Whether you’re a seasoned exercise veteran or have recently started a new work-out regimen, sticking to it through the holidays can be difficult if not downright impossible. The holidays are incredibly hectic making exercise and diet slip to the back of the mind. With advanced planning, you can stay on track with your fitness program; here’s how:

Workout Before You Do Anything Else!

As soon as you open your eyes in the morning, roll out of bed, throw your tennis shoes on and start your work out. If you can get your exercising done first thing, there’s less chance of skipping it later in the day. If you aren’t an early bird, make your work-out part of your lunch hour! Even walking briskly around the block or walking up and down a few flights of stairs several times can keep you on track.

Plan Your Workouts In Advance

Chances are you know your work and holiday party schedules well ahead of time. Just like you plan the rest of your life, pencil your work outs into your day book or plug them into your organizer app. If you organize your work out schedule just as you organize the rest of your life, you’re less likely to skip the gym.

Thwart Temptation!

Whether it’s at the office or at your family’s house, you’re bound to be faced with platefuls of goodies. While you don’t have to skip the cookies and cakes all together, eating only one or two is a much better idea. Keep a favorite protein bar in your bag or drink a protein shake before you leave the house. Not only are they better for you, but they’ll also give you a sense of fullness that may help you resist having just one more cookie.

Give Yourself A Day To Cheat

Studies have shown that people who allow themselves a ‘cheat day’ are more apt to stick to a diet and exercise program. Choose a day of the week or certain days during the month and allow yourself to eat how you’d like. Remember, though, that eating what you like doesn’t mean stuffing yourself to bursting! Increasing your insulin sensitivity will also benefit you on these days. 200mcg of Chromium Picolinate and 300mg of Alpha Lipoic Acid will do the trick nicely.

Work Out Extra Hard When You Do Cheat

While you are planning your workouts, plan for a tough one on your cheat days and cheat after you exercise. This will help ensure that most of the excess in nutrients goes toward recovery. In addition, you can look at your cheat meals as a reward for your extra effort!

Sticking to an exercise and diet program can be difficult, especially if you haven’t made it to the point of seeing the results of your efforts. The holidays can make it doubly as difficult. Following these tips will help ensure you don’t fall off of the wagon during the hectic season.

Get all the equipment you will need to get that workout at home over at the BHI Store

Matt Porter has been a personal trainer for over twenty years. He recommends protein powder to all his clients to gain muscle definition and strength.

Exercises for the Pregnant

On October 31, 2011, in Back Pain, Exercise, by Mark Van Petryk

Any woman can give birth to a healthy child without special physical training, but some exercises for pregnant make childbirth easier and less painful.

To give birth to a baby safely, you need to turn the lower part of your body and spine to a flexible “rubber.” That is, joints of the pelvis should be flexible and muscles – capable of extreme tension. Exercises for pregnant can provide such effect.

The first step is developing a lower spine (sacrum) and pelvic joints. These sections of your body will slightly “move” during the exit of the child. Moreover, this exercise for pregnant is a kind of anesthesia for annoying back pain.

So, start with an initial exercise positions: kneeling, a woman separates knees 20 inches apart and puts palms on the floor. The hands should be about 30 inches and hips should be placed in an upright position.

This exercise for pregnant is called “Rocking the pelvis.” From the initial position a woman, making a slow deep breath, bends her back trying to raise the buttocks higher (thighs, pelvis and buttocks are toughened). After that a reverse motion is performed – bending the back, along with a slow exhalation. This is the kind of swing which a pregnant should perform very smoothly. To achieve the effect, repeat this cycle 10 times.

Another exercise for pregnant is performed to stretch the inside muscles of the thighs. This group of muscles is involved during the entire process of childbirth, as a woman in labor has to lie with the legs moved apart. This is the best position for a baby to be born.

This exercise will be performed by a pregnant as easily as the previous one. A woman has to lie down on the floor and cross her legs (lotus position). It is important that the feet were brought together, and the knees were maximally separated. Having taken the initial position of the exercise, a pregnant puts her arms on the legs. Palms wrap ankles, elbows are pushing the knees, trying to lower them to the floor.

This exercise should be also performed smoothly, abrupt movements are not permitted. A pregnant must not feel any discomfort or pain during the exercise.

In addition to these exercises we can advise pregnant to sit in a pose of lotus and squat , as it makes the muscles stretch smoothly. Furthermore, any free (or unfree) minute squeeze and relax the muscles of the perineum, this will give you more chances to manage without seams and gaps during childbirth.

