Self Improvement

7 Tips for A Flatter Tummy

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One of the first things my new clients say is that they want a flatter tummy. Belly fat can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. It also affects a woman’s confidence and how she feels in her clothes.

Even more important is the problem that this type of fat around the mid-section is a risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

The good news—you can do something about it.

Here are 7 tips to help you lose belly fat so you can wear those form fitting clothes and feel beautiful in them:

1. Eat a high protein diet: Protein should be a part of every meal. It keeps you full, decreases your appetite, and helps build strong muscles. Studies have shown that eating quality protein (i.e., beef, salmon, eggs, turkey, pork, fish & chicken) throughout the day decreases abdominal fat—the type of fat that can be a precursor for obesity and disease. Not sure how much protein to eat? Strive for 0.8 grams per pound of body weight.

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2.   Cut out sugar: For many of us, this is easier said than done. Sugar tastes good, and many compare it to a drug that you can become addicted to overtime. Quitting cold turkey usually doesn't work. Instead, try to find healthier ways to satisfy your sweet tooth. Swap out candy for some fruit, and if you crave chocolate, eat a small piece of dark chocolate (at least 70% dark or higher), which is also heart-healthy. And don't forget those sugary drinks that are often overlooked. Ditch the sodas and juices, which are loaded with sugar. Flavored unsweetened seltzer or water is just as good and ten times better for your waistline. 

3.   Get active: It sounds obvious, but it's always worth repeating. Cardiovascular exercise and resistance training will always work in reducing belly fat. You'll burn calories whether you're running, walking, biking, rowing, or taking your favorite dance class. Studies show that aerobic exercise leads to weight loss, which ultimately results in reduced abdominal fat. What women sometimes forget is the strength training part of the equation. Resistance training at least three times a week will not only get you stronger, but the muscles you build will take the place of fat. So don't forget to lift those weights!

4.   Cut refined carbs and processed foods: Carbs often get a bad rap, and there is some good reason for that. The problem occurs when you don't eat the right carbs. A refined carb has basically been stripped of its nutritional value, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The lack of these critical nutrients has been linked to obesity. Opt for complex carbs such as yams, sweet potatoes, whole oats, quinoa, and wild brown or black rice.

The same goes for processed foods. Just seeing the word "processed" on a box should be enough for you to stay away from it as it's far from being natural and healthy. These foods are usually loaded with sugars and other ingredients that do nothing to keep your body healthy or your belly flat.

5.   Drink apple cider vinegar (ACV) every day: A tall tale or health hack? Whatever you may think about drinking apple cider vinegar, the truth lies in the science. One study showed that daily intake of apple cider vinegar significantly reduced belly fat. The acetic acid in the vinegar is what does the trick. And not only that, but ACV has also been shown to lower blood sugar levels. Just be sure to dilute it with some water, so it's easier to drink.

6.   Drink plenty of water: Water is essential for all living things, and that includes you. Water regulates your internal body temperature through sweating, it metabolizes and transports carbs and proteins, it helps flush waste out of your system, and it keeps your joints lubricated. The list goes on and on. When it comes to belly fat, water is the perfect weapon to keep your body healthy while flushing out whatever may be causing belly bloat.

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 7.   Get more sleep: They don't call it beauty sleep for nothing. A good night's sleep, which should be at least seven hours a night, is vital for various reasons. Not only is it beneficial for mental clarity, but it also reduces cortisol (the stress hormone). Lack of quality sleep has also been shown to increase ghrelin levels—the hormone that regulates your appetite. That means you're more likely to eat more, which can lead to belly fat.

Some of these tips may be much easier than others, and that's okay. Rome wasn't built in a day, so no one expects you to change your habits over night. Pick the one you know is the most significant contributor to your belly fat and work on changing that behavior. If you can break the most challenging habit, the rest should be easy!

Resources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3284412/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17637702

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25477716

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19661687

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3632337/


 

Mitochondria 101 - Why It’s Important to Your Health

Mitochondria are a number of organized structures within a living cell. The function of the mitochondria is to produce energy within the cell called ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This cellular respiration takes nutrients from the cell, breaks it down and creates energy for the cell. When it comes to health and disease prevention, your mitochondrial wellbeing and capacity basically can't be exaggerated enough. On the off chance that your mitochondria are not working great, nothing else will either. They affect metabolism and play a role in our well being and how our body produces energy.

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Mitochondria 101

The powerhouse of your cells, creating around 90% of the vitality being produced in your body.

Mitochondria are the powerhouse of your cells, creating around 90 percent of the vitality being produced in your body. With much neglect to acknowledge is that completely everything that occurs in your body, every single muscle constriction, biochemical course, cell recovery, detoxification etcetera requires vitality. Nothing can happen in a vitality vacuum.

"A lot of things occur in the cell that individuals don't think about, like the exchange of particles crosswise over films, or the support of the state of the cytoskeleton (microscopic network of protein filaments and tubules in the cytoplasm of many living cells). For the micro tubules to keep up their shape, they require a contribution of vitality. Everything that occurs in the cell requires vitality, whenever you have a reduction in that vitality generation, things can begin to fall apart."

How Do We Eat to Optimize Our Mitochondria?

The most important food ingredient to give up is sugar and limit grains because they resort to sugar in the bloodstream. Mitochondria do better functioning off healthy fats, like sardines, walnuts, avocado, coconut oil, and MCT oil. You want to eat high fat and low crab, because the mitochondria use fatty acids or carbohydrates to create the ATP, but if you give them more fat and less carbohydrate, you'll have less free radicals formed. You also want to eat lots and lots of colorful vegetables, because the more phytonutrients you must nourish your body, the more you will certainly nourish your mitochondria as well. We additionally know some veggies, like sulfur-rich veggies (cauliflower, cabbage, etc.), benefit producing glutathione, an effective antioxidant that benefits the mitochondria.

Mitochondria likewise have other fundamentally essential capacities. For instance, they go about as the organizer for apoptosis (a form of programmed cell death), a critical procedure that guarantees the passing of failing cells that may transform into tumors. This is called Apoptosis.

Apoptosis is essentially cell suicide. Through the span of a cell's life, it's going to be harmed. At the point when that harm crosses a limit, signals are sent to the phone that let it know, 'you’re never again be useful, and you better confer suicide for the more prominent benefit of the living being.' What's intriguing is that the most current research has demonstrated that it's the mitochondria that start that phone suicide program.

It's the mitochondria that get each one of those signs and decide if that limit has been achieved. It's additionally fascinating that if your mitochondria are broken, it probably won't have the capacity to comprehend those signs appropriately and not give the flag for apoptosis or cell death when it should happen.

Another important facet is that every one of those distinctive things that occur in the apoptosis course likewise requires a contribution of vitality. In this way, even though it may have the capacity to peruse the signs legitimately and give the flag that it's a great time to commit suicide if there's insufficient energy produce, defective cells will survive and multiple. The dysfunctional mitochondria are the basis behind what we know as cancer.

5 tips to Strengthen Your Mitochondria:

  1. Sun Exposure - Sunlight is one of the most powerful mitochondrial boosters for optimal wellness and wellness.

  2. Cold Thermogenesis - Daily cool showers, polar plunges, or cryotherapy are fantastic means to cool exposure.

  3. Periodic Intermittent Fasting - Studies have shown calorie limitation to enhanced mitochondrial function as well as increased longevity.

