Showing posts with label Fitness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fitness. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

 

While we go in with the best of intentions with a workout routine, part of the problem is learning to stay motivated so we end up not participating in things that we know are good for us. This is why exercising is not necessarily about the cliched things, such as your treadmills and your free weights, but about giving your body the challenging needs but also ensuring that your mind experiences that challenge as well. The gym is not a path to fitness, and this is why you should figure out the right things for you. Here are some unique and challenging workouts that might be exactly what you need.

Kayaking

A very unique but, ultimately, effective workout. It's a full-body workout that doesn't just demand strength, but also endurance and balance. There's a lot to unpack in order to get into kayaking as a sport, and it can be an exhilarating way to stay active and fit. And while you might wonder, what size kayak skirt do I need?, there's plenty of other things to bear in mind here because kayaking is, for so many, people a way of life. It also offers variety. You can build up your strength gradually rather than feeling the temptation, like most people do in a gym, to go all out too soon, which means that you lose motivation (and gains). Kayaking is gentle on the joints but will give you that strength that will help you, not just now, but in the future when you've got grandkids to pick up.

Dancing

An amazing way to get your heart rate up, improve your coordination, but also boost that core strength that so many mothers lose after having a baby. Dancing is, ultimately, a very fun activity, and this is such an important thing to remember when we're choosing the right type of workout for us. But you have to remember that certain dances will become more intense. Ballet is a very good example because it forces you to hold poses, which ultimately is a form of what they call isometric holds, similar to doing a plank on the floor, albeit in different poses for much longer!

Rock Climbing

If there's one type of exercise that gives you physical and mental stimulation, it's this. Scaling any type of wall or cliff is a lesson in humility. Find yourself a local rock climbing center and see just how far you can get to begin with! But don't be put off by how little you're able to do. Climbing is something that we should all learn how to do, and it's about making sure that we build up gradually. Additionally, climbing is also an amazing problem-solving skill. When you look at how you should be able to solve something 50 feet in the air, all of a sudden, those parental problems pale in comparison!

Martial Arts

Of course, this is something we all benefit from. It's not just about the workout but about the confidence and discipline that comes with knowing that you can defend yourself. This is why something like Brazilian jiu-jitsu is becoming incredibly popular because it's a simple way to defeat an opponent without punching, kicking, and all of that swinging.

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Important Things To Focus On Throughout Your Fitness Journey

When it comes to fitness, there are a lot of things that go into it. It's not just about going to the gym and working out. Some components are just as important - if not more so - than the actual exercise itself. So here are some of the key things to focus on during your fitness journey in order to maximize your success.


1) Set Realistic Goals For Yourself

One of the most important things you can do regarding fitness is set realistic goals for yourself. If you don't, you will likely become discouraged and give up prematurely. And that's definitely not what you want!

When you set realistic goals, they are more attainable and, therefore, easier to achieve. So be sure to take into account your current fitness level, as well as your lifestyle habits and limitations, when setting your goals. This will help keep you motivated and on track, which is essential for long-term success.

2) Make Nutrition A Priority

Your diet is just as important - if not more so - than your physical activity. You can't outrun a bad diet, and to see results from your hard work at the gym, you need to make sure that you are fueling your body with the right foods.

A balanced diet will help keep cravings at bay while also providing essential nutrients to help fuel your workouts and keep you feeling energized throughout the day. Make sure to eat plenty of whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables daily. And be mindful of how much sugar and saturated fats you're consuming as well.

3) Get Enough Rest

Getting enough rest is a must if you want to maximize your fitness success. It gives your body time to recover and repair itself, and it can also help improve cognitive functions like memory and focus.

Make sure to get at least seven hours of sleep each night so that you can wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead. It's also important to take breaks throughout the day in order to give yourself a chance to recharge mentally and physically. This will help ensure that you're operating at peak levels when it comes time for your workouts.

4) Make Time For Recovery

Recovery is just as important as the workout itself. Your body needs time to repair and rebuild after each workout, so you must make sure to give it enough time to do so. You should also incorporate active recovery into your routine.

