Hiking Truly Is Healthy

Hiking Truly Is Healthy
A fit body is a happy body, and one of the best ways to stay healthy is to get plenty of exercise. Hiking is an efficient way to increase your action level, while offering an excess of health benefits. Start gradually, especially if you are a bit out of shape. Invest in a sturdy pair of hiking boots and do your research first. Many hiking trails are evaluated by intensity, so get a hiking guide and start out at the level that is correct for you. Get your doctor's advice before hiking if you are pregnant or have any health issues, such as heart illness or even if you are diabetic.

Improves Your Overall Health
Hiking is an exceptional way to get outdoors and get some exercise. Hiking offers prosperity in overall health benefits and may help extend your life. Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, including hiking at your own level, is safe for most people, according to the Centres for Illness Control and Prevention.

Lowers Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Take a hike to help keep your cardiac system top shape. Regular exercise, such as hiking, helps raise your high-density lipoprotein levels and lower your triglyceride levels. This diminishes your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and of having a stroke.

Helps Prevent and Control Diabetes
Consistent hiking helps you to control, and or even prevent diabetes by depressing your blood sugar levels. Hiking gives your muscles a workout, which transfers glucose from your bloodstream for energy. Talk to your doctor first as you may need your diabetes medications attuned when hiking frequently.

Increases Your Energy Level
Aerobic undertakings such as hiking bring in extra oxygen and fuel your muscles, organs and even body tissues. This additional oxygen provides an enhancement fuelled by a process called Glycolysis whereby energy is created when glucose is broken down and this strengthens your muscles and lungs, while increasing your stamina, attentiveness and energy level.

Lowers Your Cancer Risk
Hiking helps decline your odds of developing cancer cells. There is a lesser risk of breast cancer and colon cancer linked with regular physical exercise, and it may also drop your chances of acquiring lung cancer and endometrial cancer.

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Fitness Programs for Women: Four Essential Tips

Fitness programs for women are often wrought with bad advice and pseudoscience. It's no wonder that so many fitness programs for women utterly fail! There's plenty of great information out there, but it can be impossible to find amidst the gimmicks, fad diets, and ineffective workout routines. If you're looking for fitness programs for women that really work, try using the four following tips.

1. Lift Heavy Weights

Plenty of women make their way into the weight room now and again, but most are afraid that they'll get "bulky" if they lift too heavy. That's nonsense! It takes male bodybuilders years of dedicated effort to pack on muscle mass, and they've got testosterone and tons of food on their side. Not only will you not get "too big" by lifting challenging weights - you'll actually look better.

Lifts like squats, bench presses, deadlifts, and other heavy movements are great for stimulating your metabolism and packing on a little bit of lean mass. Whether or not you realize it, that's really what you want! The right amount of muscle gives you a lean, fit look that you simply can't achieve with cardio alone. Challenging yourself in the gym will also cause you to burn more calories, which means you get to eat more and still lose weight.

2. Low Fat is NOT Healthy!

Some nutritionists are still stuck in the 1980s' low-fat craze, but avoiding dietary fat is NOT going to get you the results you want. In fact, most "low-fat" products like crackers, pretzels, and other grain-based products will make it nearly impossible to get lean! They make your blood sugar levels skyrocket, which in turn causes your body to secrete tons of insulin - a hormone which actually makes your body store even more fat. If you're trying to get lean, ditch most of your carbs and eat plenty of olive oil, avocados, nuts, and even some red meat.

3. Ease Up on the Cardio

If you're going to start lifting heavy weights (which you should!), then you're also going to need to ease up on all of that cardio you're probably doing. Slaving away on a treadmill or elliptical is simply not necessary, and it eats up way too much of your time. It's great to do a few short sessions per week for your cardiovascular health, but hours upon hours of monotonous movement aren't going to help you lose fat.

However, there is a much better type of cardio for optimal fat loss: interval training! On a track, treadmill, elliptical, or exercise bike, simply alternate short bursts of all-out sprinting with longer bouts of active rest. For example, you might do eight rounds of fifteen-second sprints and forty-five second "jogs" on an elliptical machine. The whole thing will be over in under ten minutes, but the intensity of the workout will cause your body to burn more fat all day long.

4. Don't Under-eat

One of the worst things you can do in fitness programs for women is to eat too little. Your body is an adaptive machine, and it will respond to severe calorie restriction by slowing its metabolism way down. Have you ever noticed how lethargic, tired, and cold you get when you don't eat enough? Those are sure signs that your body is burning less fuel!

That's not to say that you shouldn't cut calories at all - your body does need a reason to use its fat stores for energy instead of your food. The key is to eat just little enough that you can burn fat while avoiding hunger. Focus first on the right food choices, and then start counting calories if you truly need to. Overall, it's best to take it slow and steady with your fitness programs for women and focus on losing no more than a pound per week.

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Make Your Gym Sessions More Productive And Comfortable In The Right Gym Shoes

Getting a gym membership can be exciting whether you are looking forward to losing weight and shaping up, building muscles or simply getting fit. Whatever your reasons for going for some gym activities, you ought to remember that the shoes you select can have effects on how comfortable and productive you remain. A good gym shoe is one that does not keep reminding you that you are wearing it probably because it is too hot, too tight too heavy or because it pinches. You need to choose the right shoe to make sure that you give maximum concentration on  the gym workout.

Grip – This is very important especially when you are looking for weight lifting shoes. Shoes that offer a flat firm grip on the floor or ground gives you proper form and they keep you safe from skidding when lifting heavy weights. It is important to avoid thick soled high tech shoes when in the weight room for safety and effectiveness in the activity. Always look at the sole of your shoes and the anti-skid features it has to ensure that you select a pair that is bound to offer firm grip regardless of the gym floor that you get exposed to.

Support – This is another very important aspect of gym shoes especially for strength training and cardio sessions. Remember these are activities that consist of side to side shuffling and jumping and you therefore should look for a shoe that has ample support. Wide toe box high top sneakers can be great choices when you are looking for optimal movement. Look for shoes that offer ankle support and arch support as well to keep the aerobic movements swift and safe for you. Shoes that are able to keep your feet from inward rolling are best for treadmill time  so make sure you pay attention to this supportive feature as well.