  4. Move Extra - The average American sits for 13 hours a day. Include the advised 8 hours of rest and we're inactive for 21/24 hrs. each day - almost 88% of our time. Mitochondria like exercise, activity, as well as movement. Feed your mitochondria as much movement as possible.

  5. Vitamins - These are the 5 natural supplements that boost mitochondrial function.

    a. BioPQQ (polyquinoline quinone)

    b. Magnesium Threonate

    c. B-Vitamins - especially nicotinamide (a form of Vitamin B-3)

    d. Nitric Oxide Boosters - L-Arginine and L-Citrulline

    e. Alpha-lipoic-Acid


Resources:

https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/02/25/mitochondria-facts.aspx

https://www.naturalstacks.com/blogs/news/supplements-that-support-healthy-mitochondrial-function

https://www.naturalstacks.com/blogs/news/5-ways-to-improve-your-health-by-boosting-mitochondria


The 5 Things I Do Every Weekend to Stay Healthy All Week

Staying healthy all week takes some planning, and what I’ve learned is that if I don’t have a plan and schedule the whole week goes haywire. One of my favorite quotes that I find so true is “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Benjamin Franklin. I want to be successful in my health journey and I’m sure you do too, so let’s make a plan. Here I talk about the 5 things I do every weekend to ensure my success for the week.

1. Routine

Routine is everything because the body strives on regularity and structure, especially if your main goal is weight loss. If you have a structured schedule on weekdays and then everything goes haywire on the weekend your body will pay for it. For instance, if you are eating healthy planned meals during the week and then you go crazy on fast food, sugar, and alcohol on the weekend you will wake up Monday morning feeling sick and 3-4 pounds heavier than the week before. Talk about making yourself feel bad. To avoid this, think of how you want to feel on Monday morning, and what steps you need to take to create that good feeling, and then do that!

If you want success with your weight loss and to wake up Monday morning with a flat tummy with no weight gain follow your same structure as you do during the week. Some examples are, eat at the same times on the weekend as you do during the week, stay hydrated and drink all your water, get 8 or more hours of sleep and if you missed any of your workouts during the week make sure to get it in on the weekend. I’ve been doing this for many years and one of the most important things I’ve learned is that “winners are made on the weekend”.

2. Meal Planning and Shopping for The Week

Every Saturday I plan my meals for the next week, make a grocery list and head to the store. I like to shop at Costco for the most part since I can buy in bulk and save money. It’s important to buy organic veggies, fruit, and meat since these are free from pesticides and added hormones our bodies should not be consuming. If you have a local farmers market get your fruit and veggies there. Strive to get fresh foods that are in season. If possible buy local eggs, meats, such as chicken, pork, and beef.

3. Advance Prep for The Week

When I return from the grocery store I clean, cut, and measure out the veggies, and make my salads for the entire week. I have individual containers for salads and meals. If I have time on Saturday I will cook all my meat and/or recipes and divide them up into their individual containers with the veggies and carbs. It works best if I shop on Saturday and cook everything on Sunday. If you are working an 8 to 5 job you will want to have your meals ready and with you all day. Having your food with you and eating on a regular schedule will avoid blood sugars from dropping so you don’t eat unhealthy fast foods that put on weight.

4. Pack Your Gym Bag the Night Before

Sunday evenings I make sure my gym bag has everything I need for my Monday workout. I keep certain things in my bag at all times such as toiletries. I always have my headphones in my bag and charged up every weekend. I have my workout gloves and straps in my gym bag at all times. I put out my workout pants, top, shoes and socks so I don’t have to think about it the next morning. It’s there ready for me to put on and head out the door. Or if you are heading to the gym after work you’ll have your gym bag packed and waiting in your car, no excuses, you’ve already planned for it.

5. Gym Schedule

I always have my workout times scheduled on my calendar. Every Sunday I look it over to make sure there is nothing that will get in the way of my workouts for the week. If it’s on your schedule you can arrange everything else around it. If someone wants you to comment to something else during that time simply tell them you don’t have that time available and inform them of another time you do have available. Don’t let others dictate your schedule.

Final word, these five simple things I do every weekend might seem basic but they are important for your success if you want to make progress. Most people fall off the wagon on the weekends and never hit their goals. Being and staying healthy is a lifestyle. Give it 100% for 21 days and I promise you will feel better than you have felt in years.

5 Tips for Better Sleep & Recovery

Sufficient and quality sleep is one of the most important, and sadly ignored, elements of a sound mind and body. We could spend so much time and energy on our physical conditioning, nutrition, and social-emotional sides of our lives and totally bypass among the columns of health and wellness.

We often fall into the trap of prior sleep to “get more done.” Nevertheless, it’s important to try to at least improve your sleep quality, through whichever means you deem appropriate.

In this article, I’ll discuss some of my favorite tips for optimizing your sleep habits, you will learn what deep sleep is, why it’s so important; and how you can improve your sleep over time.

1.    Adjust When You Exercise

Surprisingly, the time of day that you exercise may have a significant impact on how well you sleep; furthermore, the moment you exercise could influence various elements of sleep. For instance, how long it takes to go to sleep as well as just how you remain asleep throughout the night.

When a person exercises in the morning, they have less trouble falling asleep. Interestingly, regardless of the training time, exercise reduced the number of times you woke up at night. Basically, this detail leads us in conclusion that workout in fact favorably influence sleep. In addition, depending upon your sleep issue, the time you workout may have a considerable impact.

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2.    Say Bye Bye to your Gizmo’s

As the reason coincides-- the "blue light" emitted from digital displays (including TVs, computers, and phones) hinders the body's natural manufacturing of melatonin. This makes sleep-- and definitely deep sleep-- much less achievable.

The earlier you quit utilizing these blue light displays the better, as there light has actually been shown to subdue melatonin for approximately 3 hours.

If you're anything like the majority of people living in the modern world, stepping far from all digital gadgets 3 hours before bed may help enhance sleep considerably. 

3.    Build A Regular Rhythm

Interestingly, our bodies have a biological rhythm, which manages almost every function in the body, from when you wake, to when you like to exercise and go to bed. Additionally, most hormonal output pertaining to these occasions also happens on a rhythm. For instance, did you know that your body releases cortisol in the early morning, which ultimately causes you to wake and prepare for the day?

Ends up, this is an important part of your body clock. Melatonin, as I mentioned earlier, is additionally a regulatory authority of your circadian rhythm. Having irregular and/or short amount of time to fall asleep is among the significant concerns pounding our melatonin manufacturing.

Keep in mind that your body does not quit on the weekends. Whenever possible, I recommend attempting to keep your routine of sleeping and waking, whenever feasible, even on the weekend breaks. However, make sure it’s quality sleep for 8 hours. 

4.     Why is Deep Sleep So Important?

Naturally, most of us want to rest better, but those that are working to improve their efficiency and preparedness throughout the day know that the Holy Grail is improving our quantity of deep sleep.

Not to get as well technical, yet deep rest, or the last of NREM (or non-REM) sleep, is the moment when your brain waves are at their lowest frequency and you are at your hardest to wake up. Deep sleep is the moment when our bodies are working hardest to recuperate, reinforcing our minds and fixing our bodies from the previous day's physical effort. It's no surprise that individuals who typically state they're well rested have shown that they have had high-quality deep rest.

