shape, there is just no way you will feel like slacking off in your weight training program while you are at the gym. Many gyms even have personal trainers available, who will help you to meet your personal best, by working you harder than you will yourself, and helping to chart your goals. They can even suggest which weight training exercises you should use and how many, to strengthen the muscle groups which interest you.
Before you start doing weight training exercise, however, you should do some cardiovascular stuff. While you can get by quite well without weight training exercise, cardio is absolutely essential to your health. You will live longer, be healthier, and happier, and even have more energy if you do some aerobic activities every day to keep you active. We do not stay young forever, but those of us who get adequate aerobic exercises do stay young for longer than those who do not. Once you start doing that, then you can add your weight training exercise program.
If you want to start a weight training exercise program, you really need to be working with someone else. There are many options available. You can go to the gym, use free weights at home with a buddy, or get one of those machines, but if you do not do your weight training exercise with proper safety precautions, it is quite possible for you to get seriously injured.
I recommend doing your weight training exercise at the gym. There are several good reasons for this, and I will go ahead and tell you some of the very best ones. First of all, you can get a spot at the gym. Of all of the weight training exercise injuries, most of them could have been avoided with a proper spotter. This is especially true with free weights which can injure or even kill you if you are forced to drop them based on muscle fatigue. This is the most important reason to go to the gym, but it is really far from the only one. The fact is that it is easier to psyche yourself up for your weight training exercise when you do go to the gym. With all of those people around you dedicating their time to getting in shape, there is just no way you will feel like slacking off in your weight training program while you are at the gym. Many gyms even have personal trainers available, who will help you to meet your personal best, by working you harder than you will yourself, and helping to chart your goals. They can even suggest which weight training exercises you should use and how many, to strengthen the muscle groups which interest you.
Before you start doing weight training exercise, however, you should do some cardiovascular stuff. While you can get by quite well without weight training exercise, cardio is absolutely essential to your health. You will live longer, be healthier, and happier, and even have more energy if you do some aerobic activities every day to keep you active. We do not stay young forever, but those of us who get adequate aerobic exercises do stay young for longer than those who do not. Once you start doing that, then you can add your weight training exercise program.
Pointe Shoes For Ballet, Which Shoe is Right for You?
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There are several elements involved in the anatomy of a pointe shoe, all of which contribute to its fit and performance. The ability to identify these parts is important in understanding their impact upon the dancer and her performance. The front edge of the shoe is the platform, or the flattened area upon which a dancer stands en pointe. Inside the shoe is a stiffened cup encasing the toes known as the box, or block. The area covering the toes and top of the foot is the vamp, while the opening nearest the toes is the shoe's throat. The supportive insole of a pointe shoe, or shank, fits within, while an outer sole, typically made from leather, runs along the underside. The rear portion of the shoe that encases the heel and sides of the foot is known as the quarter. Running the circumference of the shoe is the binding. This is the fabric channel through which the drawstring runs. You can learn more about pointe shoes at http://www.balletdancestudio.com
Beginner Pointe Shoes
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The most important aspect in selecting beginner pointe shoes is proper fit. This not only affects one's ability to dance en pointe, but safeguards proper development of the feet, ankles and legs. Bones in the feet do not fully mature until the early 20's, and improperly fitted shoes can cause damage. Look for pointe shoes that fit properly standing on and off pointe. The ends of the toes should reach the front of the shoe, and there should be no excess material at the heel. To find the best width, check that there are no wrinkles in the box and that a finger cannot fit between the box and the foot. Most often, beginner pointe shoes should feature a medium shank, unless the dancer is particularly muscular or has a high arch. No matter the shank, a properly fitted pointe shoe will allow a dancer to roll through with comfort.
Ballet Demi Pointe Shoes
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Ballet demi pointe shoes are designed to meet the needs of younger dancers until they mature and develop adequate strength for pointe work. The main difference between a demi pointe and pointe shoe is that the demi pointe is boxed and shankless. They do not provide the support and stability needed to safely go on pointe, but are ideal for working up to it. These shoes are intended to help familiarize pre-pointe students with working in a boxed shoe, as well as basic shoe care such as sewing on ribbon and elastic.