This can include things like foam rolling, stretching, or paying a visit to the best chiropractor in your area. All of these are great ways to help promote healing and mobility while preventing injury at the same time. So be sure to set aside some time for recovery on days when you're not actively working out in order to keep your body functioning at its best.

5) Analyze Your Progress

One of the best ways to stay motivated and on track with your fitness journey is to analyze your progress. This can help keep you focused and allow you to tweak any areas that may not produce the desired results.

You can use a variety of methods for tracking your progress, such as body measurements, weight records, or even photos. Whatever method works for you is fine - just make sure to record all of the data so that you can review it to see where adjustments may need to be made.

6) Find A Support System

The journey to better health and fitness can be a long one, so it's essential that you find a support system to keep you motivated and on track. Having people around who understand your goals and are willing to cheer you on is essential for success.

If possible, try to join a gym or fitness class where you can interact with like-minded individuals striving towards their own personal health goals. Even if it's just having someone to talk to during those days when motivation is low, having the right kind of support system in place can make all the difference when it comes to achieving lasting results.

By focusing on these key elements throughout your fitness journey, you will be able to stay motivated, stay on track, and make lasting changes that will help you reach your goals. So don't be afraid to take the plunge and start working towards a healthier and fitter version of yourself. With dedication, hard work, and focus, anything is possible!

Monday, April 11, 2022

It is best to have a healthy body, but you have to exert effort to achieve it. However, some people find it difficult to remove excess belly fat even if they exercise and follow a healthy diet. Given this point, the medical field is here to provide people with the support they need. Non-surgical methods are available to help those who want to lose fat without undergoing surgery.

If natural methods do not meet your expectations, you can achieve a fab body with non-invasive procedures. Your med experts have options to offer you. In this case, you have to choose which among them fits your needs. Besides, the experts will explain the methods before you make your final decision. You can see in this post a few procedures that may help you reduce your belly fat.

Non-Invasive Fat Reduction Methods

Fats are good for the body, but not all. Some fats may cause health issues in the long run. For instance, it may lead to obesity, which causes various health problems like high blood pressure or stroke. For this reason, it is best to maintain a healthy body and remove excess fats. Below are some methods to consider:

1. Fat Freezing Treatment

The experts use this method to destroy the fat cells. It involves cooling the cells to very low temperatures. In this case, the expert will apply it to specific areas. The fat cells will die, and the body will naturally remove them. Meanwhile, this method applies to the abdomen, hips, inner and outer thighs, back, and upper arms.

2. Laser Fat Removal Treatment

You may undergo low-level laser therapy, emitting cold laser energy into the body tissues. The fat cells absorb them until they break down and are taken in by the body. Afterward, the body also naturally removes them and destroys the unwanted fat cells. This method is best for fats in the stomach, thighs, buttocks, or arms. Meanwhile, the device will not touch your skin nor make you feel any discomfort.

3. Radiofrequency Treatments

One example of this method is the TriPollar slimming treatment. It is also non-invasive and can work on your tummy, arms, and thighs. In general, this slimming method involves magnetic waves that heat and melt away fat cells. Aside from that, it also does not touch the skin like the laser treatment. This method is excellent in treating larger body parts that other methods may not.

4. Ultrasound Fat Reduction Therapy

This method uses sonic waves that gradually break down fat cell walls in the abdominal area. Meanwhile, the process will not affect the surrounding tissues, so you will not worry about having any bruises or swelling after finishing the method. You may need to get the treatment thrice to gain the best results.

These methods are only a few of what you can do to remove the stubborn fats in your body. Your med expert will know which option is the best fit for you. Still, it is best to understand what each method involves. It will help you decide which treatment can help you gain the best outcomes for your body.

Why Do You Need to Remove Excess Fats?

Excess fats can lead to various cosmetic issues. However, it is not the kind of problem that you should worry about in the long run. You have to worry about the effects that it will cause your health. In this case, too much excess fats can increase your risk of developing the following health concerns:

  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Certain cancers
  • Sleep apnea
  • Digestive problems

These health issues are only a few of what you can acquire if you do not maintain a healthy body, so make sure to take action to reduce excess fat. You have natural and medical options to support you. The choice is yours to achieve a healthy body.

