Music Really makes a Difference
By Christina | November 18, 2008
As usual, on Tuesday I go to Cable Organizer for one of our bi-weekly workouts. Tuesdays we run three miles and then do some other type of exercise followed by a stretch. Yesterday Paul, our co-fearless leader, decided he wanted to do cardio because he had spent all weekend downloading music.
Now typically I would not think Paul the DJ extraordinaire so I was skeptical about what type of music he might play but of course always game for a challenge we popped in his IPHONE and got to “cardioing”. His music was outstanding. From one song to the next it just got better and better. I was blown away! Needless to say I am bringing him my IPOD to download the selection on Thursday.
It is amazing what a difference music makes in a workout. When you are inspired and motivated you workout harder, longer, better, faster, and stronger. Not everyone will find the same tunes have the same effect so the key is finding music that moves YOU.
Spend some time this weekend and get MOVING.
Need motivation to get fit? Read on…
By Christina | November 19, 2008
I was doing research to see how to assist people with their lack of motivation when it comes to getting in shape and just exercising in general and I was surprised at some of the things I found. Reading blogs with people’s ups and downs, trials and tribulations was one of the motivational tips. Hey, that’s great.. read my blogs!
In addition, there was read fitness magazines, look at fitness models, visualize a fitter you, reward yourself at the same goal achievements, enjoy the adrenaline rush, find a workout partner, hire a coach or trainer, keep a fitness log and take exercise classes. Read full entry »
Topics: General | No Comments »
Music Really makes a Difference
By Christina | November 18, 2008
As usual, on Tuesday I go to Cable Organizer for one of our bi-weekly workouts. Tuesdays we run three miles and then do some other type of exercise followed by a stretch. Yesterday Paul, our co-fearless leader, decided he wanted to do cardio because he had spent all weekend downloading music.
Now typically I would not think Paul the DJ extraordinaire so I was skeptical about what type of music he might play but of course always game for a challenge we popped in his IPHONE and got to “cardioing”. His music was outstanding. From one song to the next it just got better and better. I was blown away! Needless to say I am bringing him my IPOD to download the selection on Thursday.
It is amazing what a difference music makes in a workout. When you are inspired and motivated you workout harder, longer, better, faster, and stronger. Not everyone will find the same tunes have the same effect so the key is finding music that moves YOU.
Spend some time this weekend and get MOVING.
Topics: Fitness Tips | No Comments »
When Exercise Crosses the Line from Healthy to Compulsive
By Christina | November 17, 2008
I workout a lot. By many people’s standards I workout too much. I disagree with what people think, as I usually do, so I wanted to understand and write about what is the difference between compulsive exercise or obligatory exercise and just REALLY enjoying the activity.
Compulsive exercise is defined by an exerciser’s frame of mind. It isn’t about how long you workout but why. An addict does not choose to exercise but feels compelled to do so and struggles with guilt and anxiety if a workout is missed. For an addict, it doesn’t matter if there is an injury, illness, an outing with friends, or stormy weather, they will miss out on life to be able to workout. Exercise takes over a compulsive exerciser’s life because he or she plans life around it. Now there are some of you reading that might think you know an exercise addict but before you jump to conclusions, there are other reasons one might workout A LOT besides addiction. Read full entry »
Topics: General | No Comments »
Is the BOSU Balance Trainer worth the investment?
By Christina | November 16, 2008
I have been using the BOSU for a few years and I love this piece of equipment. It’s portable and versatile - it can be used as a bench, step, and core trainer all in one. It can be used for everything from sports drills to cardio workouts.
BOSU stands for both sides up which means it can be used with either side facing up and each side provides a completely different workout. There is a rounded dome like half ball and a hard flat surface that is equally unstable but in a very different way.
Benefits:
- This is a unique way to train for strength and balance which is great for the stabilizers in the legs
- All ages can use it; it’s great for beginners, athletes, young and old
- You can use it through a dynamic range of motion which means in all directions
- You can use it for cardio, strength training and/or balance workout
- Can be used for everything from cardio to yoga
Topics: Boot Camp, Exercise, Personal Training, que-ans | No Comments »
The Fountain of Youth? Just Might Be
By Christina | November 15, 2008
We buy the latest “quick weight loss/ body toning in 3 minutes a day” products, pop appetite suppressant pills, and seek out plastic surgery in the hopes of finding the perfect body as well as increasing our overall health but all we really need to do is follow some easy tips for real changes that last a lifetime.