If you are looking for more information on Ballet Pointe shoes. Head on over to http://www.balletinfo.com
How Exercise Can Help With Anti Aging
In our quest for the fountain of youth people have taken up a new form of treatment, Anti-Aging Clinics. Here you can get injections of human growth hormone HGH and injections of nutrient supplements, however a simpler and perhaps easier away to do this is by changing your diet and exercising.
Strength training has been proven to help the body naturally produce HGH. The more you train the more your body produces HGH. Strength training is taking exercises to specifically strengthen certain muscles. You can do this by spending 20 minutes a day 3 times a week at your local gym or fitness center. Or if you have some simple equipment you can do this at home. Just some simple squats can stimulate the body to make HGH and help you lose weight as well. It will take about 24-48 hours for your body to build up HGH.
Research has found that for every hour you work out your body will make $10,000 worth of beneficial chemicals that it needs. This means that with some simple exercise you will not even need to go to an Anti Aging Clinic your body will produce the chemicals naturally.
Try to strength train on a regular basis. As well as getting the HGH you will also improve bone mass and get more oxygen to your body tissues and organs. This will help them function better. You will feel better when you lose weight in this way as well. This is what the HGH injections at the Anti aging clinic will do for you. However nothing beats the natural treatment that your body can do for you.
So instead of jumping on the bandwagon and running to the nearest Anti Aging clinic, give yourself a break and let your body do it the natural way. Strength training coupled with diet will go a long way towards achieving your goal of not only a great looking body but also very possibly prolonging your life.
As well as exercise try to adjust your diet to a healthier one with more fruits especially berries and whole grain cereals. Try to add some fish to your diet (not shellfish) to make a complete diet. Cut down red meats, salt, fats and refined sugar and you will find your body rewards you as you feel better and have more energy. This change of diet coupled with strength exercises will also help you to lose and keep off those pounds.
You can also add natural nutritional supplements to your diet to ensure you are getting enough of the essential nutrients. These, when taken at a proper level will also help the anti aging process.
Strength training has been proven to help the body naturally produce HGH. The more you train the more your body produces HGH. Strength training is taking exercises to specifically strengthen certain muscles. You can do this by spending 20 minutes a day 3 times a week at your local gym or fitness center. Or if you have some simple equipment you can do this at home. Just some simple squats can stimulate the body to make HGH and help you lose weight as well. It will take about 24-48 hours for your body to build up HGH.
Research has found that for every hour you work out your body will make $10,000 worth of beneficial chemicals that it needs. This means that with some simple exercise you will not even need to go to an Anti Aging Clinic your body will produce the chemicals naturally.
Try to strength train on a regular basis. As well as getting the HGH you will also improve bone mass and get more oxygen to your body tissues and organs. This will help them function better. You will feel better when you lose weight in this way as well. This is what the HGH injections at the Anti aging clinic will do for you. However nothing beats the natural treatment that your body can do for you.
So instead of jumping on the bandwagon and running to the nearest Anti Aging clinic, give yourself a break and let your body do it the natural way. Strength training coupled with diet will go a long way towards achieving your goal of not only a great looking body but also very possibly prolonging your life.
As well as exercise try to adjust your diet to a healthier one with more fruits especially berries and whole grain cereals. Try to add some fish to your diet (not shellfish) to make a complete diet. Cut down red meats, salt, fats and refined sugar and you will find your body rewards you as you feel better and have more energy. This change of diet coupled with strength exercises will also help you to lose and keep off those pounds.
You can also add natural nutritional supplements to your diet to ensure you are getting enough of the essential nutrients. These, when taken at a proper level will also help the anti aging process.
Bowflex - The Home Gym Alternative
After the eighties, the awareness of exercise and bodybuilding has increased, and with increased interest the demand for gym equipment has also increased. These days there are large number of home gym equipments available in market to choose from, but all equipment isn't equally beneficial. Each and every gym equipment has its merits and demerits, almost every model you want to name. Available review and comments say the same thing. Here are results of those findings.