It may be a challenge to remove those excess fats. However, you can make it work. You only have to exert effort and opt for some medical treatments if needed. This way, you can prevent these excess fats from harming your body. Furthermore, do not go back to the habits that lead you to have excess fats in your body.

Meanwhile, you do not have to rush everything in removing excess fats. It may take time, but the results are worth it. Besides, you are doing this for yourself. It is best to exert effort now to achieve the best quality of life. Living a healthy life is a lot better than suffering various health problems in the long run.

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Are You Making These Exercise Mistakes?

Exercise offers many health benefits. For instance, it helps combat diseases like stroke, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. Moreover, it improves your mood and promotes cognitive functions while reducing your risks of developing anxiety and depression. It’s no wonder that 58% of people worldwide want to exercise or engage in sports. Despite its perks, exercise can impact you negatively if not practiced correctly. That said, here are various mistakes to avoid when exercising. 

Overtraining

While it is prudent to prioritize exercise, you may be harming your health by going overboard. Overtraining occurs when you work out too much without giving your body time to recover between sessions. Overtraining syndrome can give you the opposite results of what you desire while causing other health conditions, so it’s best to avoid it at all costs. Fortunately, it comes with symptoms to prompt you to rest your body. For instance, soreness, pain, and strain could be signals that your body is taking more than it can handle at that point. Likewise, you risk obtaining overuse injuries like broken bones, soft tissue injuries, and joint pains. Fatigue, irritability, appetite loss, disturbed sleep, low performance, and loss of motivation are signs of overtraining. 

Fortunately, you can treat overtraining with the right strategies. For starters, it helps to leverage a deep tissue or sports massage for your sore muscles to receive muscle tension. Also, a heating pad or a cold shower are options you can utilize, so keep this in mind. You can also take at least two weeks off rigorous workout routines for a faster recovery, although you can engage in gentle exercises to keep you active. To prevent overtraining, put aside regular rest days after intense workouts. You can also consume a balanced diet to provide your body with the essential calories to support your workouts. 

Failing to warm up and cool down 

If you’re avoiding warm-ups and cool-downs during your workout sessions, you should start doing them. Warming up sets your body up for aerobic activity by boosting your cardiovascular system. Likewise, cooling down helps your body and heart rate to gradually recover. However, skipping warm-ups can place undue stress on your cardiovascular system, leading to decreased oxygen flow to your heart. Avoiding cool-downs can also cause your blood to pool at your body’s lower extremities, reducing the pressure needed to pump it back to your heart and brain, leading to dizziness. You can start your usual exercise slower and more relaxed to initiate warm-ups. For instance, you can take a brisk walk if you aim to run. Likewise, switch back to a brisk walk after your run to initiate a cool-down. 

Sticking to the same workout routine 

Indeed, it is relatively easier to do the same workout routine repeatedly. However, focusing on one routine without switching it up can give you less than the desired effect. For example, your body may not burn many calories as expected, stalling your weight loss progress. Besides, you’d become more prone to injuries, as you end up stressing the same muscles repeatedly. Boredom may also set in, leading to motivation loss and eventually giving up. Therefore, it’s best to try out new workout routines for the best results. Fortunately, you can utilize these helpful hints to make your workout sessions fun and productive. 

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

3 Ways to Stay Motivated To Exercise

Staying healthy and fit is a top priority, not only now because we are fighting a pandemic, but it should be a daily habit to stick to. Minding our diet is only one part of a health and wellness routine. It is beneficial for our bodies to get the proper nutrition, however, doing physical exercise also plays an important role in building our immunity. 

Exercising regularly can be fun at first, however, most of us get bored and drop our routine after a few weeks. Here are three ways to stay motivated to continue doing exercises:

Shop for great workout clothes


Getting new work out clothes that look good and fit well can definitely put you in the mood to exercise. Choosing the right ones can be tricky, though. You may find some that come in your favorite colors, but always put in mind the following factors:

  • Get a good sports bra that would offer both comfort and support
  • For leggings, tops, or body suits, choose the right fabric designed for your exercise routine
  • Check out the right kind of shoes you need depending on the kind of exercise you will be doing.

