5 Great Ways To Trim Down For Summer

May 17, 2013 by Leave a Comment
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How to shed those winter pounds

Summer is rigfile3481344631279[1]ht around the corner and before you know it, you will be invited to throw on a revealing outfit and show off that pale body of yours. It’s not going to be the most attractive you have ever looked, but what do you expect? You’ve been in hibernation for six months. The best you can do is hit the gym and make sure you have got the figure you’d be proud to show off at the beach, the pool or even in your backyard. If you haven’t already been working, now’s your last chance to get on it.

Hit the Pavement

Going for a run is one of the easiest ways to burn calories and speed up your metabolism – but you need to be consistent – one 20-minute jog a week won’t do much besides keep your legs sore. In order to accomplish any real weight loss or change in body chemistry, running every day is a must. No excuses! Cold or rainy outside? Stick to the treadmill. If it’s broken, call up a treadmill repair service. Worn out sneakers? Get a new pair. Don’t let anything stand in your way of your better body, not even yourself. You can do it!

Last-minute toning 

With winter over, real body bulking is not the best option – it’s time to opt for a slimmer, more toned figure. Plan out high-rep, high-intensity workouts to get the most bang for your buck. Build muscle while raising your heart rate and you’ll cut calories in the process. Post workout, try a banana instead of your usual post-workout meal. An especially ripe banana will replace the much-needed glucose for the rebuilding of muscles, but it also helps to have a protein supplement.

New Duds

Picking the right clothes to show off your goods is equally as important as your actual workout. Certain bikinis work for certain women. A specific kind of board short might look better on a specific body frame. Identifying and highlighting your strengths is key, but you might also need to consult a fashion expert – or just a very honest, trusted friend. One thing to remember: leave your sensitivity at the door.

Making a Splash 

For those conscious of their look, keeping up with fashion trends couldn’t be more important. Styles change every year; everything old is new again and the only thing predictable in fashion is that it will always be changing. Keep an eye and an ear out for TV specials and internet blogs for the latest trends, but feel free to invent one yourself. Sooner or later the style will become popular and you will be leading the charge.

Laying it All Out

It’s almost summer time! Don’t stress too much but it’s practically here. A decent tan and the right bathing suit will make you look and feel great. But if you feel you are in need of a run, or in need of treadmill repair, then get on it! If it’s not the last-minute trip to the beach or an impromptu pool party, those unseasonably warm spring days will certainly sneak up on you – and you’ll want to look your best.

Featured images:

Sean Carter is an experienced writer who has covered the topics of healthy, fitness and more for many blogs across the internet

Filed Under: Exercise, family health, Health, Wellness Tagged With: , ,

Join in on the History of Go-Karting

April 21, 2013 by Leave a Comment

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Join in on the History of Go-Karting

Go-karting began very simply with tracks and dedicated racing fans in towns all across the U.S. Initially, karting began as a fad, which most believed would blow over in several months, once kids moved onto the next big thing. Karting tracks often weren’t much more than a rutted path on the edge of town, where the kids gathered on the weekends to race; in other communities, the racetracks were paved. Because of the lack of an organization that would otherwise have established rules, some kart clubs died out after several years.

Beginning in the 1960s, some American go-karts had European engines installed in them, giving them more racing power. About 10 years later, Briggs & Stratton engines were installed in karats, adding to the horsepower. At about this time, karting took off, with sanctioning organizations establishing rules and racing levels.

You Are the Future of Go-Karting!

If you have just join go-karting, you’ve entered it during a period of steady growth. You can be as young as 5 years of age and, as long as you are in good health, with good reflexes, you can start learning how to go-kart. Don’t worry about being “too old” to race, as racers are either entering this field as new racers or have decided to stay in even as adults.

In addition to the continued popularity of karting across the life span, this racing venue is becoming safer every year as manufacturers have added new safety features. Karting is now beginning to achieve a national prominence, thanks to NASCAR and CART racing, as well as other racing sports.

Even those who have raced professionally are entering go-karting just so they can continue to satisfy their need for racing and speed. Looking for a good family activity? This is it. Everyone can fill some kind of role at the kart track, from the concession manager to the driving instructor.

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Go-Karting as an Incentive

Parents, if your kids are looking for something to keep them busy, suggest that they learn how to go-kart. In addition to suggesting this fun sport to them, let them know that, as long as they do their homework and turn it in, or cooperate with you and their teachers, they can participate in karting races.

As you are looking for a good karting league, look for one that keeps safety for its racers top-of-mind. That is, you want your kids involved with a league that stresses safety equipment and safe driving practices over racing just for the sake of winning. The first few times you and your kids attend a race, all the rules will be strange and you might wonder about their purpose. Never fear; they are there for a good reason. A good, safety-oriented racing organization will have rule books for new members, as well as meetings where the trainers teach everyone, parents included, about the regulations. Go on and start checking out the go-karting clubs in your community.

Jeff Kane is a self-confessed adrenaline junkie and blogger writing on behalf of Gokart.org.