Comfort – It is definitely something you must pay attention to. Choose high top sneakers that have ample cushioning to keep your feet comfortable whether you are strength training or lifting weight. A comfortable gym shoe should not only be cushioned but also light enough and breathable for your feet so that they don't end up feeling overheated and heavy as this can slow you down. Comfort also relies on the shoe size that you select. Make sure your workout shoes fit comfortably. Avoid choosing very tight shoes or very large ones because either way you will have a hard time keeping up with the gym demands.

Style – You might be going to the gym but you definitely do want to look stylish. There are so many stylish sneakers you can choose for your gym workouts so you do not have to compromise your sense of style just because you are hitting the gym, go for workout high tops! When you take time to weigh your options, you will find a gym shoe you love and one that matches your personality. Love the shoe to enjoy wearing it to the gym.

Bodybuilding sneakers are very important for any gym workout. Ensure you remain safe, productive and comfortable by selecting excellent gym shoes that have all important features included and get the right fit for your feet.

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Muscle Cramps: Unmasking the Fitness Dilemma

The article talks about the occurrence of muscle cramps among individuals who want stay fit and improve their health. Rather than taking medication and drugs to treat muscle cramps, individuals are advised to make adjustments in their training routine and diets to lessen the development of muscle cramps.

 

People nowadays are becoming more conscious about their health, recognizing the importance of exercise and physical activities in their lives. Many have been integrating exercises like jogging, skipping ropes, brisk walking, and other similar exercises in their daily routines. However, there are instances that people who exercise, especially those who run or jog, can be vulnerable to muscle cramps. Muscle cramps are the involuntary and forcible contraction of the muscles. These cramps can be related to a part of a muscle, the entire muscle, or a group of muscles. It may occur many times before it is relieved. Sometimes there can be simultaneous cramps that move body parts in opposite directions. Statistics show that about 95% of individuals experience muscle cramps at some point of their lives.

 Muscle cramps can be caused by different factors which may include poor flexibility, muscle fatigue, electrolyte and mineral depletion, excessive physical exertion, and dehydration. Electrolytes are minerals in the blood and other fluids that carry an energy charge. In addition to these causes, muscle cramps can be linked to some factors like improper breathing and unhealthy diets.

Muscle cramps may disappear on their own, but there are some things that can be done to lessen their severity and longevity. Below are some of the things that can be done to treat muscle cramps.

· Stop the activity that triggered the muscle cramp
· Gently stretch the affected muscle
· Keep the affected muscle moving with light activity (standing and walking around)
· Massage the affected area to aid blood flow

Making adjustments in one's training routine may help prevent the occurrence of muscle cramp. Improving one's cardiovascular fitness may also boost the flow of blood to the muscles. A strong heart may guarantee that there are sufficient amounts of oxygen and nutrients in the muscles for them to function properly. Stretching may also help the muscles become more loose and flexible that may stop the muscles from tightening and cramping. Stretching coupled with a good warm-up session may lead to increased range of movements and help prevent injuries and muscle cramps by prompting muscle recovery.

In terms of breathing and healthy diets, people who workout should make sure that plenty of water is taken before and while working out to replace lost electrolytes. Deep breaths should be done while working out to allow consumption of plenty of oxygen. Studies show that when oxygen intake is more efficient the following may take place: slower heart rate, decreased blood pressure, eased anxiety, and relaxed muscles. Workouts should not be overdone to prevent the occurrence of muscle cramps. Any cramping usually subside after a few minutes of rest but if individuals are having trouble with their cramps they should seek the advise of doctors of other health specialists.

Rather than seek for the treatments or remedies for muscle cramps engaging in proper pre-workout and workout routines may eliminate or lessen the occurrence of these health ailment. The use of over-the-counter medication to treat muscle cramps is not prohibited. But individuals who wish to try them should consult doctors before taking them and not self-medicate. Proper workouts and healthy diets prioritized rather than taking muscle relaxants and other medications to treat muscle cramps.



Damian@FitnHealthy

Living a Healthy Life

We’re so busy racing through our day to day lives that we don’t take the time to look after ourselves. It’s really no wonder that so many of us are tired and run down. What are some simple things that we can do to improve our quality of life?

 

In the fast paced world that we live in it can be easy to neglect our health and wellness. We’re so busy racing through our day to day lives – family, friends, work, social engagements – that we don’t take the time to look after ourselves. It’s really no wonder that so many of us are tired and run down. What are some simple things that we can do to improve our quality of life?

Drink Drink Drink…

You’ve heard it a million times and you’ll probably hear it a million more – drink more water!

Think about it: The human body is 72% water. A 5% drop in fluids creates a 25-30% loss in energy. A 15% drop in fluids causes death! At this point in time 66% of us aren’t drinking enough water, so over half the population isn’t running on all six cylinders to begin with – before things like bad air, bad food and stress take their toll.

It’s not really a difficult thing to remedy. Just drink one glass of water every half hour or so – or 10-12 glasses of water per day – and you’ll notice a huge jump in your energy levels.

Living Food – Loving Life!

A little known fact is that heating food above 116°F destroys much of the nutrient content. Considering that we already aren’t eating enough veggies, that’s a fairly substantial problem. Nutritionists recommend five serves of fresh vegetables per day. How many of us are actually taking that advice?

A great way to get the nutrients found in fresh veggies without spending all day at stove or eating raw celery sticks is to juice your veggies. Make sure that you own a good juicer (some juicers expose vegetables to heat created by friction during juicing, which breaks down important enzymes), grab some fresh vegetables and drink your way to good health. It takes a fraction of the time (there’s no cooking involved, for one thing) and it’s convenient. You can take your juice to work and even give some to the littlies for school lunches!

Wheatgrass in particular is an excellent source of nutrition. It’s high in chlorophyll (sometimes described as ‘plant blood’ because it closely resembles human red blood cell molecules) and has over 100 elements that the body needs. Fresh grains are another excellent source for vitamins and minerals.

 

Energy In – Energy Out

Exercise is another dirty word for most of us. The thing is, exercise doesn’t have to be horribly time consuming or mind-numbingly boring. There are plenty of options.