5.    Stay consistent!

One of the most common triggers for severe muscle soreness is an exercise that is different from what you are accustomed to! Regardless of the amount of weight lifted, repetitions performed, types of exercises used and so on, if the exercise stress is relatively new to you, you will likely be quite sore. The best way to combat this is by staying consistent with your workout routine. Even the most intense of exercise sessions can be adapted to and recovered from using the strategies above, as long as you STAY CONSISTENT. Without consistency, you can do everything else right and still be extremely sore the days following a workout. 


Why Autophagy is Important and Why You Need to Stimulate It

Good news there's a little-known approach your body does to clean itself from damage and free radicals. It's a process you can tap into that accelerates self-eating.

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Wait What?...

Yes, you could truly train your body to eat itself - and believe it or not, you should want and need it.

It's a natural process called Autophagy meaning “self-eating”, the body’s system of cleaning house. Explained in easier terms, it a cellular cleansing process that removes toxins within the cells and repairs dead, infected, damaged cells left behind; swallowing up the weaker parts of the body, to make it stronger. This could also be called survival of the fittest. 

Autophagy makes us more efficient by getting rid of flawed parts, protecting us from many different cancers, as well as excessive weight gain, and diabetes. Autophagy is can also slow the aging process.  

When we’re younger our cells are vibrant and more efficient, and duplicating like crazy, but as we age our cells aren't duplicating as much and eventually we die. Now, since we are aging and starting to lose cells, we do need to make sure we become a lot more efficient at making the stronger cells even stronger and begin to increase, and we can do that with Autophagy. The benefits of enhancing this process is so the cells are stronger, which slows down the aging process, so we can live longer and feel more youthful without sickness. 

Another benefit is when Autophagy is working at an accelerated pace, we have high levels of Nero protection that’s occurring. Which means, intermittent fasting helps enhance cognitive function, which may help the brain to learn more easily. As brain cells become more powerful, it protects us from dementia and Alzheimer's. 

Now, I know you're asking yourself “how do I eat myself?” Well, I’m about to tell you. First, autophagy is a response to stress, but we want to utilize “good stressors” not bad ones. The good stressors are things like exercise and intermittent fasting. Let’s take a look at these:

1.    Exercise

Exercise puts stress on the body, however, this is the good stress. Exercise damages your muscle tissue, and it creates little microscopic tears that the body then rushes to heal, this creates more muscle mass and resistant to any more damage you might place it through.

Regular exercise is a natural way you can help your body to cleanse. That must be why we feel so refreshed and stress free after a good hard workout.

2.    Intermittent Fast

Ironically for people who "cleanse" by drinking juice (which can be high in sugar), the act of eating actually works against autophagy. Skipping meals can lead to another stressful act that the body may not immediately love but ultimately take advantage of.

Intermittent fasting is a term that involves time-restricted eating. There are many different ways to do this but if you’re a woman you’ll have to consider hormones will play into what you can do. Start with a 12 hour fast and see how your body feels, and build up from there. Autophagy starts at 16 hours and becomes more powerful between 24-48 hours for the best effects. You might consider trying your first fast starting at 7 pm and then fast until 7 am the next morning. 

3.    Reduce Your Intake of Carbs

Reducing the amount of carbs in your diet will induce autophagy. It may be hard to make drastic changes to your diet all at once, so slowly work yourself into it. Try one of these ideas to start with, and then implement more of them as you are able.

Simply cutting carbs on odd days, or two days with carbs and two days without carbs has been shown to increase autophagy. Bodybuilders have been doing this to manipulate fat loss for years. However, there’s another way to get similar benefits without giving up your favorite rib eye, but you will need to stop eating sugar either way.

It is called a ketogenic diet, and it's an ever more preferred diet for anybody looking for a much longer lifespan and to help prevent health-related disease. The idea is to reduce carbs to 10% of overall calories so that the body has no choice but to use fat as a fuel source instead of glucose from carbs. This puts you in a ketosis, which induces autophagy. 

So, here's my own conclusion… Regular workout, as well as occasional carbohydrate restriction, carry mountains of advantages in addition to their likely impact on autophagy. The very best that may happen is a stronger, leaner, as well as cleaner body. That's our type of cleansing.

References

1) 10-5-16 How autophagy could lead to a cure for cancer and spell the end of diabetes:
https://www.wired.co.uk/article/autophagy-cells-explained
2) 5-24-15 Autophagy https://theartofmed.wordpress.com/2015/05/24/autophagy/
3) 8-16-10 Fasting increases circulating levels of several neurotrophic factors
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.4161/auto.6.6.12376
4) Exercise induces autophagy in peripheral tissues and in the brain
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3463459/

Do Emotional Eaters Have BusyBody Problems?

Something to think about, busybodies are commonly driven by excellent intentions yet they're driven by subconscious reasons.

Are you wondering if you're a BusyBody or have BusyBody patterns?

Let’s explore the following 3 scenarios below:

The Caretaker

You are very in harmony with people in demand. You really feel good being mama duck, seeing to your little ducklings are done in a row, right where you desire them, where their more than happy and secure.

Have you ever tried to change a person to the way you think they should be? Have you ever felt aggravated that people didn't do exactly what you asked, as well as resisted you and challenge you?

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The Rescuer

You really feel you must step in, save the day, take control of the circumstance. Have you ever felt pain because the person you're aiming to aid, kindly or not-so-kindly informed you to butt out? Do you consistently do your kids' homework, and/or make the last-minute drive to school if they have forgotten their homework at home? Then to end up with youngsters that anticipate you to be the homework fairy?

The Do-Gooder

You volunteer when you should not, then it makes you feel resentful and stressed. Have you ever before seemed like an overloaded and stressed out martyr due to the fact that you realize far too late that you've taken on to much? No one else is raising their hand, and the worry falls on your shoulders.

I don't imply to suggest that aiding is a bad thing. We are hard-wired to help each other and also, it's a natural element of being a person. The problems arise when individuals attempt to aid all the time, further effecting our own quality of life or ability to care for ones health.

Do  scenarios like these lead you right to the refrigerator? You can get out of the busybody trap and get your life back.

Why it's very easy to fall into the busybody trap

Two reasons people become busybodies:

Control or lack thereof. Psychological eaters are usually controlled freaks since we feel out of control ourselves. Going a bit deeper, the ego should be in control; as well as the ego always must be right.

Everyone enjoys the thrill of stepping in and saving the day ... however, ego is hard-headed. Vanity drives to take over so you can be smarter/wiser/stronger and more in control compared to others, however, that commonly backfires when people see you as a hard-headed know-it-all.

Disturbance. Concentrating on other people's problems additionally offers an effective distraction from our own issues, feelings, truth, as well as thoughts. It's uncomfortable to encounter our own stuff as well as easier to hide behind other individuals’ troubles.

Here are 5-steps to stop the BusyBody and take your life back:

1.       Never say yes until you take the time to think about. Tell the person that is asking you will have to get back to them. Give yourself at least one day to consider and think about what you will be sacrificing in your own life. Can you really afford the added time, effort, and stress? Constantly saying "I'll do it" at your own expenditure causes stress that creates emotional eating. Help only when it feels great to assist! Otherwise, say no. There are others that could do it!