Once these factors are met, you can feel that urge to get up and start moving! A few bombshell athletic clothing pieces will make you feel motivated, confident and sexy! Check out some beautiful pieces at Bombshell Sportswear. Your future self will definitely thank you for purchasing new workout clothes. 

Get an accountability partner/exercise buddy

Having someone to do exercises with adds fun to your routine. It can be anyone you choose - your husband, partner, best friend, sibling or even your child! You can keep track of each other's progress and exchange ideas on other fun ways to exercise. Encouragement and support can go a long way!

Switch your routine regularly

Try other exercise routines. If you have been doing cardio, try switching it up to doing dance or zumba. If you are into running, you can do yoga or tai-chi the following week. Be creative! There are so many ways to move your body and have fun at the same time.

Exercise does not have to be complicated. All you have to do is to keep at it, and have fun doing it!

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Life begins at 40, as they say. By the time you reach this glorious age, you will have gone through a lot of experiences and learned enough skills to get you through life. Studies have shown that at this age, most adults have already accomplished so much in life.

People at this age tend to be happier and more satisfied than when they were younger.

However, with wisdom and knowledge come signs of aging. As we grow older, sunspots, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles become more evident. Our skin slowly begins to lose the elasticity it had when we were younger.

But with proper skin care, a healthy diet, and exercise, you can restore and bring back that youthful glow you always had. Check out these true elixirs of youth for vibrant, glowing skin.

1. Beauty Sleep

The importance of sleep can never be overemphasized. It is no secret either that sleep is essential in restoring that youthful glow.

When you sleep, your body heals its organs and tissues. Your skin, in particular, benefits a lot from sleep. With an increase in blood flow, your skin is able to rebuild its collagen and fix the damage caused by UV exposure from the sun.

Lack of sleep makes one feel incessantly tired. It's no wonder that people who do not get enough hours of sleep feel and look out of shape. Getting a regular good night's sleep also helps in weight loss management, cancer prevention, and stress reduction.

Make it a habit to sleep before 10 pm. Practice lessening screen usage at least an hour before bedtime so that your body will be conditioned to become sleepy.

2. Healthy Diet

It is said that the food we eat affects our body not only on a cellular level but as a whole. What we ingest will be reflected in our physical appearance.

When we hit the 40-year-old mark, the need for a healthier diet becomes more significant. Since our skin no longer has the same elasticity it had when we were younger, eating the right kinds of food helps restore this elasticity.

This is not saying we completely do away with eating any sweets or oil-rich food. We just have to do it in moderation unless the doctor recommends eliminating them. As we get older though, we have to include in our diet items rich in antioxidants.

Antioxidant-rich foods help fight signs of skin aging. Nuts and seeds, dark chocolate, blueberries, and green teas are some examples of food items that are the right antioxidants.

Taking a regular detox is also a good way to cleanse our bodies and make our skin glow. You can find plenty of detox diet recipes on the internet. Cutting back on smoking and alcohol drinking is also significantly helpful in restoring that youthful look.

3. Regular Exercise

Both young and old need to exercise regularly to stay healthy. Aging does not only mean the appearance of wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots. It also means the appearance of pressing health issues we thought we would never have.

As we age, we become more prone to experiencing musculoskeletal pains, cardiovascular problems, and dementia. One way of preventing any of these problems is through regular exercise.

A moderate, regular exercise helps boost our immune system, improve blood circulation, and even give us that youthful glow. Look at personalities and celebrities who maintain an active lifestyle. They pretty much look younger for their age.

If you do not have a regular exercise routine yet, now is the time to make one. Start slow and small and work your way up to routines that your body can endure.

4. Beauty Regimen

Of course, a good skincare routine is part and parcel of having a youthful glow in your 40s. While we all have our favorite beauty regimen, it is best to keep in mind that what may have worked 10 or 20 years ago may no longer work now with your skin condition.