These exercises for pregnant will be enough, because the goal is to help yourself in a crucial moment, and not in the standards delivery or a cup competition.

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7 Intense Exercises That Fit Your Busy Schedule

On October 28, 2011, in Exercise, by Perri T.

Everyone wants to be fit, but not everyone can find the time to get to the gym. If you’re one of those people, don’t give up on fitness.

There are plenty of great, effective exercises you can do anywhere and any time, without having to change into workout clothes.

Make up your own routine of these exercises and mix in some cardio — just taking a walk around the block will do — and you’ll see results soon.

Upper Body Exercises

Tricep Dips: A popular home or office exercise that works your triceps, shoulders, and back. All you need is a chair that won’t roll or slide.

Try 6-8 reps to start, and more if you think you can take it.

  • - Grasp the arms of the chair, or the edges of the seat.
  • - Slide your feet and body forward until your buns are off the seat.
  • - Bend your knees and elbows slowly to lower yourself down. Do not bend your elbows too sharply.
  • - Slowly reverse the sequence so you end up sitting in the chair again.

You can also use the edge of a desk or a similar piece of furniture as a support to do dips.

For an even tougher workout, do your dips on one leg, keeping the other straight out in front of you.

Wall Pushups: You can do pushups without having to get down on the floor, using a desk, a wall, the footrail of a bed, or even the back of a sturdy chair.

Try 10 reps at a time.

  • Stand two feet away from your chosen piece of furniture, feet shoulder width apart and hands resting on the furniture. Keep your body straight, belly and shoulders tight.
  • Slowly lean forward, supporting yourself on your hands. Lean as far as you comfortably can while remaining straight.
  • Push off as hard as you can until you’re back in standing position.

Doorway Chest Press: Another good way to work your chest and shoulders.

2-3 sets of 8-12 reps is a good target to aim for.

  • Stand in a doorway, grasping the jamb with your hands, feet shoulder width apart and abs tight.
  • Lean forward, keeping your grip firm on the door and your body straight. You should feel your shoulder blades flex together.
  • Push yourself back up with your arms and return to the original position.

Lower Body Exercises

Lunges: These classic exercises are easy to fit in anywhere.

Do two or three sets of 10 and you’ll definitely feel that you’ve been working.

  • Stand with your feet together. Step forward with one foot, far enough that your knee bends at 90 degrees — don’t let your knee bend past your toes.
  • Slowly lower your body as far as you can, until your back knee is almost touching the ground. Keep your upper body square over your hips — don’t lean.
  • Push up with your forward leg until you can return to the original position.

Wall Sits: Work your hips, thighs, and core with this deceptively simple exercise.

Start with 10 reps and add more sets as you feel capable.

  • Stand with your back to a wall, feet shoulder width apart.
  • Slowly slide down, shoulders against the wall, until your knees are bent at 90 degrees. Squeeze your legs together hard.
  • Hold this position for 30 seconds, then slowly return to standing position.

Russian Twists: Your abs will be feeling it after you do this exercise. Don’t do this if you have lower back trouble, however.

Try for two sets of 8-12.

  • Sit on the floor with your knees slightly bent. Lean backward, keeping your back straight.
  • Reach your arms out straight to your knees, hands together.
  • Slowly twist your torso to your side. Make sure you’re keeping your back straight and that you’re twisting your entire torso, not just your arms and shoulders. You don’t have to twist too far. Hold for a second and then slowly rotate to the other side.
  • Return to center and begin again.

Glute Kicks: If you need to work your quads and glutes, try two sets of 15 reps of this exercise.

  • Stand up straight, abs in. Hold on to a piece of furniture if you need help with balance.
  • Lift one leg backward, bending your knee. Try to touch your heel to your buttocks.
  • Get a good flex and hold for a second or two.
  • Lower your leg slowly back to the starting position.

There’s no reason that a busy life has to mean an unhealthy, out-of-shape you. Leave notes to yourself, or add alerts to your online calendar or smartphone to remind yourself to take the time to exercise.

Even half an hour of workout time a day will produce visible results!

About the Author:

Perri T. is an online freelance writer dealing with some of the best car insurance companies. She  loves weight loss tips for home and office, and can be found running with her dogs in her free time.