2.       Inform on your own, "Not my apes, not my circus!" There are circuses taking place all around you. You have an option whether you enter the ring or otherwise. Dramatization = anxiety. You meddle, feelings get harmed (they probably really did not desire you to butt in but were too respectful to claim so), as well as you pacify with food.

3.       Ask yourself, "What landed me in this situation?" if you're already in a situation that's backfiring. The response is always, "I got myself in this situation." Taking responsibility requires you to be extra familiar with your choice, as well as prevent you from making it again.

4.       Say no more often ... to yourself. Tell yourself, it's fine not to butt in. People are who they are. You cannot change them. If you're doing your children' homework, remind yourself, homework aids children to the discovery of the subject. It additionally shows them self-control, obligation, and most importantly, effects. Real life is an extreme area for any individual that is used to being rescued!

5.       Do not handle other people's problems. Rather than having compassion as well as attempting to take care of the scenario for them, show concern, but urge them to fix their own situations. Empower them, do not be superior to them, and don't drain yourself aiming to help.

Being a busybody is ineffective. It can damage connections, destroy your health, trash your state of mind, and prevent you from enjoying life.

When you start to see when you're stepping into scenarios that have absolutely nothing to do with you, you reduced your anxiety as well as reduced your yearnings.

The biggest obstacle is recognizing when to say no to others as well as to yourself. Push away the discomfort and focus on improving yourself. Making this adjustment may be some work, but it will instantly minimize weight on your mind ... and also your body! I assure!

If you desire different results in your life, you'll have to take different actions. This can be an exciting adventure if you choose. 


Wake Up! Your Walking Workout!

Walking is one of the easiest and best kinds of workouts. Walking uses your whole body, calls for zero equipment or unique gear, could happen just about anywhere, is easy on your joints, and involves an impact which is terrific for your bones. So, why aren't you walking?

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Many people incorrectly assume since walking is reduced effect and simple, that it cannot possibly be as valuable. But, the reality is the benefits of strolling opponent to doing nothing has its advantages:

Advantages Consist of:

  • lower high blood pressure,

  • decreased danger of stroke,

  • lowered threat of cardiovascular disease,

  • reduced cholesterol,

  • rise in bone thickness, and

  • raised sense of well-being

  • mental and physical benefits

  • your clothes will get a little looser

  • your legs will look great

Walking can be an excellent weight-loss tool, in addition to a reliable approach for boosting your health and fitness. However, since it's much less literally demanding compared to several other tasks, you will require a couple of strategies to obtain the outcomes you want.

Make sure you continue to get results by mixing things up. Change up your pace by walking at a faster pace for 1-2 minutes and then a moderate pace for 2 minutes. If you're going slower, you could go farther. As well as, if you're walking much faster, you can minimize the distance. To keep your body stimulated for fat loss, mix it up!

Discover a hillside (or two!)

Hills are a terrific means to enhance your intensity without having to walk faster OR longer. As well as, hillsides will certainly recruit your heart rate a bit differently than flat terrain, which will boost fat burning effects at a higher level.

Gain a little weight (not really!)

Adding extra weight to your walking exercise is an easy method to challenge yourself at the next level. While you could have seen individuals sporting hand or ankle weights while walking in your area, weighted vests are a much safer method to burn extra added calories.

The vest evenly distributes weight naturally as to not alter the means you stroll.

Get innovative

Spice up your strolling routine by including added workouts in the process. See a park bench on your path? Stop and do a set of push-ups or triceps dips. Discover a collection of staircases? Playground? Why not jump on the swing, hang from a bar, or any of the various other fun activities that offer themselves.

Need more ideas? Try this walking workout

Walking Circuit Workout – 45 minutes

  • 5 minute walk – warm-up

  • 2 minutes jog

  • 1 minute walking lunges

  • 2 minute walk

  • 2 minute jog

  • 20 traveling lateral skip squats – 10 each side

  • 2 minute walk

  • Continue sequence until you reach 45 minutes

If you start on a regular routine you are more likely to add other healthy behaviours. So, lace up those tennis shoes and go out there!

5 HEALTH BENEFITS OF REGULAR EXERCISE

Modern lifestyle habits and choices can come with consequences, especially when we are inactive and not aware of healthy nutrition habits. What happens is our bad habits eventually catch up with us and affects our quality of life. Which we can pretty much count on if we don’t take care of ourselves. Our bodies are not meant to be inactive and need regular physical activity to continue to function correctly.

Maintaining overall functional strength is important so that the nervous system and musculature system can communicate and produce optimal movement. When there are muscle imbalance it can lead to common injuries such as ankle sprains, tendonitis, and low-back plan. Physical exercise provides so many benefits, five which are below:

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Cardiovascular benefits

Regular cardio has a profound result on your heart's wellness. Post-exercise your high blood pressure is decreased and this decreases the stress and anxiety on your arteries as well as capillaries, where oxygen, nutrients, and wastes are exchanged. It additionally prevents your arteries from accumulating plaque and ensures a healthy flow of blood throughout your body in addition to decreasing the dangers of a stroke.

Increases resistance versus chronic health problems

Type 2 diabetes is a problem that causes higher levels of blood glucose, and your body doesn’t use insulin properly. This is called insulin resistance. You can reverse type 2 diabetes by losing weight through exercise and changing your nutrition to mostly whole natural foods. People with type 2 diabetes, have a shorter life expectancy of about 10 years

Helps control weight

Keeping a healthy weight as well as BMI is not possible with a sedentary lifestyle. Reducing body fat and weight can be done by burning more calories than you consume. Exercise, if integrated with an appropriate nutrition plan, aids to burn excess calories and build muscle mass, which in return speeds up metabolism. This consequently will allow you to continually improve physically while maintaining a healthy body mass.

Enhances your mood

Your body releases endorphins after a workout as these are the body's all-natural painkillers. They also significantly improve your mood as well as induce positive emotions and euphoria. Studies have shown that exercise has helped many individuals suffering from depression. It also helps boost confidence, takes your mind off worries, and cope with many everyday situation in a healthy way.  I encourage you to take advantage of the mood-enhancing effects of a workout.

Develops the mind

The routine workout has a positive impact on your cognitive abilities and avoids your neurons from degenerating. Researches have shown that normal workout causes the hippocampus to increase in size. The hippocampus is responsible for verbal memory as well as learning. Exercise additionally promotes the release of chemicals called growth aspects. These oversee the health and wellness and development of the cells in your brain.

Your body is like a well developed machine that needs to be maintained, just like your car. The human body will break down or have permanent damage if it’s neglected and continually given cheap fuel. To function properly it needs routine and to be cared for effectively. Take action today, change your lifestyle, and you’ll find exercise offers many benefits way beyond just feeling better.


Hydration And How Crucial It Is For Your Health

Water affects every organ and cell within your body. You may not have known this, but water even plays an enormous role in the health of your back and spine.

Most of us associate dehydration—when more water is moving out of our body than we are taking in—with muscle cramps, fatigue, and extreme thirst. Indeed, these are just some of the consequences of subpar hydration. But, did you know that dehydration affects your brain as well?