Though we can sometimes ditch moisturizers and sunscreens when we were younger, being in your 40s means using them more religiously. When we are older, our skin tends to dry up more quickly, and prolonged sun exposure could lead to sunspots. However, this can be safely and effectively remedied by regularly using a skin whitening toner or a Vitamin C serum.

Daily skin cleansing is also a must. Wash your face at least twice a day and use a cleanser. It is also important to stay hydrated, especially when the weather is hot.

Talking of skincare, if you’ve got a few tattoos that you got when you were in your early twenties and that you’re now regretting, you could always consider laser removal tattoo treatments. Cameron Pohl shares some helpful guidance on ways to avoid tattoo scarring which may be useful when it comes to keeping your skin in good condition. This is particularly important as you get older and your collagen production is less efficient.

5. Healthy Lifestyle

Lastly, embracing a healthier lifestyle is the ultimate key to looking your best at 40. Beyond exercising, eating clean, following a beauty routine, and sleeping enough, you also need to clean other aspects of your life.

This means letting go of relationships that are dragging you down, practicing self-care, and discovering and learning new skills. People who smile often, practice positive inner dialogues, and have a bright outlook in life have that inner youthful glow in them.

After all, being young is a state of mind, and age is just a number.

Sunday, May 23, 2021

Can't Seem To Lose Weight After 30? Here's What to Do

For many people, age is directly proportional to how difficult it is to lose weight. This means that as you get older, it may be harder to lose weight, especially around the areas of your body that tend to store the most fat. 

If this is the plight that you've been dealing with for years; don't worry, a lot of men and women are in the same boat. Although it may be more challenging to lose weight in your 30s, weight loss is possible at any age.

Here are some weight loss tips that you may have yet to try:

Stop dieting

The word 'diet' is supposed to pertain to your usual intake of food, but today, most people use it to refer to patterns of eating that are outside of your normal routine. These 'diets' often involve disproportionate percentages of macronutrients (carbohydrates, fat, protein) or the complete avoidance of one or the other. An example of this is the keto diet or low-carb diet, wherein there is a high percentage of fat compared to carbohydrates to encourage weight loss through ketosis.

Although a diet may provide noticeable improvements, it is rarely sustainable and is oftentimes harmful. For example, a keto diet may help you lose a significant amount of weight at first, but you are essentially increasing your risk of heart disease due to your increased fat intake. Moreover, there is a reason why science says that we must eat more carbohydrates than protein and fat-and that is because our bodies function the best with that kind of macronutrient proportions. So, over time, you may no longer be able to sustain your keto diet and will have to go back to regular eating, which will likely make you gain the weight back.

Consider contouring

Body contouring can help you achieve the body shape you want without having to go under the knife. It is also a great option for people who are having trouble obtaining their target figure with diet and exercise alone. There is no shame in getting extra help, especially at this age where our bodies tend to hold onto fat more stubbornly.

Seek help from a dietitian

A dietitian or nutritionist can help you determine the right amount of calories and macronutrients that you need to eat in order to lose or maintain a healthy weight. Consulting with one can help you finally get to the bottom of your diet problems, which are likely the reason why you're not losing weight as effectively as you want.

Pay more attention to what you eat

As you get older, you need fewer and fewer nutrients to sustain your bodily functions. This means that at 30, you shouldn't be eating as much as you did when you were younger unless you have a lighting fast metabolism.

That said, it's high time to start paying more attention to what you eat. Keep your portions at the right amount and follow your dietitian's advice as closely as possible. While it's okay to indulge once in a while, it's not a great idea to give in to every craving that you have, especially if it's food that is high in calories, salt, fat, and sugar.

Reduce your alcohol intake

Every gram of alcohol contains approximately nine calories, which is almost as much as every gram of fat. If you still drink as you did in college, then you may find it more difficult to keep the excess weight off. And more importantly, you are increasing your risk for all sorts of diseases if you drink too much and too regularly, especially at this age.

Just like with food, moderating your alcohol intake is especially important. For women, the recommended maximum limit is at one drink a day. For men, it's up to two drinks a day. But, of course, the best number of drinks per day is zero, especially if you have a predisposition to alcohol-related diseases.