Exercising Outdoors in Cold Weather

On October 27, 2011, in Exercise, by Featured Guest

Cold weather doesn’t have to mean giving up the freedom of exercising outdoors. When the weather turns foul, you can still continue your routine, so long as you take a few extra precautions. In the cold, follow these few tips to stay safe and warm:

1. Keep your hands, feet, and ears protected.
In cold weather, your extremities are particularly vulnerable to frostbite. You should wear gloves lined with wool or fleece, which will keep out cold winds. Wear socks made from wool, which stays warm even when wet, along with headgear that covers your ears securely. If you suspect you may be developing signs of frostbite, return indoors and warm the affected areas with lukewarm water after removing any wet clothing. See a doctor if you don’t get feeling back in the area or develop blisters.

2. Dress in layers.
Thinner layers of clothing will help trap air against your body, keeping you warmer than one heavy layer. They are also easier to remove while exercising, since you’ll undoubtedly raise your body temperature and need to cool down. Choose synthetic materials that keep moisture from sweat, rain, or snow away from your skin, along with an insulating layer and then a top waterproof one. Wool and fleece are good choices for the middle layer.

3. Watch the weather report.
If the wind chill is excessive, or the actual temperature drops below zero (Fahrenheit), it’s best to avoid outdoor exercise. Wind can be very strong and can chill the skin, making it harder for your body to keep up its core temperature.

4. Don’t get dehydrated.
Hydration is important when exercising in normal conditions, but especially at weather extremes. If you’re exercising outdoors in the cold, remember to stay warm and keep hydrated. The presence of snow and rain, along with the heavier clothing worn during the winter, makes your body work harder. Subsequently, it loses fluid faster.

Using good judgment and these tips, you can keep exercising outdoors even if the weather turns foul. Remember to take all standard precautions, with a little bit of extra care to get the best out of your exercise without hurting yourself.

Bio: Fatwallet.com accommodates retailers in providing savings like Godaddy Promo Codes and many more!

If its too cold for you outdoors, then get some equipment to exercise indoors over at the BHI Store.

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Regular exercise is the key to a sound mind

On October 21, 2011, in Exercise, by JSunde

Recent studies have shown that regular exercise is not only good for the body, but also good for the brain. In fact, lack of exercise may even account for that feeling of “fight or flight” you have when you are under severe stress. The next time you feel the urge to “flee,” choose a flight of stairs instead of the elevator. Going on a brisk walk or having a run will release endorphins and serotonin levels in your brain, helping to calm you down. Exercise also has a direct impact on the neurons that are involved in creating stress on a day-to-day basis.

Stress poses a tangible threat to the body’s equilibrium by raising cortisol levels. High cortisol levels can in turn cause feelings of anxiety, as well as raise blood pressure and heart rate. When people say, “don’t worry yourself sick,” they are usually talking about your physical health. But what they don’t know is that your mental state of being can directly impact your physical health.

In today’s hectic and fast-paced world, stress is unavoidable. We are consistently smacked over the head with a torrent of information and demands that leave us feeling run down, negative, and sometimes, hopeless. Just like the muscles in our bodies, the neurons in our brains that process our environment break down and build back up again. Each time they rebuild, they are stronger and more able to deal with certain stressful situations.

However, some people do not give themselves adequate time to rebuild these neurons. In fact, if you are feeling depressed, you may not even correlate the negative feelings you have with a need for your brain to repair itself.

Unlike other forms of stress, the stress of exercise is predictable and controllable. After all, you are the one initiating the action! After a good workout, your body is flooded with endorphins, and you feel a general sense of mastery and self confidence. Furthermore, exercise will allow the neurons in your brain to recover post workout, thus building stronger connections, and a stronger resistance against other types of stress.

Aerobic exercise helps to rid the body of toxins and helps muscles release pent up energy. It also helps rebuild neurons that raise the “trigger” point for life’s stresses. This means that the next time you are faced with a stressful situation, you will be able to keep your cool, because your body has been trained to handle stress in a positive way.

There are no doubts within the medical and scientific communities regarding the connection between the body and the mind. It makes sense, then, that keeping your body active and healthy will result in a greater sense of well being.

About the author: Jennifer Sunde is a freelance writer and editor who writes for and helps manage a site devoted to career opportunities in health care. She also writes for a variety of sites devoted to fashion careers, home improvement and auto insurance.

Get any all exercise equipment over at the BHI Store.