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Our brain is made up of around 73% water. If we don’t keep up with our water intake, especially in hot weather or while exercising, our thinking and cognition can suffer. In one study, adolescents who exercised for 90 minutes to a state of dehydration experienced significant shrinking of brain tissue, much like a sponge left out to dry.

Make sure you drink enough

Recommendations vary depending on weight, age, and activity level but an easy one to remember is 8x8, or 8 glasses of 8 ounces of water each day. You can also divide your weight in pounds by 2 and drink that number in ounces. For example, a 130-pound female would need 65 ounces (135/2) of water per day. Many experts recommend drinking to thirst—if you are thirsty, drink!

Mental benefits

Not only does staying hydrated help balance your mood by aiding in body regulation and brain function, but it also offers some big-time benefits for your memory. Yep, it’s true. Proper hydration can help improve the flow of both blood and oxygen to your brain, ultimately helping strengthen cognitive function and memory.

Fighting fatigue

 The equation here is a simple one—a well-hydrated body is a well-energized body. Combine that with the fact that hydration can also contribute to better sleep, and you may be able to kiss the need for that regular cup of joe each morning goodbye. (Sip mindfully as you enter the evening hours, though, since consuming liquids too close to bedtime could leave you running for the bathroom in the middle of the night).

Maximize Physical Performance

If we do not stay hydrated, physical performance can suffer. This is particularly important during intense exercise or high heat. Dehydration can have a noticeable effect if you lose as little as 2 percent of your body’s water content. However, it is not uncommon for athletes to lose up to 6-10 percent of their water weight via sweat.

This can lead to altered body temperature control, reduced motivation, increased fatigue and make exercise feel much more difficult, both physically and mentally.

Optimal hydration has been shown to prevent this from happening, and may even reduce the oxidative stress that occurs during high intensity exercise. This is not surprising when you consider that muscle is about 80 percent water.

How to Tell if You're Dehydrated

·       Your pee will be dark in color (resembling apple juice)

·       You may feel nauseous and experience fatigue

·       You might cramp up, lose focus, and feel groggy

·       You stop sweating

Hydration is also important for health reasons

Dehydration can cause a dangerous imbalance in blood-sodium and fluid levels, which can lead to serious illness and even death.

The risks are heightened in extremely warm weather. If you're training outside in the heat, make sure to take in extra fluids to keep your body temperature down and prevent cramping.

Water is truly the elixir of life. As you experience all the wonderful milestones of summer, remember to drink plenty of water and eat a diet rich in hydrating whole fruits and vegetables to keep you going strong all summer long. Your body (and mind) will thank you!


Practicing Self-Care & Fitness Has It's Benefits

Practicing Self-Care & Fitness Has It's Benefits - By Guest Writer Sheila Olson

As we grow up, we pick up the belief that the greater the sacrifice you make, the greater the reward.  While working hard is essential for achieving your goals in life, the big question is when is how much striving too much? For many people, accomplishing their ambitions comes at the cost of their health. Self-care can help you regain balance in your life.

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Practicing self-care offers numerous mental, physical, emotional, and psychological benefits including:

•           Boosts your self-esteem and confidence

•           Helps you maintain healthy relationships

•           Relieves stress

•           Promotes focus, creativity, clarity, and productivity.

•           Improves your outlook on life

•           Promotes mental health

•           Builds resilience and problem-solving ability

•           Cultivates peace, calm and happiness in your life

The importance of fitness to your self-care routine?

Fitness helps you build strength and boosts your vitality to enable you to perform your daily tasks optimally. Exercising detoxifies your body and aids in maintaining a healthy weight, lowering your risk of diseases such as cancer, hypertension, diabetes and heart diseases.

People in recovery stand to benefit significantly by including exercise into their lives. Studies show that exercising lowers stress levels while producing feel-good hormones. The feel-good hormones provide a natural high while the reduced stress levels reduce the urge to use drugs. Some people in recovery pursue exercise and sports as a means of self-actualization which keeps their minds occupied, gives them a sense of accomplishment, and boosts their self-esteem.

Incorporate fitness into your life

Identify an exercise you enjoy such as jogging, walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, boxing, hiking, aerobics, dancing, and weight training among others. Start exercising 20 minutes a day for 3-5 days a week and increase frequency, intensity, and length of time as your body becomes stronger. Incorporate self-care in your fitness routine by eating healthy whole foods and hydrating adequately. Also, avoid overtraining, and warm up and cool down for at least 10 minutes per session.

Integrating other self-care practices

Initially, it may feel like self-care is taking up too much time on your already busy schedule, or that it is selfish. Start out with smaller time-frames and build up gradually. The idea is to commit every day to do something that nurtures you, even if it is for five minutes. Self-care takes being deliberate and not making excuses.  Some days it will be easy to get in the flow, other days it may feel like a lot of work. Either way, keep showing up.

Occasionally take time out to just breath and literally smell the roses. Take morning or evening walks in nature. Every so often allocate time for a bubble bath, massage or a facial. Plan and begin saving up for that vacation you have been intending to take.

Create an end of the day ritual whereby 30 minutes before your bedtime, turn off all the electronics, dim the lights, and get in bed. Take a few deep breaths and allow your body to ease tension. Identify at least three things in your life or the day that you are grateful for. You may make a mental note of them or actually note them down in your journal. Allow yourself to lay relaxed, aware of your body until you drift away to sleep.

There will always be a new goal for you to pursue and things to do. Self-care may mean the difference between whether you go through life overloaded with stress, or with ease. Do not wait until the damage of neglecting yourself is done, take charge of your life now and find ways you can nurture your body, mind, and spirit.

Photo credit: Unsplash

BENEFITS OF WEIGHT-LOSS

Sandy Hancock

It's talked about often that losing weight “feels great.” Many assume that this feeling arrives after months of sweat and determination. However, as soon as you start to incorporate a healthy lifestyle of whole foods and exercise you will feel a change. Your energy will start to soar. Your mood will improve and you will find yourself having feelings of happiness and self-worth. You may be able to get off some medications due to weight-loss, you'll spend less on health care, and your risk of cancer and diabetes will be lower. Then one day you will find your skinny jeans fit perfectly. And while, there is an incredible sense of accomplishment when you do reach a milestone goal, there is real happiness on your daily journey. Let me explain.

Your body is incredibly responsive. We heal from sickness. We feel energy from a great workout. Our minds feel the endorphins of exercise and positive thinking. As soon as you begin to give your body what it’s meant to receive, nutrition, hydration, activity, and self-love, it responds almost immediately. You feel light, energy, and power. And, you physically begin to FEEL a change.

If you want weight-loss, to feel energetic and empowered here's a few tips that can help you get started.

Feel Hydrated

Getting plenty of water promotes weight loss, increased energy, relieves fatigue, flushes out toxins, improves complexion and boosts the immune system, just to name a few. Your stomach will feel slimmer since it can digest food easier and staying hydrated helps you avoid headaches. Plus, water doesn't add a single calorie! Aim to drink 3 liters to 1 gallon of water every day.

Feel Energetic

Feeling more energetic only takes a few daily changes. Those changes are sleep, eating enough to fuel your day, and exercising regularly. Eating whole foods throughout the day and keeping sugar intake low gives you immediate energy. By five o’clock you'll either be sluggish from sugar or you’ll be actively engaged in your evening events. Exercise release endorphins, which is a hormone secreted within the brain and nervous system that causes an euphoric effect, making you happy with more energy. Sleep helps weight-loss, memory, problem solving, concentration, and energy. Studies show that the best amount is at least 7 hours.