Years ago gyms usually offered weight rooms, aerobics classes and maybe a tydro-circuit. Now you can add water aerobics, yoga, pilates, dance-ercise, step classes and a whole range of new workout options.

If you don’t really have the time or money for the gym, or prefer to spend your mornings/nights at home, then try an exercise bike or walker. I’d be lost without my exercise bike – I set it up in front of the television and peddle away merrily during my favourite shows.

If, like me, you suffer from illness or injury or your level of fitness is quite low, you might like to consider some invaluable advice that I got from my doctor:

Once you’re physically unfit, and particularly if you’re also unwell, it can be a mammoth battle to just do the most minimal amount of exercise in a day. The danger is that inactivity leads to further loss of energy, which becomes a self-perpetuating cycle until you can barely get off the couch.

An excellent way to get back into a physical routine is to start slowly. Ridiculously slowly, it may seem. For the first couple of weeks, walk/ride for 5 minutes per day – exactly 5 minutes, no more, even if you think you could continue. When the 2 weeks are up, increase to 7 minutes, then 10 minutes, 12 minutes… continue to gradually increase your activity until you’re at a level that you’re comfortable with.

It may sound a little silly, but it works. In effect, you trick your body into producing more energy. You’re building your exercise time up so slowly that your body doesn’t really realise what’s happening. Follow this method and, before you know it, you’ll be comfortably exercising within your limits every day.

So, folks, that’s the basics. If you can rearrange your life a little to allow for better eating habits and a little exercise, and if you remember to just drink a glass of water every half hour or so, you’ll be well on the way to living a healthy life. On a final note, don’t forget to take some quiet time for yourself. Meditating is an excellent way to minimise stress. You don’t have to sit around for hours, just give yourself 5 minutes of quiet time every day – even in the shower, if that’s the only place where you can get time out – and have a little catch up with yourself.

And, last but by no means least, laugh! In fact, laugh like a loon – the louder the better! You’ll be amazed at how much such a simple thing can lift your spirits!

Damian@FitnHealthy

13 Foods That Trim down Your Body the Natural Way

With 2016 nearly here, many #people will be on a huge health kick, looking for all the best foods that trim down your body. It’s easy to want a quick fix solution to trimming down, but if you want to know a secret, most of us make it way too hard. Trimming down the natural and healthy way is really quite simple, and more so than you think. To trim down the easy way, and actually not go hungry or suffer from poor nutrition, all we need to do is choose a larger amount of simple, healthy foods. All the foods below will naturally help you drop pounds the way your body prefers and was meant to do. Try just filling your plate with these foods that trim down your body each day, and in no #time you’ll slim down the natural and smart way, without going hungry or feel like you’re dieting. Better yet, pair as many of them together as possible for meals and snacks, and have fun coming up with new combinations!

 1. Fish

Fish is one superfood I will always be an advocate of and it’s one of the best foods that trim down your body quickly. Why? It’s high in amino acids that digest seamlessly in your #body, for immediate use to repair and increase your lean muscle mass. It’s also almost fat free, low in #calories and contains no carbs at all. Pair fish with some of the healthy foods #below for the most filling benefits and eat 4-5 servings a week. Regardless that some sources can be high in mercury, if you choose a good source, fish is a much better alternative than choosing meat for #weight loss.

2. Greens

Greens are my favorite trim food of all. Kale, spinach, arugula, romaine, collards, etc, they’re all amazing for you. They balance the mind, body and they’re so low in #calories, but fill you up quickly. Due to their intense nutrient profile, greens also signal immediate nourishment to your brain, which satisfies it sooner. When you eat foods with little nutrients, it’s easier to naturally be hungrier because your body isn’t getting the nutrients it wants and needs. Eating greens takes care of that because they’re high in vitamins, antioxidants and minerals that your #body literally craves. Eat a huge salad or bowl of steamed greens and see if you don’t agree with me!

3. Veggies

While you’re upping your greens, don’t forget about veggies too! My favorite veggies are celery, turnips, pumpkin, squash, sweet potatoes and carrots, but any veggie is game. Do be careful with white potatoes as they can spike your blood sugar just like a refined piece of bread would. Opt for purple red or sweet potatoes instead. Also, as long as you tolerate them, don’t forget about broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, onions and cabbage either. They’re brimming with nutrition! All veggies are full of vitamins, fiber and water, which fill you up, add bulk and ensure your #body gets exactly what it needs. Cooking them makes them easier to digest than eating them raw, so don’t think they need to be raw to get all the healthy #benefits.

4. Egg Whites

Egg whites are the lowest calorie source of animal protein per ounce. For ¼ cup of egg whites, you’re only looking at 25 calories, no fat, no carbs and straight protein. Don’t fear the whole yolk as long as you keep it to one a day, but egg whites are the most figure friendly option of the two. Egg whites can be added to anything, be it a smoothie, oatmeal or cooked up with some veggies. Any way you want to use them is great. They fill you up and hold you over for a long time, with very little #calories in them. This trims you down in no time, but be sure to get a little healthy fat from other sources if you can. Eating all protein and no fat all the #time isn’t good for your metabolism long term. Short term though, #egg whites will trim you down incredibly fast.

5. Nonfat Greek Yogurt

I adore nonfat Greek yogurt. Even if I don’t eat any other animal protein source, which I try to monitor, I always eat Greek yogurt, plain and unsweetened. It is the perfect anti-stress, low sugar and high protein snack. It contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D and a large amount of zinc as well. Yogurt is a food more #women need to be eating, but not the high sugar varieties most of us are used to. Choose plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt and pair it with a low sugar fruit like berries, or some stevia to sweeten it up without adding sugar. I use it in smoothies as well, as it makes for a delicious ice cream like shake that’s secretly healthy for you! The probiotics, protein, low sugar and fat-free qualities of Greek yogurt help you drop pounds quickly, despite that it comes from a dairy source.

6. Psyllium Husks

If you haven’t heard of psyllium husks, let me introduce you to your blood sugar, digestive tract and appetite’s #best friend. Psyllium husk is a straight plant fiber that acts in the body exactly like #chia seeds do, but it is calorie free. It’s high in soluble and insoluble fiber, swells in the digestive tract to fill you up and helps excrete wastes through the #body. Just be sure not to use too much! ⅛ tsp. added to two of your meals or snacks a day is just enough!