Hire a personal trainer

Similar to planning your diet, you may need extra help when it comes to exercise. When you were younger, you may have been able to lose weight just by doing any exercise you can think of, but it's a different story when you hit your late 20s or early 30s. In that case, hire a personal trainer that can help you find the right routine to get rid of stubborn body fat.

It may be challenging to lose weight when you're older, but it's definitely not impossible. If you're having trouble shedding off the extra pounds, these tips may do just the trick.

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Sometimes, those last five pounds you are looking to lose take the most work. As frustrating as that can be, there are some things you can do to help speed along the process. If you have been struggling to reach your goal weight, these simple tips can help you achieve success in time for the holidays. 

1. Drink More Water

It may seem counterintuitive that adding water to your diet will help you lose weight. After all, water is heavy and excess water weight can make you appear bloated and puffy. However, staying hydrated allows your body to operate more efficiently. That means toxins and waste products get moved out more quickly, allowing you to achieve a healthier appearance. It also helps you feel full throughout the day so you are less likely to reach for snacks. After a few weeks of increased water intake and a noninvasive body contouring treatment Virginia Beach, you'll be ready to skip into that little black dress. 

2. Clean Out Your Pantry

Even when you are trying to eat for weight loss, you can still be pouring a lot of extra garbage into your body. Take an afternoon to clean out your pantry and get rid of unhealthy foods. That will make it much easier to stick to whole foods like fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds and lean meats that offer the best weight loss results. Your body is best able to process these types of foods, so it won't have to work as hard to get the nutrients you need. 

3. Reduce Stress levels

When your body is under stress, it doesn't work as well. You are also more likely to feel tired and fall ill. Learn a few strategies for reducing stress to move closer to your goal weight. Meditation, yoga and spending time outdoors are all quite effective and accessible to virtually anyone. 

You don't have to live with those extra pounds. Utilizing simple lifestyle adaptations like reducing stress, staying hydrated and keeping healthy food in the house can help you shed them. 

Saturday, February 15, 2020

Getting Rid Of Fat Can Be Easy

Many of us go through periods when we are feeling a little bulkier than usual. This is part of the normal cycle of things, but if you find that you have got to a point where your body weight is unhealthy, or you just want to look a little better in the mirror, then you might want to do something about it. Fortunately, getting rid of fat is much easier than you might think, and it is something that anybody can achieve if they set their mind to it. In this article, we will discuss some of the most effective methods that you might want to consider.

Pic Credit - CCO Licence
Strength Training

A lot of people immediately look to cardio exercise when they are trying to get rid of fat. Cardio is hugely important, and as we will see it is another of the major things you need to be doing to burn fat. But it is not the only kind of exercise that helps to reduce fat - strength training also does. If you do enough strength training, your body will respond by burning more fat than usual, and converting more calories from your food into muscle, rather than fat. So start lifting weights today - even if you are not particularly looking to bulk up.


Nonsurgical Options

If you have a lot of fat that you would like to get rid of, you might well have considered surgery at some point or another. Of course, that is a drastic step to take, and it’s important to make sure that you don’t just go straight into it without thinking about your options deeply. Actually, there are many things you can do to make sure that you get rid of fat, including nonsurgical options. Learn more about nonsurgical fat removal if you want to look into these options.

Pic Credit - CC0 Licence
Eat More Protein

You need to think about the kind of diet you are eating too if you want to get rid of fat as much as possible. In particular, you might want to think about eating a high-protein diet, as that is one which is going to help convert more calories into muscle rather than fat. Just changing to a high-protein diet, and not even watching your calories, is going to really help you to get rid of so much more fat, so this is a powerful thing that you should bear in mind.


Get Your Good Fats

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to not eat any fat at all. You need fat, and you continue to need it even if you have a lot of fat on the body, as those reserves are not enough and don’t provide the right nutrients. In particular, make sure you are eating plenty of good, healthy fats, while avoiding the bad ones like saturated fats. If you don’t believe this works, just look at the keto diet: that is a high-fat, low-carb diet, and it is proven to help you lose weight incredibly fast. So get your fats if you want to lose fat.