Filed Under: Exercise, family health

Yoga And Mental Health

March 27, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Yoga tones the body and improves flexibility. Those results aren’t a (wait for it…) stretch, when you’re tucking your legs behind your head and balancing on one foot for minutes on end. But did you know that yoga also benefits mental health and has lasting positive effects on brain chemistry and emotional balance? Read on to find out how every “Ohm” brings you closer to clarity.

One of the tenets of yoga (including hatha, vinyasa, and any type in between) is focused breathing. Yoga practitioners believe that controlled breathing can calm the mind and prepare the body to explore its capabilities. The rhythm of inhale and exhale creates a meter by which your body can regulate itself, and a constant to focus on as you strain to reach difficult poses. The simple act of breathing can slow down a racing brain and bring you into the present moment. Placing yourself in that quiet place of non-stress on a regular basis promotes mental health on and off the mat.

The constant flow of movement involved in yoga promotes circulation, bringing more oxygen to the brain and increasing the production of endorphins. This has very positive minimizing effects on symptoms of depression and anxiety. Not only that – short-term memory, mental acuity, multi-tasking, and concentration all show an upswing thanks to downward-facing dog.

Sleep quality will also improve as well with regular yoga practice. As we all know, a good night’s sleep is one of our most potent weapons in fighting stress, health issues, aging, and even weight loss. Studies have shown marked benefits to length and quality of sleep thanks to yoga, and as a result, better alertness during the day.

Even more serious mental health issues can be addressed in yoga. Many studies, particularly a recent one at Harvard, have proven that amateur yogis have a decreased overall response to stress and are less prone to stress-based symptoms and illnesses. Soldiers experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are likely to find relief from yoga; by encouraging reflection, control, and healing in a non-stigmatized environment, they can find coping mechanisms for their trauma and become better equipped to deal with stimuli in the outside world.

Additionally, it has been found that adults suffering from schizophrenia were able to better handle their illness with yoga skills. The meditative aspect helps to decrease aggressive tendencies, promote willingness to take medication, and supply sufferers with the focus to manage their various symptoms. Binge-eating and other self-destructive eating behaviors also decrease when paired with yoga, a probable side effect of strengthening the healthy body and finding more mental peace.

Best of all, clearing the mind has positive secondary effects on the body as well. Twisting your body requires muscle relaxation and focus, which can lower your blood pressure and improve your heart health. Your improved posture and breathing will have lasting good effects on your bone health. And finding that special “me” time, an oasis of quiet in your busy life helps to center you and help define personal goals – even beyond clearing your body and mind.

Ref:

http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Mental_Health_Letter/2009/April/Yoga-for-anxiety-and-depression
http://m.thepostgame.com/blog/list/201302/5-surprising-yoga-cures
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/yoga/CM00004

 

Author Bio:

Shawn is one of the most popular personal trainers in Los Angeles with a client list that includes various celebrities and athletes. He is the founder of Perfect Body, Inc., has been a fitness spokesperson for Time Warner manages three health and fitness web sites, was featured four times on KCAL 9 news “9 on the town”, was featured on CBS radio 97.1 numerous times, has appeared on a variety of cable shows, and runs a successful personal training practice.

Filed Under: Exercise, Health Tagged With: ,

Making Better Choices For Your Cardiovascular Health

February 27, 2013 by Leave a Comment

imagesLike many people entering middle age, I found myself carrying around some extra weight. It sneaked up on me; I didn’t know how I’d put it on, or even realize just how much weight I’d gained over the past few years until I was trying on a cute pair of stretchy capri leggings and looked in the dressing room mirror to see a couple of belly rolls peeking back out at me. That was the first of a couple of wake-up calls I had about my weight and health. The second was the result of a routine blood test during a check-up, that informed me I had high cholesterol.

With a family history of type II diabetes, heart problems, and some types of cancer, I knew I had to get my weight and eating habits under control if I wanted to be healthy and a good example to my kids. I tried a lot of diet and exercise programs over the next few months, with little effect, until I just decided to get as basic as possible. I made a few simple lifestyle changes that helped me get my health back on track. These same kinds of changes also worked for several of my friends and family members.

Cutting Out The Bad Stuff

I needed to face the facts: I had a junk food addiction, and it was the most important lifestyle change I needed to make if I wanted to see a difference in my health. Fast food, junk food, sweets, sodas – all of that is bad for the heart, clogs up your veins, and can cause many other types of health problems. I made a rule that I wouldn’t eat any food that “could come out of a window” – fast food, to be specific. I limited the amount of boxed and prepared foods I bought at the store and made meals from scratch whenever possible. I cut out all sodas and even juice (juice has lots of sugar), and drank either skim milk or water flavored with fresh lemon and mint. Just by cutting all the junk from my diet, I lost ten pounds in a month!

Did that mean I couldn’t ever indulge again with a burger or piece of chocolate cake? I still allow myself a treat once or twice a month – even once weekly if I’m careful the rest of the week. Everyone needs to indulge now and then.