7. Hemp Protein

Hemp protein is by far my favorite single source of vegan protein. It’s rich in heart healthy omega 3 fatty acids, protein, magnesium, B vitamins, Vitamin E, manganese, copper, zinc and fiber. It’s also lower in fat per serving than hemp seeds, which are richer in fat. Hemp protein is simply the straight protein derived from raw hemp seeds and is an incredible source of easy to digest protein with all essential amino acids. It helps increase lean muscle and it’s very easy to digest, even though it has a lot of fiber per serving. I add hemp protein to smoothies, energy bars and even homemade puddings with Greek yogurt and stevia. Hemp protein also thickens up recipes nicely, so you can use it for baking as well. It will work like any other lean protein source to increase lean muscle mass and burn fat, but it’s more alkaline and friendly to your #body than animal sources like whey.

8. Oats

Oats are by far one of the best grains to consume, if not the best. They’re easy to digest for most #people, and if you’re scared of gluten contamination, just buy gluten-free like I do. Oats are a rich source of fiber and protein, they’re almost fat-free and they’re rich in heart healthy vitamins and minerals. Oats are unique to other grains, because they contain more protein per serving and they're just a couple grams under the almighty quinoa seed. I find oats easier to digest than quinoa, and enjoy their milder, nuttier texture. Oats are also one of the most filling foods you can eat to start your day. You can also add them to smoothies, use them to thicken omelets, muffins or even a healthy veggie meatloaf. Oats help burn fat in the body by increasing your fiber intake and protein intake. Since they stabilize your blood sugar, they also keep your insulin from storing fat in your #body and keep it even to prevent blood sugar surges.

9. Coconut

Coconut is one of my personal favorite foods for a few reasons. First, it helps stabilize your mood, enhance your mental focus and reduce stress. This relates to #weight loss for a few reasons. It helps to keep you from reaching for sugar as a quick source of fuel, and it also reduces your cortisol levels from high levels of stress. Next, coconut is high in fiber, which promotes a full feeling, and its healthy fats are burned by your liver to help increase fat burn in your #body. Just be sure to stick to all unsweetened forms of coconut. I highly recommend unsweetened coconut shreds to add to oatmeal, baking recipes or energy bars. You can also stir it in your yogurt for a filling snack. I like to use raw coconut butter in my smoothies, or as a butter replacement. I also like to eat it 1 tbsp. at a #time off the spoon when I’m hungry and need a quick energy source. #Coconut oil is the best oil to cook with since it holds its nutrients at high heat levels and will help increase fullness quicker in your meals.

10. Berries

Berries are just bursting with fat burning properties. Since they’re low in sugar, they won’t mess with your glycemic index at all. They’re also rich in antioxidants, fiber and vitamins and minerals which help release toxins from stored fat in the #body. Berries enhance your mood as well. Just adding ¼ cup to your smoothies, to your oatmeal or your yogurt is a great way to enjoy them, though the possibilities are endless!

11. Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are full of fiber, just like #chia seeds, and have a host of omega 3 fatty acids to increase fat burning in the body, regulate your blood sugar and their fiber content helps increase satiety. They also contain phytoestrogens, which act like hormones in your #body, helping to relieve stress from low estrogen levels. They also help give you great #skin, as a bonus! Add ground flaxseeds, not whole, to your smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal or even cooked veggies. Their fiber helps promote regularity, which will help reduce stored toxins from your body and fight off excess water #weight.

12. Cucumbers

I adore cucumbers! They’re not just low in #calories, but filled with slimming potassium and Vitamin C. Cucumbers are also a great way to hydrate after a workout and they are a natural detoxifying fruit (yes, they’re a fruit). I freeze cubes of chopped organic cucumbers and use them in smoothies instead of bananas to lower the sugar content, increase the water content and give my smoothies a delicious, fresh taste. Try it for yourself and see how you like it!

13. Lemons

Lastly, let’s give lemons some love! Lemons are fat burning machines! They’re naturally slimming because they help move toxins out of the body and reduce stress due to their Vitamin C content. They also act as a natural diuretic to release stored water weight in your body. I like to drink lemon water when I have a headache or a stomachache and I always feel better within half an hour. They help alkalize your whole body and reduce acid contents in your blood, #stomach and your lymph fluids. Lemons also help to reduce pain and inflammation in the #body, and can even help with constipation. Brew a hot cup of water, add a few lemon slices and drink up. You won’t believe how good this is, any #time of the day. It will help trim you down naturally, without you having to go on some crazy Master Cleanse using lemons!
Obviously, there are many, many other slimming foods out there. Some of my other favorites include almonds, raw chocolate, herbs and spices and certain superfoods. I’d love to hear your favorite slimming foods if you have any. Being slim is not about starving! It’s about feeding your body with high quality ingredients that naturally keep you at a great #weight the right way. What’s your favorite slimming food?

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5 Tips for Starting a Fitness Routine

Take the dread out of getting fit! It really doesn’t have to seem like an chore to get a fitness routine going, and stick with it. You’re most likely to follow through if workouts are planned in advance and you have realistic goals that have some flexibility.


Before you get started, remember that if you want to lose weight and feel healthy, you’ll need the right foods to fuel your body. You might like 11 Top-Rated Skinny Recipes Under 275 Calories, 5 Guilt-Free Comfort Foods with Fewer Than 275 Calories, and the 7-Day Clean Eating Menu.


1. Take Small Steps

Studies show it only takes 20 minutes of exercise for the brain to release the feel-good endorphins that lift your mood. Start with 20 minutes, then add about 10 minutes to the workout each week to ease yourself back in. If you’re really pressed for time and need a jumpstart, try Beginner’s 4-Minute Fat Blaster Workout or 4-Minute Lean-Down Workout.


2. Schedule Your Workouts

You know how it works. If you don’t schedule something, it doesn’t happen. Treat your fitness routine like any other important commitment and give it the priority it deserves. You’re worth it!