Recent research has found that you can actually reduce your biological age, or your body’s age based on how you have treated your body over the years. You may only be 24 but have a biological age of 40 if you don’t exercise, have poor eating habits, are overweight, smoke, drink and on and on.
To turn back the hands of time follow these steps and potentially live longer: Read full entry »
Topics: Fitness Tips | No Comments »
Blackberry Yoga
By Christina | November 14, 2008
I was at a fitness conference this weekend and saw a class called Blackberry Yoga. I recently bought a Blackberry and I must say, I LOVE IT! I have had a SideKick for years and thought that was a great handheld PDA but this one is so much better. When I saw a class called Blackberry Yoga, my first thought was, “WooHoo, yoga where I can text and send emails? Count me in!”
Alas, imagine my chagrin when I was told that it was a class where people would be trained in how to tune out the cell phone devices. BOOOO…
It was all in fun, honestly, I love yoga and the fact that it is the one place where I don’t even keep my phone nearby. In Spinning I have my phone and I might even send a text or two, but never in yoga. In yoga I feel like there is nothing else in the world but me, the mat and the pose. I did like the creative title though.
Topics: Yoga | No Comments »
Dance Your Way Fit
By Christina | November 13, 2008
Watch people as they dance and you will see arms pumping, feet stomping, hips swaying and of course, lots of sweat dripping. Althought they may not realize it, they are working out whicle they dance. Dancing burns calories, increases energy, improves circulation and assists with muscle tone which all lead to gains in strength, endurance and flexibility. Dancing burns as many calories as Read full entry »
Topics: Exercise, General | No Comments »
Run Faster by Doing Lunges
By Christina | November 12, 2008
Sounds unusual right, run faster without running? Well, there are muscles responsible for making you fast so training those muscles will assist you with your running. There are two exercises you can incorporate into your workout routine to reduce your sprint times which in essence means you are faster: Read full entry »
Topics: General | No Comments »
My hands swell when I do cardio, especially outdoors, WHY?
By Christina | November 11, 2008
This is a common side effect of exercise and is called vasodilation. This medical/ technical sounding term really just means your blood vessels are opening up and there is an increase in blood flowing to the layer of dermis or skin closest to the surface which leads to swelling. Read full entry »
Topics: Exercise, General, que-ans | No Comments »
Cheeseburgers: Buffalo versus Cow
By Christina | November 10, 2008
I love cheeseburgers. I don’t think that one line really conveys how I feel. I LOVE CHEESEBURGERS! That may be closer to how I feel. The problem, of course, is that these are not necessarily a healthy meal choice. Pictured here is a buffalo cheeseburger I had recently at Fuddruckers. The menu said buffalo meat is 98 percent fat free which made me feel like I was surely having a healthy lunch. Sounds good but it got me to thinking about just how healthy this really is and how much of a difference does it make?
As it turns out, buffalo meat is actually better for you. Not only does buffalo have 70 to 90% less fat but it also has only half the cholesterol. For those of you that are cringing because the buffalo is an endangered species, take a deep breath and relax, it hasn’t been on the list for years and is thriving. The good news gets better, buffalo beats out beef in iron, amino acids, protein and omega oils. Finally, the buffalo as a species is more resistant to disease and so is not fed antibiotics to the same degree as the cow.
Buffalo lead a better life in the grasslands, do not defecate in their water supply like cows and overall seem to be a happier, better quality of life. If you believe that the hormones released during the animals life affect your food than knowing it was in a better place should make all the difference in your selection as well since you will not be consuming all the stress hormone the animal released into its blood system.
Okay, so the verdict: The burger I ate this weekend isn’t healthy because clearly there is cheese and mayo and fries on the side but it is healthier than its beef counterpart!
Topics: Nutrition | No Comments »