Feel Empowered

One of the greatest feelings in the world is progressing towards a goal! Each and every day that you follow a diet of whole foods and exercise, you are taking a step (or two or three) forward. Your mind is incredibly powerful. Some of my clients have allowed themselves years of negative self-talk. It’s dark, damaging, and hurtful. However, just a few days of healthy eating and exercise quickly reverses that negativity. If you are mindful you will notice these changes. Light immediately penetrates darkness. You feel hopeful, excited, and CAPABLE of reaching your goals. And, if any thread of discouragement returns, you can quickly replace that fear with positive affirmations and acknowledge that you are on your own path of success.

If you begin enjoying the benefits of healthy nutrition and exercise on a daily basis. You’ll immediately fall in love with the way you FEEL!


PAPER TOWEL THEORY

I recently read this weight loss analogy that I found so intriguing and motivating I thought I should share. I hope you find this helpful in your weight loss journey! 


By: Bob White

Let's assume you go out and buy two rolls of paper towels, each with only 84 paper towels on it (one for each day of the challenge). You put one aside, and keep it for future reference (your before picture).

The other one represents you (I'll call your paper towel you Ed). The core represents the lean Ed. The towels represent the fat that is covering the lean Ed. For the sake of argument, let's say that Ed wants to lose 21 pounds of fat, so (84/21) each sheet represents a quarter-pound of fat lost. Let's also assume that Ed loses his fat equally during each day of the challenge.

Each day during the first week, you tear a sheet off of Ed, representing the fat he has lost for the day. Next, you put Ed next to the full roll ('Big Al') for comparison. No noticeable difference!!! Even at the end of the week! This can't be working for me!

But, being a good Ed, you continue to follow Body-for-LIFE. At the end of weeks two and three, you continue to compare Ed to Big Al, and still notice very little difference. That stinkin' Bill Phillips MUST be a liar!

But Ed is determined! He works hard! Hitting his 10's.eating his 6 daily meals. Three more weeks go by, the sheets peeling off day after day before Ed gets up the courage to stand next to Big Al again. Holy Myoplex! Ed is skinny! OK, not skinny, but less huge!!!

By the end of the 12-week Body-for-LIFE program, Ed is down to his lean dream, or somewhere near it. Ed is happy. We are happy. Big Al - well he's not so happy.

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The lesson to be learned is that fat, like paper towels, comes off in sheets. When you are heavy, you are big around. And when you are big around,that fat is spread over a MUCH larger area - just like that outside towel sheet. The closer you get to the lean you, the more each lost pound of fat shows, because it is spread over a smaller area.

While the outside sheet may only cover 1 layer of the roll, the inside sheet may go around 4 times. That last sheet looks like it gives you 4 times the results of the first sheet, but in reality, the results are the same - your perception is just different! And you'll never see the inside, if you aren't patient while the outside is coming off!


If you’re passionate about taking your health and fitness to the next level but aren’t sure where to start, send me a message for a FREE consultation. You can save 10% by mentioning you found me through this article.


Meditation, Yoga, and Aging

No matter how old you are and what healthy habits you have, meditation and yoga are great additions to a healthier and longer life. Both are ancient practices that can provide health benefits in many ways. Tai Chi, among other healing arts, can help in slowing down the aging process. Thus, both meditation and yoga are simple techniques that should be practiced on a daily basis in order to attain a youthful and healthy lifestyle. 

People have been meditating for thousands of years. But while the practice is not new, science is just catching up to its benefits. Recent studies show meditation and mindfulness can have a positive impact on stress, anxiety, focus, creativity and even relationships. The calming benefits of meditation are helpful in keeping the mind from wandering while also reducing stress. Here are some amazing benefits of meditation:

 

1.      Lowers stress and anxiety

The discipline of meditating can lead to an increase of positive thoughts in the brain and lower susceptibility to stress. Meditation is not only associated with feeling less stressed, but it’s also linked with decreased levels of stress hormone cortisol. 

2.      Changes the brain

A meditation technique can actually result in brain changes that may be protective against mental illness. The meditation practice was linked with increased signaling connections in the brain, called axonal density, as well as increased protective tissue (myelin) around the axons in the anterior cingulate brain region.

3.      Lowers depression

Those who are at especially high risk for depression may benefit from some mindfulness meditation. Teaching people of all ages how to practice mindfulness on a daily basis could help them experience less stress, anxiety and depression.

4.      Supports your weight-loss goals

Trying to shed a few pounds to get to a healthier weight? Mindfulness could be your best friend. Meditation training was considered an “excellent” or “good” strategy for weight loss by seven out of 10 psychologists in one related survey.

5.      Helps you sleep better

Meditation can not only help us better control our emotions and moods, but it can also help us sleep better at night. People who reported higher levels of mindfulness described better control over their emotions and behaviors during the day. In addition, higher mindfulness was associated with lower activation at bedtime, which could have benefits for sleep quality and future ability to manage stress.

Meditation

Yoga, on the other hand, is said to be more physical than spiritual. The practice can involve breathing meditation and some consider it to be a spiritual discipline as well. Despite living in times when scientific medicine was not as developed as today, many yogis have lived past 100 years of age. Yogis have been incredibly healthy individuals who were in better shape at age 80 than many people at age 40, which only proves beneficial effects of yoga. The regular exercise that yoga practice provides helps maintain muscle strength as well as bone density, flexibility of the joints and balance. Yoga exercises can also improve respiratory and circulatory health while reducing stress and anxiety. Spending an hour a day on yoga is sure to promote a healthier life.

Meditation and yoga are simple practices that should be essential part of your daily routine. The best times to meditate are first thing in the morning and just before you go to bed at night. Prepare to start the day with calm self and clear thoughts. At night, relax and anticipate a good night’s rest. Incorporate these highly beneficial techniques and you’ll see the results in no time. 

Ultimately -- 
YOU HAVE TO MAKE A CHOICE!
That is the first secret.

If you make the right choice, you can look forward to a younger, more confident, and happier you

WHY EXERCISE RECOVERY DAYS ARE NECESSARY

If you’re a fitness addict or even just super motivated to create your dream body, it can be easy to over do it at the gym. Rest days are just as important as the days you train. Not giving your body planned recovery days could turn into fatigue, pain in your muscles and joints, headaches or insomnia, muscle injury, and much more. Overtraining actually works against you and might end up setting you back in the long run. We salute your dive and dedication but being dedicated to having a healthy body and achieving your fitness goals encompasses more than killing yourself at the gym. Recognize and respect the importance of rest + recovery.

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Next time you’re mapping out your fitness schedule by yourself or with a trainer make it a priority to schedule rest days as part of the plan. Still not sure? Here are a few reasons why recovery days are an essential part of your fitness journey:

  • Muscle Repair - While working out you’re essentially breaking down muscle tissue. After your workout, your body repairs and replaces damaged muscle fibers through a cellular process where it fuses muscle fibers together to form new muscle protein strands. Therefore, planning 1-2 days off a week will give your body the recovery it needs for repair. For instance, one way to do this is to break it up during the week by taking Wednesday’s and Sunday’s off. Some like to get their training completed during the week and then taking the weekend off to be with their families. Choose what is best for your lifestyle and schedule. Give your body and muscles a chance to recover and go through the healing process that builds new muscle fibers and ultimately sculpts the body you’re working toward.