3. Try Something New

The best way to beat the holiday fitness slump is to enjoy your workout. Let’s face it. If you hate to do a specific exercise, you aren’t going to keep it up. After all, not everyone is designed to be a runner. Don’t be afraid to try new exercises and figure out which ones work best for you.


4. Find a Workout Buddy or Group

Team up with a friend who will keep you motivated and on track for success. Fitness classes are a smart way to stay motivated, too, because you can share and receive support from other class members.


5. Embrace Weights

The ideal workout combines cardio and strength training. Yes, strength training! Women are often afraid to lift weights out of fear of developing man-muscles. However, pumping iron tightens the body while boosting metabolism for faster weight loss. Try this 4-Minute Kettle Bell Fat Blaster.

These tips for jumping into a fitness routine will help get your body back in gear now that the holidays are over.

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7 simple ways to make your summer runs more enjoyable

Hot and humid days can make running a lot more challenging. Here are some simple tips to help keep your outdoor workout routine fun and safe throughout the summer months

Do it early

Studies show a direct relation between higher temperatures and lower performance for elite runners. For a 5K or 10K run, temperatures above 17 degrees Celsius can begin to hinder performance in female runners. In order to minimize the effects of hot summer days on your workout, schedule your run early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the temperatures aren’t as high.

Wear the correct gear

Try clothing made from technical fabrics designed to perform in the heat. Choose lightweight pieces that have vents or mesh to allow for maximum breathability,  fabrics that wick moisture in order to keep you dry, and itms that also have sun protection.

 

Don’t forget about your feet

It’s equally (if not more) important to wear socks that wick, cushion and keep you cool. Look for styles that feature padding around the ankle, in the heel and the ball of the foot, as well as some arch support, for added comfort. Toe socks are a great option to help prevent blisters from developing between your toes. For an extra oomph, dab a bit of peppermint oil to the soles of your feet before putting your socks on. Not only will this help keep your feet cool, but the oil’s antibacterial properties can help fight bacteria from developing during your run.

 

Kick hydration up a notch

It goes without saying that you need to pay extra attention to stay hydrated in hot weather. Although the amount of water you need varies depending on your body mass, the day’s temperature and the intensity of your workout, as a general guideline you should drink about half a litre of water before you start, and half a litre for every hour you run in order to maintain proper hydration. Make sure to not drink too much water as over-hydration can dilute your body’s blood sodium levels causing hyponatremia. The best way to know how much water you need to be drinking is to follow your thirst as your body is built with an amazing water-balancing mechanism.
A study has shown that adding a few drops of peppermint oil can also boost your performance by improving your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing.

Slow it down

As temperatures rise, the heart works harder to deliver blood to your muscles while also attempting to regulate body temperature, which can result in a higher heart rate at the same running pace. You’ll notice your pace automatically slows down as the days get hotter. Don’t fight it. You can safely run the same distance in the summer if you do so at a slower pace. Pay close attention to how you feel and add more walk breaks as needed.

 

Mind the chafing

Chafing can be worse in the summertime as sweat creates added friction between skin-to-skin and skin-to-clothing rubbing. Prevent this by wearing shorts that cover your upper thighs and a bra with flat or covered seams. Be sure the bra you’re wearing isn’t too tight as it can dig into the skin and chafe. You’ll also want to avoid clothing that’s too baggy since the added material can cause irritation. For other vulnerable areas, such as your underarms, apply sports lubricant or Vaseline.

Change your route

Temperatures in the city centre tend to be higher as concrete and asphalt retain more heat. Areas in shade and close to water, on the other hand, are typically cooler and breezier. Try taking your workout inside or outside of the city close to a wooded area with lots of shade, a lake, a river or the coastline. Not only will your environment feel cooler, it’ll likely be more picturesque, too.
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Perfect Your Form

Do a better squat, perform a better lunge, and fix your flawed technique

Lunges

What You Do Wrong:
You lean forward, causing your front heel to rise.

1/ "Narrow your starting stance," says Gray Cook, author of Athletic Body in Balance. The closer your feet are, the harder your core has to work to stabilize your body.

2/ "As you do the lunge, focus on moving your torso only up and down, not pushing it forward," says Craig Rasmussen, a fitness coach at Results Fitness in Santa Clarita, California. This keeps your weight balanced evenly through your front foot, allowing you to press into the floor with your heel, which tones more lower-body muscle.

Squats

What You Do Wrong:
You start the movement by bending your knees.

1/ As you squat, imagine you're sitting down into a chair, rather than forward on top of your knees. Push your hips back first instead of beginning by bending your knees, which puts more stress on your joints, says Dan John, a strength coach in Burlingame, California.

2/ Women tend to lean forward on their toes, but they should sit back into their heels. Try this fix: Pretend that you're standing on a paper towel, says Charlie Weingroff, lead physical therapist for the U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations Command at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. "Then imagine trying to rip the towel apart by pressing your feet onto the floor and outward." This activates your glutes, which helps you use heavier weights and break through plateaus.

Straight-Leg Deadlifts

What You Do Wrong:
You round your lower back as you bend over.

1/ "When bending down, act as if you are holding a tray of drinks and need to close the door behind you with your backside," says Alwyn Cosgrove, co-owner of Results Fitness. This helps you push your hips back instead of rounding your lower back—a form blunder that puts you at risk for back problems.

2/ It's easy to put too much space between the weight and your body as you move up and down. Pretend you're shaving your legs with the bar or dumbbells, suggests Kaitlyn Weiss, a certified strength and conditioning specialist in Southern California. The farther the weights are from your body, the more strain on your back, which limits the work of your hamstrings and glutes.

Rows and Pullups

What You Do Wrong:
You ignore the muscles that draw back your shoulder blades.

1/ "Before you start the exercise, create as much space as you can between your ears and shoulders," says Rasmussen. Pull your shoulder blades down and back, which will ensure you work the intended middle- and upper-back muscles.

2/ "As you row the weights, stick out your chest," says Mike Boyle, owner of Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning in Woburn, Massachusetts. This allows you to better retract your shoulder blades, which will lead to better results.

3/ "Imagine an orange between your shoulder blades," says Nick Grantham, owner of Smart Fitness in the U.K. "As you pull the weights or your body up, 'squeeze the juice out of it' by bringing your shoulder blades together."