First of all, available review divides equipments into two categories. Most popular gym equipments with rods and bars, which provide resistance needed for exercise. They easily fold up and cover very little space. They are easy to use and convenient. The second type of home gym equipment mostly consists of large and heavy machines, which cover lot of space and need enough body power to perform exercise.
Bowflex falls in first category of gym equipments, which comes with rods and bars. The machine has it's own strengths and weaknesses. Many consider it as one of the most useful equipment.
Some salient features of Bowflex.
1)The Bowflex is very easy to assemble and it covers less space than any other heavy gym equipments.
2) Bowflex provides you the facility to perform 15 varieties of programs.
3)If your exercise time with Bowflex do not match with that of the instructors even than you can perform your exercise, as Bowflex comes with excellent media material on how to use. There are also Bowflex Treadmill machines available.
4)If you have any heart problem, then you can access your heart rate and capacity to perform workouts with the help of unique "Heart Rate Grip" feature.
5)You can move freely because the space provided within the treadmill is enough.
6)You can make adjustments at desired angles with the help of the given adjustment keys.
7)Some of the Bowflex models come with a fan, which can be switched on at various speeds to perform cooling effect at the time of exercise.
8)With the help of specially designed "Strike Zone deck" you experience a smooth landing on the deck and do not sense a painful feeling at your heels as you experience the bare machine.
9)There are still many facilities that are embedded such as displaying the time, the distance, speed, calories burnt and heart rate while performing the workouts.
10)A three-horse power motor of Bowflex can produce different speeds starting from 1 mph to 10 mph to perform different levels of workouts.
The price of Bowflex ranges from $1500 to $3000. Of course, it is not cheap but it is strong and sturdy, high quality strength trainer, which will do everything that you need. It also includes a lat pulldown, a chest press, a 200 pound weight stack, and a leg extension/curl feature. It can approximately provide you a guarantee of 10 years and about 2-year guarantee for the spare parts.
Workout on Bowflex on a regular basis will help you reach your goals if you can not maintaining consistency.
Do not forget to consult an expert before starting to workout with Bowflex to ensure its benefits and to know if you are fit for it.
First of all, available review divides equipments into two categories. Most popular gym equipments with rods and bars, which provide resistance needed for exercise. They easily fold up and cover very little space. They are easy to use and convenient. The second type of home gym equipment mostly consists of large and heavy machines, which cover lot of space and need enough body power to perform exercise.
Bowflex falls in first category of gym equipments, which comes with rods and bars. The machine has it's own strengths and weaknesses. Many consider it as one of the most useful equipment.
Some salient features of Bowflex.
1)The Bowflex is very easy to assemble and it covers less space than any other heavy gym equipments.
2) Bowflex provides you the facility to perform 15 varieties of programs.
3)If your exercise time with Bowflex do not match with that of the instructors even than you can perform your exercise, as Bowflex comes with excellent media material on how to use. There are also Bowflex Treadmill machines available.
4)If you have any heart problem, then you can access your heart rate and capacity to perform workouts with the help of unique "Heart Rate Grip" feature.
5)You can move freely because the space provided within the treadmill is enough.
6)You can make adjustments at desired angles with the help of the given adjustment keys.
7)Some of the Bowflex models come with a fan, which can be switched on at various speeds to perform cooling effect at the time of exercise.
8)With the help of specially designed "Strike Zone deck" you experience a smooth landing on the deck and do not sense a painful feeling at your heels as you experience the bare machine.
9)There are still many facilities that are embedded such as displaying the time, the distance, speed, calories burnt and heart rate while performing the workouts.
10)A three-horse power motor of Bowflex can produce different speeds starting from 1 mph to 10 mph to perform different levels of workouts.
The price of Bowflex ranges from $1500 to $3000. Of course, it is not cheap but it is strong and sturdy, high quality strength trainer, which will do everything that you need. It also includes a lat pulldown, a chest press, a 200 pound weight stack, and a leg extension/curl feature. It can approximately provide you a guarantee of 10 years and about 2-year guarantee for the spare parts.