  • Meal Prep Time - In today’s fast paced world it’s necessary to plan time to get everything done. Look at your days off as an opportunity to be productive on the food front. Food is just as important, if not more, as the time you put in at the gym, and making sure meals are on point is crucial. Schedule it on your calendar and use your days off to prep your meals in advance. Be prepared no matter what comes at you during the week, you can grab your tupperware and go. You can also use that extra day off to re-evaluate your meal plan all together. What’s working, what’s not? Looking at your nutrients and how your body is being impacted by them is a great way to put your rest day to work to meet your fitness goals.

  • Mental Check-In - Your mind set also plays a huge role in your results and overall experience as you journey your way to your fitness goals. Ever heard of coaches urging their players to “have their head in the game?” well, if you’re not mentally there it’s not going to yield the results you want. Take rest days as the opportunity to seriously check in with yourself spiritually, emotionally, and truthfully. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Do you need an accountability partner?

Figure out what you need to do for YOU so you can succeed and feel positive about yourself right now and tomorrow. A balanced schedule with days scheduled off will help you focus on the things that will keep you on track while on your training days. 

4 Cheats To Make Going to the Gym Easier

Getting your butt to the gym isn’t always the easiest thing in the world. Sometimes the gym feels like it’s all the way in Narnia and getting there is beyond what you have left to give that day. It’s totally understandable… everyone has been there. But rest assured that over time it gets easier. Eventually seeing results becomes an addiction and the gym will be the best part of your day. But, we know that isn’t where people start. Generally most start out at the “the gym sounds far and hard” place. So here are 4 cheats to make going to the gym and working out easier:

Sandy Hancock

1. Affirm: Positive thinking can help you out during your journey. Which is why maintaining a positive attitude through the gains, drops and plateaus is essential. Ways to keep a positive attitude include: Writing down 3 positive affirmations about how you will benefit from your workout. For example, “I can handle any situation better after a good workout”, “I know every time I workout it will get easier”, “If I workout my health will get better and I will have more energy”.

Vision boards are another way to reinforce where you want to be. Support from friends and family will also help. Just remember to be gentle with yourself, we all have bad days. But don’t let the excuses stop your progress. Consistency is what will make the changes. Simply move forward and don’t give up.

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2. Reward Yourself: In order to train new behaviors we give our pets treats for a job well done. If you do well at work you get a raise. Good habits are always rewarded; and that makes you want to work harder and keep doing whatever got you the reward in the first place. So, use this age old tactic to build some positive habits of your own. Reward yourself in little ways every day, and in bigger ways every week, and even bigger ways every month. And, eventually it will become a positive habit. If you went to the gym that day give yourself an extra five minutes in the shower, if you went several times that week buy that new dress you had your eye on. And, if you were REALLY good for a year, take that dream vacation you’ve always wanted to go on… and look great on the beach!

3. Go With A Friend: Now it’s not just about you anymore. You’ve made a plan, a commitment to another person. That means you can’t back out, bailing isn’t really an option, and excuses are out the window. You wouldn’t want to disappoint a friend, right? Going with a friend creates a sense of accountability that’s beyond you and your desire to skip a workout. It’s about spending time with someone you care about; helping each other be the best version of yourselves you can be!

4. Switch It Up: Here you go again on your own, to the treadmill. Day in and day out. Variety is the spice of life, sister! Switching up your workout or trying something new is a great way to keep yourself motivated and start looking forward to a new workout. To continue to improve you will need to change things up every 4 to 6 weeks. That’s the amount of time the body starts to plateau. Plan on creating a new workout every 4 weeks.  

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The Benefits of Weight Training For Women

Exercising is extremely important for women, because the benefits far outweigh any other form of long-term weight-loss or ways to lead a healthy lifestyle. 

Weight training reason #1: Loss of body fat and increased muscle. Lean muscle increased metabolism, which in return keeps you lean.

Weight training reason #2: Decreases the risk of osteoporosis by increasing bone density.

Weight training reason #3: Helps you gain strength so you can stay active for a better quality of life.

Weight training reason #4: A strong body helps reduce the risk of injury and/or falls later in life. 

Weight training reason #5: Strengthens core and back to help reduce back pain and improves posture. A strong back helps keep shoulders back for proper posture as your age. 

Weight training reason #6: Research shows it can reduces the risk of heart disease by lowering bad cholesterol, increasing good cholesterol and lowering blood pressure. Research also indicates that weight training may reduces the risk of diabetes because it improves the way the body processes sugar, according to Dr. Barry A. Franklin, of William Beaumont Hospital.

Weight training reason #7: Improves attitude, mood and reduces stress and depression.

Regular workouts are beneficial for your body in many ways and should be a part of your daily routine. Before you start exercising, it is essential to make a workout plan and choose workouts that are appropriate for your level. However, many women don’t have a slightest idea, which exercises to choose, and how to perform them.

Below are some example exercise programs that include all the main body parts. These are simple exercises that you can do at home, while on a vacation or with friends, basically anywhere. But, before you start any training program, make sure you do an active warm up for 5-10 minutes and always check with your doctor before starting any new workout program.


Arms

Next to six-pack abs, one of the most attractive body parts is the arms. Being a workout pro or a beginner, it is that muscle group that almost every woman wants to perfect. There are many arm exercises that are great for both biceps and triceps. One of them is the exercise called standing bicep curls. In order to do this exercise you should choose a band, d-bells or barbell where you can get 12-15 reps with each set. All you have to do is stand with a band under both feet, keep knees slightly bent, core tight and chest lifted. Then, grip the handles and start doing a bicep curl. Squeeze your biceps and then lower holding the resistance for a count of three, repeat 12-15 times. After incorporating this arm exercise into your workout routine, you’ll be able to see a difference. 

Back and Chest

A strong and firm back creates beautiful posture. Who wouldn’t want that? With a few simple back and chest exercises, you’ll no longer be dreaming of it. An exercise called sitting rows will help you acquire that. All you have to do is sit on the floor with your legs straight, core tight and chest lifted. Grip the handles and start doing a row. You should keep the elbows close to the body for a better effect and repeat the exercise 12-15 times. For a beautiful and firm chest you can do an exercise that involves pushups on feet or knees. 

Shoulders

Want to take your shoulders to the next level? An exercise called Upright Rows will help you with that. The instructions are very clear and straightforward. Stand with the band under both feet, with your knees slightly bent, core tight and chest lifted. Then, cross the bands so you are holding them in opposite hands. Start doing an upright row by lifting with elbows first. Remember to bring the elbows to shoulder height so there is no shoulder impingement. You should repeat the exercise 12-15 times with every set.

Legs & Booty

Great legs and booty are the essence of a perfect physique. If you’ve been struggling to find an appropriate exercise for legs, here’s a perfect one. It’s called Squatted Band Walks and all you have to do is sit back on your heels in a squat position, keeping your chest lifted. With the left side being first, take a big step out to the side. Keeping the resistance tight in the band, continue until you reach 15-20 reps and then change the direction. So simple and yet so efficient!