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Changing Your Eating Habits

Here are some ideas that you can use to change your eating habits.  Most people want to eat healthy, but old eating habits are hard to break.  Try these ideas.  Also listed are some of the foods you should try to eliminate from your diet.

Because all of us have been brought up eating junk food, well most of us, it is not easy to change our eating habits. Your eating habits have developed since childhood based on what your mothers or fathers cooked and what your psychological make-up was during that time.

The foods you eat and crave help keep pass trauma and present anxiety in check. Food helps make you feel good when you start to feel bad. Eating is a natural defense mechanism that the brain-body uses to keep you from going crazy.

 

 So, you see, it is very difficult to change our eating habits. When we do, we start to feel bad. We start to feel uncomfortable, we feel pain, we have withdrawal symptoms, and we may feel sick. Is it any wonder that any of us ever succeed in changing our eating habits?

I consider every thing that has been packaged to be junk food. There are a few exception and you need to read ingredient labels carefully. Very few food manufacturers and even restaurants prepare food with your health in mind. Of course, they want to satisfy you, but they don't use foods that are in your best interest.

Most people eat junk food 85% of the time and then eat good food the other 15%. It should be the reverse of this - eat good food 85% and junk food 15% of the time.
To have better health, here are some foods to stop eating. Eliminate these foods over the next two to three weeks. 

·    Milk (non-fat or no-fat also) - is a mucus and acid forming food. Milk creates mucus in the body and makes the lymph liquid (we will talk about lymph later) in your body acidic, which attracts parasites and other pathogens. (In the place of milk almond milk or goats milk)
Cancer thrives in a body that is acidic.

o    Bread - white bread is also acid and mucus forming. It is also more difficult to pass through the colon and gives rise to constipation.
Sugar the #1 food additive. Sugar is in most of all the products that you buy.

·    Sodas (regular or diet)- are extremely high in sugar or artificial sugar - 7 teaspoons per can.  Most people drink over 35 gallons per year. Sugar is a body poison and leads to many disease - diabetes, obesity, tooth decay and osteoarthritis and so on.
o    Sugar, also, depletes your B-vitamins and calcium and magnesium from your bones and teeth.

o    In addition, since sodas are in aluminum cans, aluminum can go into the soda because most sodas contain phosphoric acid. Aluminum has been associated with senility and Alzheimer disease.

o    Calcium is also leached from your body to neutralize the phosphoric acid. (Its healthier to drink juices of all kinds) 

There is just no way around it. Sodas suck health right out of your body.

·    Regular salt (NaCl) - excessive salt intake is related to high blood pressure, edema, and imbalances in the minerals in your lymph liquid. Sodium, Na, in salt attracts water so the more sodium you eat that more water your body will hold. (Use sea salt, it has 25% less sodium, use low salt soy sauce, and herbs to flavor your food)

o    Most people eat too much salt - over 10,000 milligrams per day. We only need around 200-300 mg per day.

o    Excess salt is also in involved with kidney problems, cardiovascular disease, stomach cancer, and excess sensitive to stress.

o    Get your Sodium from eating vegetables that are high in sodium. When you get your salt from vegetables it is organic salt, which does not have the same effect in your body as inorganic salt from a shaker. You need a lot of organic salt or Na in your body. Your stomach is a Na organ. It needs organic salt, Na, to keep its lining from being eaten by the hydrochloric acid in your stomach - an ulcer.

o    Foods high in organic sodium are apples, apricots, asparagus, greens, red cabbage, carrots, celery, dulse, egg yolks, figs, fish, raisins, prunes, and lentils.

For the next two weeks try adding the following foods to your eating habits.

·    lecithin - is 30-40% choline, which is used throughout your body. This is why you want to include it in your diet.
o    choline is one of the main chemicals in our cell membrane.
o    It is used in our brains to create the neurotransmitter acytlcholine, which is required for thinking and memory. Consider lecithin brain food.
o    It is used by the liver, which helps to prevent a fatty liver. A fatty liver prevents you from losing weight around your belly.
o    it helps to break up fats into tiny goblets so that they are easily digestible and will reduce your cholesterol.
o    it helps to keep cholesterol from clinging to your artery walls.

·    flax seed oil - is an essential oil, omega 3. This means your body does not make it and it is necessary for you to eat it so that you can live without illness or pain.
o    it helps to detoxify the liver
o    it stimulates the production of bile. Remember that bile helps to breakdown fat so that the liver can better metabolize it.
o    stimulates the body to burn fat.

 

 Apple juice and apples - are high in vitamin A, in Potassium and have other minerals that strengthen the blood. They contain malic and tartaric acids, which keep the liver healthy and promote good digestion. Apples help you to lose weight by providing fiber and keeping you regular.

o    fiber - you need 30-35 grams of fiber every day. Most people only get up to 10-15 grams. Fiber is one foods that reduce your transient time in the colon. Fiber helps to keep your colon clean, reduce cholesterol, remove toxins from your body and eliminate constipation.

There you have it.  If you can accomplish these changes in one year, you will notice a big difference in the way you feel and the health that you have.

Damian@FitnHealthy

The Advantages, Disadvantages, and Exercises on a Fitness Ball

The Advantages, Disadvantages, and Exercises on a Fitness Ball

Most people dream of getting into shape, losing weight, and exercising more. It can mean signing up at local gyms. However, many fitness enthusiasts prefer to purchase home fitness equipment that can be effective for them. They can take the benefits of a total workout while at homes and within flexible times. 

One of the best options to consider is buying a fitness ball. It is the time for you to experience a unique workout at home. There are various reasons why this equipment has become very popular. In fact, it is utilized by most physical therapists to treat their patients from back pains.

 

A fitness ball having a diameter of about 55 to 85 centimeter is made of elastic rubber. It is utilized in exercise and physical therapy. There are various names for a fitness ball such as exercise ball, Pilate's ball, gym ball, therapy ball, balance ball, body ball, yoga ball, sports ball, and Swiss ball.