Workout on Bowflex on a regular basis will help you reach your goals if you can not maintaining consistency.
Do not forget to consult an expert before starting to workout with Bowflex to ensure its benefits and to know if you are fit for it.
10 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Health Club Membership
Buying and maintaining a health club membership can be pretty complicated, but if you follow these 10 tips, you'll save money and be on your way to greater fitness.
1. Make a list of your specific fitness needs and wants. Will you be comfortable working out in a large club with both men and women? Will you need access to more than one club? Are you looking for one-on-one personal training services? How often do you think you'll work out each month? Do you think you'll be able to keep up your fitness regimen? How much can you afford to pay for a membership each month?
2. Once you've identified your requirements, visit health clubs that meet your needs. Get a free pass for each club (at least a one-week's pass) and workout at each club as often as possible during the free periods.
3. Don't sign up for a membership at any of the health clubs while you're using free passes. You'll be under a lot of pressure from salespeople and managers, and they will tell you that you need to sign up today in order to get discount pricing. Don't. Health clubs offer discount pricing all the time.
4. When you've decided a health club, go back and speak with a salesperson about membership choices. Don't feel pressured to sign a long-term contract at any health club. Remember that long-term contracts are really installment loans with high interest payments. If you don't think that you're going to keep up your workouts, don't even think about signing one of these contracts. Gather all of the written information about each type of membership, then go home and review it at your leisure. Don't feel pressured to sign up for any membership at the club.
5. When you're speaking with the salesperson, ask all of the questions you want. Don't feel rushed or pressured. Never forget that any contract you sign supersedes any promises a salesperson gives you. Even if the salesperson writes it into the contract, it probably isn't legally enforceable. The contract is king. Read it carefully before signing.
6. Compare the costs of each membership type, and remember that you should make the ultimate decision based on your own needs, not on short-term discounts that may sound like you're saving money, but will end up costing you more money in the end.
7. Make sure you fully understand the cancellation requirements of each membership type. Many long-term health club contracts are almost impossible to cancel. A month-to-month contract may be a better solution.
8. Don't sign up for automatic payments via credit card. If you no longer want a membership, and you're able to cancel, you may find it difficult to get payments stopped.
9. Keep track of all your payments in case there are any disputes with your health club.
10. If you do cancel you membership, make sure you get the cancellation in writing from your health club.
By following these 10 tips, you will certainly set yourself up for fitness success.
Calf Cramps - 5 Ways to Avoid the Pain
Imagine this scenario if you will. Let's say that you are 7.5k into a 10k run and the road starts to incline. Ever so slightly, but enough to put that extra strain on your legs as you try to maintain contact with the leaders. And the temperature? Well, it's the morning, but it's hot and liable to get hotter before the end. And to make matters worse, you were so desperate to maintain contact with the leading group, that you forgot to take on liquid at the last feeding station. And did you use tight fitting calf length socks? I know they are all the rage, but why did you do it?
So what do we have here?
* Extra strain on muscles?
* Dehydration?
* Loss of essentials salts?
* Restriction of blood flow?
All in all, I think that we are describing running calf cramps, waiting to happen.
I am not sure that anyone has definitive answer to the cause of cramps, but there are certainly several steps that you can take which could help save you from disaster during competition, in any sport.
1. A Proper Warm Up
Ok, I know you know, but did you do it? If not, then those cramps could be coming. Seriously, if you have been involved in any sport to any level, then you will be aware of the importance of a proper warm up. And I don't just mean a brisk walk up the stairs to the changing room either! A proper warm up should include a routine that gently stretches your muscles to get them ready for the increased exertion, and gets your blood flowing around your body. Not only will a warm help prevent calf cramps, they will also help prevent some of the injuries that might occur when you put sudden strain on cold muscles.
And whilst we are talking of warm ups, don't forget warm downs as well. Warming down after exercise can also help prevent cramping and reduce the risk of injury.
2. Train Hard, Run Easy
Have you heard this before? No? Well you should give it some thought, because it's true. When you train for a sport, not only do you practice the necessary skills required to execute which ever event you are competing in, but you are also training your body for the rigours of the event. To given an exaggerated example, if you train for a sprint, and then try and run a marathon, your body won't be ready. If you try it, I think you could be in for some serious cramps.