Abs

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Oh, the abs. You don’t have to work your abs to exhaustion before you can carve out your abs. Instead, you can try out a few simple exercises that will get your abs to pop. There’s a really great one with a 6-8 lb. medicine ball and it goes like this – lie on the floor face up, put the ball between your legs. Bring your legs up meeting your hands and reach with the ball in your hands overhead while the legs go back down to the floor. You will find this exercise will do miracles!

Keeping your body fit can be challenging sometimes. However, these few simple exercises will help you get the physique you always wanted. You can even make an exercise plan and perform these body part workouts in 4 separate days. Grab a medicine ball, band, d-bells or barbell, always remember to warm up and you’re ready for some action. Your body will thank you later.

Ultimately -- 
YOU HAVE TO MAKE A CHOICE!
That is the first secret.

If you make the right choice, you can look forward to a younger, more confident, and happier you


Where the Mind Goes, the Body Follows

Where the mind goes, the body follows.

To achieve your fitness goals, making a lifestyle change is a must. However, this can be more difficult than we think. We must approach things differently to make a change, and I feel a mind transformation will create continued success. Like most decisions that are worthwhile, having a positive outlook changes all the possibility of success.

Here a helpful tips to guide you in your weight-loss journey.

 

 

1.      SUPPORT SYSTEM:
You don’t have to go on the journey alone. Surround yourself with people who encourage you to make positive changes. Your new, chosen lifestyle involves eating healthy and staying active. Thus the need to avoid people who influence you to stray from your diet plan or skip activities that help you stay fit.

2.      GET SPECIFIC:
Take the guesswork out of your progress by getting into the details and tracking your macronutrients. Make a list of foods to avoid; those that will not help you lose the body fat required to be healthy. Aside from tracking your macronutrients, be specific and determined when making your shopping list and meal plans. The same goes with your fitness or workout routine. When setting goals. set the time it will take you to achieve them as well.

3.      FACING A BIGGER PROBLEM:
Your choice to lead a more fit and healthy lifestyle is not a means for you to run away from your past. Decide to break the hold of a deeper issue. You have to resolve what happened in the past within yourself in order to move forward. Face issues that are holding you back so you can achieve what you are truly capable of. If you are having difficulty doing this on your own, consult a therapist or even a hypnotherapist.

4.      VERBAL POSITIVITY:
Surround yourself with positive affirmations. Believing that you can do what you set your heart to, is the first step in achieving your goals. Continue this positive streak, and you are more than halfway there.
Thinking negative thoughts is counterproductive. Realizing what goes on in your head is the first step in taking charge of your mind.
 
Occasionally, negative thoughts will creep through. Try to be aware of these times, and the things that trigger it. Take a journal with you and write these negative thoughts down. Do this for at least five days. At the end of which, read the entries you have written and replace them with positive ones. 
 
The body follows where the mind goes. 
 
The next time you find yourself thinking or saying negative things, stop yourself. After doing this repeatedly, the negative statements and feelings will be taken over by positive ones.
 
Pretty soon your life will fall in line with the positive thoughts you are saying, and good things will happen.

Ultimately -- 
YOU HAVE TO MAKE A CHOICE!
That is the first secret.

If you make the right choice, you can look forward to a younger, more confident, and happier you

  

5 HABITS OF ENERGETIC PEOPLE

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You know the kind of people who always seem to have boundless amounts of energy? Those who glow with vivaciousness? Those kinds of people have a few behavior habits in common that help them stay on top of their energetic game. It can be easy to assume they were born that way, and some were, but others have to work for high energy levels; for that beautiful breezy blush. Here are the secrets to putting an extra spring in your step (or another rep in your set!)

  1. Drink Your Water - Our bodies are made up of 55% water (or more based on gender) which is why it’s essential to hydrate. Your body uses water in all its cells, organs, and tissues to help regulate its temperature and maintain other bodily functions. And, one of those bodily functions is how energetic you look and feel. Some tricks to drink more water include: carry a gallon of water with you wherever you go. Invest in one of those fancy water bottles that automatically monitors how much you’ve had to drink that day. Find a water bottle with a motivational saying on it and bring it with you wherever you go.

  2. Eat Regular Meals - Skipping a meal means not fueling your body to perform at optimum energy levels. Additionally, it slows down your metabolism which encourages your body to gain extra weight. Some tricks to make every meal include: taking your food with you in tupperware wherever you go.

  3. Get Enough Sleep - Falling short on your sleep goals spells exhaustion, mind fog, and more the next day. Being vivacious isn’t easy if you’re continually running off of only a few hours of sleep a night. Give yourself a bedtime and stick to it with regularity to feel more energized on the daily. Tips to get more sleep include: setting an alarm on your phone for bedtime and having a rule no TV or computer pasted 9:00pm.

  4. Stay Positive - Laughter is the best medicine! No, really, it creates national endorphins that help your mood. But, we can’t be laughing all the time, and life can throw some serious curve balls. Learning how to keep our head above water is a wonderful life skill to hone. So to keep up with a positive attitude here are a few tips: write down positive affirmations, spend time with positive people, laugh more, and listen to positive music.

  5. They set realistic expectations with themselves and others - You’re going to feel totally drained if you’re continually trying to meet expectations that are above your capabilities or that you plain just don’t want to. Or, that aren’t fair to you that others have demanded. Say “no” to unrealistic expectations and “yes” to your own health. Say “yes” to giving yourself permission for stillness that empowers your soul.

4 Ways to Significantly Slow Down the Aging Process

4 Ways to Significantly Slow Down the Aging Process

1. Maintain a healthy diet
A healthy diet consists of recipes packed with the right amount of lean protein, leafy green vegetables, seafood, whole grains, fruits, and healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, and coconut oil. Remember to keep sugar to a minimum.  Incorporating these healthy foods, will not only keep you looking young and flatten your abs, but it will also give you that much needed energy to get through your day.

2. Stop smoking and drinking
Bad habits can sometimes be hard to break. But, if you succeed, it can have an incredible influence on your overall health and physique. Getting rid of alcohol will make your skin much healthier and younger, whereas quitting smoking will reduce the risk of lung cancer and aging skin. Bottom line, getting rid of these two bad habits will greatly benefit slowing down the natural aging process.

3. Pay Attention To Your Skin
The best thing you can do to slow down aging is to take care of your skin. Exposing your skin to the rays of sun too much can damage it, as well as enhance the process of aging. In order to protect it you should always apply sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses and drink plenty of water. A good moisturizer is important as well. 
I use Revision Skincare
1. D.E.J. Face cream  
2. D.E.J. Eye Cream  and
3. Nectifirm for a firm neck

4. Exercise Regularly
Actually, one of the best ways you can do in order to slow down the aging process is to get active. Exercise initiates psychological changes, increases your blood flow, and energy instantly goes to your brain and muscles. So, when you have regular exercise activities, your body will be able to retain energy for a lot longer and fight the aging process!


Now that I've shared this information with you, please don't feel overwhelmed. It's a simple process, just take it one step at a time. For more guidance in stopping the aging process, click here now

Ultimately -- 
YOU HAVE TO MAKE A CHOICE!
That is the first secret.

If you make the right choice, you can look forward to a younger, more confident, and happier you