The major benefit of a fitness ball exercise is enabling the body to respond to the ball's instability while keeping the balance and engaging more muscles as well. Keep in mind that the muscles are strengthened upon struggling to maintain the balance. The core muscles of the body, back muscles, and abdominal muscles are the target of the fitness ball programs of exercises.

Exercises done on a fitness ball will never bore you. In fact it can challenge your stamina, patience, perseverance and, self-discipline. This is the true form of exercising, working the entire core muscles to achieve the best results.

A fitness ball is effective because of its rounded shape. It can create instability to induce your core body muscles to work. Compared to floor crunching, the muscles that are only working are the upper abs, but when you do the crunching on a fitness ball, the core muscles including abs muscles, back muscles, pelvic muscles, and hip muscles are working together in helping you stay on the ball.

Try doing a few pushups using a fitness ball, your hands on the floor and your feet on the fitness ball or vice versa. This exercise gives more stability when the feet are spread apart and tougher when the feet are put closely together.

 

 Although a fitness ball provides many advantages, there are also some pitfalls especially if overused. Strength coaches revealed that it can cause injury and approximately 70 percent of fitness ball exercises are considered worthless.  Nevertheless, it is still prescribed by some therapists in treating patients with back pain.

Incorporating a fitness ball in your fitness program can mean surpassing all the difficult levels involved during the exercise. Each requires support from your stomach muscles and back to help in keeping the trunk muscles firm. More often, a fitness ball is good for people who have lower back pain. Other uses include developing overall strength and control of the body's core muscles, increasing the strength of back and abdominal muscles, learning proper posture and body mechanics when lifting objects, and increasing mobility of the lower back.

Damian@FitnHealthy

Low Calorie Diet - Does It Work?

Looking for a quick and uncomplicated solution to drop a few pounds so that you can fit into that little black dress of your desires or just to attain your pre-pregnancy figure? Many diets out there are boasting ultra quick weight loss results.
From a dietitian's perspective, that is total rubbish. In order to lose the fats in a controlled manner the low calorie diet plan would be recommended. There has been proof that this diet works and you don't need to be a rocket scientist to carry it out.
Before I elaborate in depth about the low calorie diet, lets get the basic terminology right. The term calorie(kcal) refers to a unit of measurement for energy, and more commonly applies to the measurement of energy in food. So what's the big deal about calories? We need food to give us the energy to carry out our daily tasks. And our body uses these calories to carry out its daily activities or to fuel our workouts.
The problem with most people is they are eating way more calories than they actually need.
Calorie in > Calorie out = Weight gain
Okay now that you understand what causes us to gain weight, follow me though a 3-step plan to help you embark on a low calorie diet plan effectively.

Step 1: Find out what your daily calorie requirement
The amount of calories your body needs is a combination of your basic metabolic rate (BMR) and activity level. So basically anyone can calculate their BMR following the equation below.

Women:
BMR = 655 + (9.6 X weight in kilos) + (1.8 X height in cm) - (4.7 X age in years)

Men:
BMR = 66 + (13.7 X weight in kilos) + (5 X height in cm) - (6.8 X age in years)

To estimate your daily calorie requirement, multiply your BMR using the following table:

Activity Level Total Daily Calorie Requirement
Sedentary (BMR x 20 percent) + BMR
Lightly active (You exercise 1-3 times a week) (BMR x 30 percent) + BMR
Moderately active (You exercise 3-5 times a week) (BMR x 40 percent) + BMR
very active (You exercise intensely on a daily basis) (BMR x 50 percent) + BMR
Extra active (You do hard labor or are in athletic training) (BMR x 60 percent) + BMR
I would assume many of us would be classified as 'lightly active'. Most of us will fall into the category of sedentary of lightly active. So let me give you an example on how it works. The estimated calorie requirment for a 47 year old sedentary woman who is 68kg and 163cm tall will be:
BMR = 655 + (9.6 X 68) + (1.8 X 163) - (4.7 X 47) = 1380 kcal
Total daily calorie requirement = (1380 x 0.2) + 1380 = 1656 kcal

Just to give you an idea, a typical western diet provides 3000-3500 kcal a day which is twice the amount that an average woman needs. This is not surprising given the number of overweight and obese people.

Step 2: Decide on how much you need to cut out from your diet, create a calorie deficit
To lose weight, you need to eat less than what you body needs. If you cut out about 500 calories from your daily diet, that would mean 3500 calories less in a week.
So to put it in simple terms, the lady who requires 1656 kcal will lose approximately 1 pound after a week if she consumes approximately 1150 kcal per day. This is in theory. I would not suggest anyone consuming less than 1200 kcals per day as this will cause your body to lose it's effectiveness in burning fats.
3500kcal deficit = 1 pound of weight loss
If you need to lose 10 pounds, you will need to create a deficit of 35000 kcal. One thing to rememeber is to slowly cut your calories. Don't start jumping on the wagon and starve yourself for the entire week to create a 35000kcal deficit.
A healthy weight loss diet is one that helps you lose 1-3 pounds per week
There is no STATIC DIET. What it means is that if same lady who consumes 3000 kcal per day makes a conscious effort to cut down her calorie intake to 2500kcal daily, She will shed those unwanted pounds. This is because even though she is still consuming more than her actual calorie requirement, her body is reacting favorably to her decreased food intake. Sounds easy in theory? Think again. The hardest part is in the execution.

Step 3: Take note of what you eat
By taking down what you consume you will have a better understanding of your eating habits. You may discover that you are taking in more calories than needed. Okay I admit it is a chore but I guarantee you won't regret it!
Write down all the food and drinks you consume and the estimated amount (in household measurements e.g. cups or tablespoons etc) over a period of 3 days. Try to be as detailed as possible. Do include condiments you may consume e.g. salad dressing, sugar). Remember, keep your diet as normal as possible.
There are many online tools that can assist in calculating your daily calorie intake.
By doing this, you can easily know where the unwanted calories are coming from. You can then decide what to remove from your diet to create the calorie deficit.
As with all dietitians, I love to write meal plans. Here is a sample nutritionally balanced low-calorie meal plan.