Remember, train hard, run easy.
3. Water is Sport's Life Blood
Whenever you start to exercise, you start to sweat (or you should). Sweat is nature's way of cooling you down when you get hot, so, it's a good thing. And since your body is mainly made of water, then you should have plenty, shouldn't you? Well, considering that you lose moisture from your body when you breathe, sweating does take a lot of fluid out of your system.
And your body will demand that it be replaced!
If you start feeling dizzy, or experience a rapid heart beat, then these could be signs that you are starting to dehydrate. I will take it as read that if your mouth and lips feel dry, then you should be taking water on board. It is not always possible to take on fluid during sport, but always have some available as soon as you are able to drink.
4. Sport A'int No Catwalk.
It's true! Sport is not a fashion parade. If you think it is, then you are hanging out in the wrong place! There's nothing wrong with looking cool whilst you compete, but be practical. Don't risk injury (or cramps) by wearing clothing that is too tight, and that restricts your body's movement, either externally or via blood flow. Believe me, I know. When I was younger, I used tie up's on my socks whilst playing soccer (not as a fashion statement you'll understand), just to keep my socks up and my shin guards inside my socks. Three quarters of the way through a game, my calves would tighten up, and I would roll on the floor in agony. Once it was understood, that I 'only had cramp', I was the object of much derision, but believe me, cramp is far from funny if you are the one suffering.
Wear appropriate clothing.
5. Eat Properly.
When you are sweating and working hard, not only do you lose water, you also lose nutrients. There is speculation that that athletes who get calf cramps could suffer from low levels of potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. I am not suggesting that you do low level analysis of your breakfast cereal, but the message is clear. Look after your body, and your body will look after you.
Eat sensibly, and eat the right foods.
Making Exercise More Enjoyable and Fun
So then just how can you get the motivation to maintain an exercise program on a regular basis? What can you do to make exercise something to look forward to everyday and not feel like a chore, like something you feel like you have to make yourself do each time? Well, here are some ideas that just might help to make exercising a little easier and a lot more fun.
To start with, exercise with a friend. Here you can challenge each other, help each other, keep each other motivated and on track, maybe try to make each other laugh during a set or while jogging on the treadmill, make kind of a game out of it.
Try something different. If you go to the gym everyday and use the same piece of equipment or use the same piece of equipment at home try mixing up your routine. Reverse your routine or just change the order of your exercises or sometimes don't even go to the gym or use your home equipment. Go to a city park that has playground equipment. Use the slide, climb on the monkey bars, do pull-ups, hang from your knees, just use your imagination. You don't need to always have a strict routine, just get out and work your muscles.
Do an outdoor circuit in the park. Some parks have circuit courses set up with a planned course and all you have to do is walk or jog to each station and follow the instructions. If there's no planed course then do a combination of jogging and walking and pick a distance such as 200 feet. Jog 200 feet then drop and do 10 pushups, walk the next 200 feet then drop and do 20 abdominal crunches, then jog the next 200 feet and do 10 pull-ups if a bar or sturdy tree branch is available.
Try an activity like riding a bike around your neighborhood or hike on a hiking trail. A nice walk in the park or just around your neighborhood is a good way to get exercise. A little yoga in the park or on the beach is a nice relaxing way to exercise your body and your mind.
Try playing a competitive sport. Most cities have team activities such as softball, volleyball, tennis, soccer and so on. And these activities not only provide you with good exercise but also put you in circumstances to meet a lot of new people as well.
When exercising, picture your muscles. Studies have shown that if you focus your thoughts on the muscles you are working, they will respond better. Try to see them working with each repetition as they contract and relax.
As you can see, there are many ways to make getting exercise more fun and interesting. You need not always follow the standard routine of going to the gym or using your home equipment and doing the same old exercises day after day. The important thing is just that you incorporate exercise in any various forms into your everyday life and make these habits the kind of habits that will last a lifetime.
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