Portion Control

To me, the real key to weight loss and regaining my health was knowing exactly how much I was eating. I went for weeks thinking I was eating great, but was still not losing weight, until I started keeping track of my calories. I joined an online site that gives members the option to add in every type of food under the sun, and keeps track of the calories, fat, carbs, and protein consumed. I was shocked at how quickly the calories add up – but once I’d balanced my protein with the necessary carbs and calories for energy, I found that I could eat far less and still feel full.

Counting calories isn’t for everyone. Some people do better with a plan based on a points system, or pre-portioned meals. What’s important is setting up a portion control program that you can work with, and sticking to it.

Exercise

I didn’t start out exercising at first, but worked my way into it as I started to see results just from eating better. Exercising can be hard to fit into your busy day, but it helps to boost your energy, mood, and metabolism. For a while, I worked out at the gym at least five days a week, for up to two hours at a time. That soon became impractical, and these days I don’t get anywhere near as much exercise. Now, I mainly walk a few times a week, but I’m starting up a program that will gradually ease me into running. The most important part of getting your exercise is finding something you enjoy doing. It should be fun! Dance workouts, biking, skating, swimming, and even running are all activities that can be fun and don’t seem like the type of brutal or dull gym workout that many people dread.

Don’t Give Up

It’s been a few years since I decided to do something about my health. Because I fell off the wagon too many times, I still haven’t reached my goal weight. But a recent assessment of my goals and lifestyle have inspired me again to get myself into optimum health. And newer blood test results have shown that the simple changes I made a few years ago have made a positive difference in my cardiovascular health.

Lauren Hill writes for Cardiac Vascular & Thoracic Surgery Associates (CVTSA), a Virginia surgical group specializing in open heart, transplant and robotic surgeries.

Filed Under: Exercise, Health, Wellness Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

10 Things You Need to Know Before Choosing a Physical Therapist

February 7, 2013 by Leave a Comment

It is your right to choose a physical therapist that will work hand in hand with your personal health care team or doctor. Here are the top 10 things you should know first prior to making a decision when selecting a physical therapist:

1. What is Physical Therapy?

Physical Therapy is an approach to treat problems of the bones, joints, muscles and nerves in order to eradicate or reduce pain, maintain muscle tone, enhance range of motion and other related purposes. Physical therapy involves therapeutic exercises, massage, joint mobilization, body manipulation and more.

2. Is physical therapy an individual treatment?

Physical therapy is one of the most important components in the treatment and recovery of people suffering from an injury or an illness that prevents them from performing normal body movements. It is part of your overall treatment, which means your physical therapist will collaborate with your physician.

3. Do I really need to undergo physical therapy?

Physical therapy is usually indicated to patients who suffered from accidents (sports, automobile, forces of nature, etc) and are experiencing body injuries that affect their normal functioning in their daily lives. The need for physical therapy will be determined by your physician. He will be making the recommendation for you to undergo physical therapy if ever it is needed. Physical therapy is a vital part in recovery from many kinds of surgeries. Rehabilitation can take place as inpatient care or as an outpatient. Sometimes you have the option of receiving physical therapy in your home.

4. Who Is a Physical Therapist (PT)?

A physical therapist is a professional in the health care field who is responsible for assessing, diagnosing and treating people suffering from health-related problems that involve lack or limited ability to perform their activities of daily living through body movement.

5. What are the qualifications of a PT?

A legitimate PT must have graduated from a physical therapy program that is accredited by the state or the provincial bureau for education and also recognized by the state or the provincial board. He must have acquired a professional license after successful taking the state licensure examination.

6. What is an ideal physical therapist?

An ideal PT must have finished master’s degree or better yet, a doctor of physical therapy degree.

7. Can I choose my own physical therapist?

Yes, it is your right to be under the care of your preferred physical therapist. Many patients don’t know their right as the head of their own health care team – to choose whoever they want to be included in the team as long as they are qualified for the roles needed. Your doctor might recommend a physical therapist for you, so it is your choice whether you will accept his suggestion or get another PT.

8. Can I go directly to a physical therapist?

No, you must get a referral from your physician before going to a physical therapy. In other words, you should not go directly to a physical therapist without consulting your doctor. You cannot do this simply because you are under the care of a doctor, and he knows what kind of physical therapy you need. Also, you must know that physical therapists are not doctors so they cannot diagnose your injury and treat it with physical therapy at once. You should receive a physical therapy script, similar to a prescription for medication from your physician detailing the specifics regarding your treatment.

9. What type of physical therapy should I undergo?

Your doctor will recommend the type of physical therapy appropriate for your condition. He may collaborate with your physical therapist regarding this. Some forms of physical therapy are aquatic therapy, postural correction therapy and joint manipulation therapy.

10. How should I pay for the therapy?

It is ideal to choose a physical therapy clinic that can accept payment using various modes, such as cash, credit card and insurance. Most medical insurance plans cover some type of physical therapy.

Filed Under: Back Pain, Exercise, Therapy Tagged With: , ,
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