Breakfast:
a wholegrain bagel with a thin spread of light cream cheese (300kcal)
1 glass of low fat milk (90kcal)

Mid-morning snack:
1 cup of Low-fat yoghurt (130kcal)

Lunch:
Wholegrain sandwich bread, with a spread of mustard, salad veggies and lean meat (chicken/beef) (350kcal)
1 serving Minestrone soup (150 kcal)

Afternoon snack:
1 serving of fresh fruit (70 kcal)

Dinner:
cup of pasta with tomato sauce + 1 palm size grilled meat/fish or chicken OR cup of lean mince (400kcal)

Side salad with fat-free dressing (70 kcal)
1 serving of fresh fruit (70 kcal)
Total Calories: 1630 kcal

This is just an example and not a definite eating plan. If you follow through with the food diary activity and get yourself familiarized with the general calorie content of foods, you would have already known by now what are the high calorie foods that you need to reduce your intake of.

Here are some easy ways by which you can reduce your calories
1) Go for a diet soda instead of a normal soda
2) Use fat-free salad dressing and low fat mayonnaise
3) Have 2 servings of fresh fruit instead of 2 cups of processed fruit juice
4) Use less oil in your cooking
5) Always choose lean cuts of meat
6) Reducing your portion sizes by a quarter
7) Sharing a dessert instead of having the whole thing by yourself
8) Cut down on the amount of fried stuff you consume
9) Switching to low fat dairy products
10) Drink less alcohol

The key to a successful low calorie diet plan is consistency. Treat yourself to a little something 'sinful' at every milestone. Just don't end up eating a whole chocolate cake and regret it later. Do not be hard on yourself in you exceed your daily calorie intake. It is a collective effort over a period of time that will help you get to the weight you want.

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At Home Exercises - Crossfit Workouts At Home - Pro Trainer Live

At home exercises - Crossfit Workouts At Home - Pro Trainer Live. Do you want to go to the gym? Why not try the benefits of exercising at home. Visit the site for more home work out tips.
You've probably heard the newest craze in the athletic arena, it's called Crossfit and it is tough stuff. CrossFit was founded upon the strength and conditioning programs used by many government academies such as police, military and special ops units. However crossfit is not solely entitled to those in elite fields, in fact you could do your own Crossfit workouts at home by yourself and still achieve results.
CrossFit was designed to be used by elite athletes and elderly individuals alike. The only difference is the amount of load used in the workouts and the intensity. That's all that separates you from an elite athlete. Yes you could be essentially training with the same workout used by some of the fittest people on Earth. The only thing you would adjust is the amount of load and intensity that is right for your body and experience level.
Crossfit workouts at home are a great way to lose weight, gain lean muscle and improve cardiovascular health. So what kind of movements does Crossfit entail anyway? Well, it's a combination of plyometric exercises, Olympic style lifts and non-traditional lifts with equipment like kettlebells, bags of sand, pulley systems or weighted items filled with water. Sounds like fun right? Well it is if you have the right mind set. Although it can be fun it is considered a high impact workout. On a scale of 1 to 10 Crossfit would easily get an 8 - 10 rating on the list of high impact workouts.
The benefits of CrossFit are mainly due to the high intensity of the workouts. The intensity and power exercises are effective for burning up high number of calories in short periods of time. At the same time these high impact workouts are improving your aerobic fitness and producing the anabolic hormones such as testosterone, HGH and IGF-1 that are responsible directly for muscle growth. Here is the important thing to remember: CrossFit is an excellent workout program for any exercise enthusiast, however if you are just starting out with exercising then you need to take it slow. Use reduced volumes and intensities to build up a fitness base first and progress from there. The average Crossfit workout is not a recommended for people just starting to exercise or returning to exercise after a long break.
If you are starting out with Crossfit workouts at home to get into shape here are some great exercises you can employ at your own pace. You will need a couple of light dumbbells, or pop bottles filled with water, or any object that has a weight of 3 to 10 pounds.

Singe Arm Snach: Works the butt, back, shoulders and arms.
Single Arm Snatch For Crossfit Workouts at Home

Standing with your feet wide and toes turned€out slightly, place a dumbbell on the ground between your feet. Squat down low, and pick up the dumbbell with right hand. Move back up to a straight position onto the balls of your feet. As you move upwards pull the weight close to your body and over your head reaching for the sky. Bring the weight back down and repeat. You can do 10 reps on each arm and 3 - 6 sets of each.

Bear Crawl or Knee Tucks: Works the entire body.
Running Knee Tucks

This is one of the best Crossfit workouts you can do at home. Here you get down on all fours in a higher than normal push up position. From there you either do 30 reps or 30 seconds worth of knee tucks. Pretend you are racing an opponent and you need to move as fast as you can to beat your opponent. Drive one knee up to your chest and the other leg drives back to the ground. Doing 3 - 6 sets of these will work your entire body and leave you breathless.
Dumbell Swings: Works the butt, back, shoulders and arms.
These are perhaps the most fun and dynamic of the exercises. Simply stand with your feet wide and toes pointed out slightly. Hold onto your weight of choice starting with the weight on the ground between your legs. Move the weight dynamically from the ground all the way over your head reaching for the sky. Repeat 10 - 20 times maintaining a good rhythm and fluid movement. Do 3 - 6 sets of each.

The Sumo High Pull: Works the butt, back, shoulders and biceps.
Sumo High Pulls

Like doing cleans, stand with your feet wide, hold on to your dumbbells, either one in each hand or use a bar with light weights on it. Squat and lower the weights between your legs. Go back up to a standing position pulling the weights up to your shoulders focusing on keeping your elbows high. Repeat 10 - 15 times performing 3 - 6 sets.

Box Jump: Works the lower body.
Box Jumping for Crossfit Workouts at Home

Find a step or a box that is at least 8 inches off the ground. Simply jump off the box backwards to the ground. Focus on reacting quickly when your feet hit the ground to jump off again and land on the box. These are extremely high impact and should only be done if you are already in decent shape. Start with 3 sets of 6 - 10 reps and simply increase the number of sets up to a maximum of 6 as you progress.
Doing Crossfit workouts at home are a great way to get into shape at your own pace. Utilize some or all of the above exercises at your own pace and start the journey on getting the body you want on demand. For more information on at home workouts with a personal trainer online contact us.

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