Okay, I have been surprised with a health issue and have been silent awhile while going through testing and worry and quite frankly, not exercising my body at all lately. Not sure what is going on as I am still having tests scheduled just know it is an unidentified growth on my liver. All my dug up equipment is here, my dumb-bell set that is over fifteen years old as well as the "Thigh Master" from Suzanne Summers (how many years ago was that anyway?), and it still works. I did purchase a soft floor to exercise on and an exercise ball. I have got to get myself back on track, but how do you do that when your mind is clouded with all the failing economy, being laid off for over a year, investing my entire 401K in internet businesses and the bottom dropping out of the financial world and no monies coming in, just to mention a few of my worries these days.
I have been working my creative side in my nervousness, I make custom jewelry, and custom ceramic and polymer clay southwest collectibles. I have been making product fast and furiously, working until I am beat. BUT NOT EXERCISING THE BODY
I am not a heavy person and I think because I am not over-weight I tend to think I don't need the physical exercise, not true, because now I am feeling frail and I have always been an active outdoor rock-hunter and hiker and have not been out to do that in a long while. I plan to get back into exercising slowly by starting with sit ups and upper body resistance workouts with weights. Today I will get some pics of this out of shape body and then I will have pics to compare because I intend to get back in shape, no matter what health issues may arise.
I am maintaining a good attitude, not easy some days, but I find if I think of all I have to be thankful for and remembering those first and foremost the other things are not as daunting.
I will post pictures (if they aren't too scary) LOL tomorrow for weekly comparisons of my progress and success.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Exercise to Live Longer, Live Healthier and Live Happier
No matter what our age, everyone has the choice to live healthy with healthy habits or to live not so healthy with not so healthy habits. Luckily we have the power to change an unhealthy lifestyle at any time, most of us are lucky enough to realize it and make the changes needed to live longer and healthier. If you have reached this threshold and are unsure of just how to proceed; the following suggestions will help you find your way to feeling and aging better.
Exercise and diet play a major role in how we age and how we feel going through the aging process. The old saying “use it or lose it” is so true after fifty. Even the simplest routine of exercise can make a difference, two or three times a week for thirty minutes. If you look at it this way; the 90 minutes out of 10080 total minutes in one week shows you that you can certainly find the time. Exercise keeps the body moving and supple. When you stay active and the activity keeps the blood flowing; you can slow down the aging process. Unfortunately as we age our bodily functions slow down and in turn we slow down but keeping active and eating right you can feel years younger and look years younger.
If you have not been to your Doctor for a physical in more than a year it is highly recommended that you schedule one and let your Doctor know you are ready to start a healthier lifestyle. Your Doctor will let you know at what degree you should start and how aggressive you can be at the start.
Your routine should include cardiovascular moves like the old jumping jack exercises we used to do in school or Aerobics exercises to get the heart pumping. During a study experts found that those who worked out had lower cholesterol levels and those who did not workout had higher levels of cholesterol.
Add to that resistance training, using the dumbbell set that has been in the back of your closet for the last ten years or if you don’t have an old set they are relatively inexpensive. Start off with 3 or 5 lbs. and add some weight lifting moves for upper body strength. According to the experts and study results resistance workout can enforce freedom of blood flow and increasing improvement of overall strength. Resistance training is important to women as we age because we tend to become frail without the exercise and the strengthening of the muscles. . If you are working toward resistance, keep the weights low and the repetitions up. Repetitions on low-density weight scales will suffice. Resistance training has proven to boost metabolism, which gives you energy. Yoga is another great method to strengthen the body as well as the mind. Yoga is very therapeutic and low impact yet can still strengthen your core muscles. There are numerous avenues to explore and any or a combination of them will help you feel better and gain strength to live longer.
Diet is a big factor; if you are not currently taking a multi-vitamin consider adding them to your grocery list next time you shop. Even the best balanced diet cannot give you all the pertinent vitamins and minerals you need. Consider adding a nutritional supplement to your diet. There are numerous ones available on the market; Vemma is a great one to try. If you are not a breakfast person you can keep a bowl of dry cheerios with nuts and raisins and simply snack on it as you work. This easy to put together snack will save you money usually spent on the donut cart and your cholesterol and your heart will thank you in the long run. Put more beans and fresh greens into your diet. Read labels if sugar is one of the top ingredients, don’t buy it. Make these small changes in your life and you will be surprised at how well you start feeling and the level of your energy will amaze you.
Exercise and diet play a major role in how we age and how we feel going through the aging process. The old saying “use it or lose it” is so true after fifty. Even the simplest routine of exercise can make a difference, two or three times a week for thirty minutes. If you look at it this way; the 90 minutes out of 10080 total minutes in one week shows you that you can certainly find the time. Exercise keeps the body moving and supple. When you stay active and the activity keeps the blood flowing; you can slow down the aging process. Unfortunately as we age our bodily functions slow down and in turn we slow down but keeping active and eating right you can feel years younger and look years younger.
If you have not been to your Doctor for a physical in more than a year it is highly recommended that you schedule one and let your Doctor know you are ready to start a healthier lifestyle. Your Doctor will let you know at what degree you should start and how aggressive you can be at the start.
Your routine should include cardiovascular moves like the old jumping jack exercises we used to do in school or Aerobics exercises to get the heart pumping. During a study experts found that those who worked out had lower cholesterol levels and those who did not workout had higher levels of cholesterol.
Add to that resistance training, using the dumbbell set that has been in the back of your closet for the last ten years or if you don’t have an old set they are relatively inexpensive. Start off with 3 or 5 lbs. and add some weight lifting moves for upper body strength. According to the experts and study results resistance workout can enforce freedom of blood flow and increasing improvement of overall strength. Resistance training is important to women as we age because we tend to become frail without the exercise and the strengthening of the muscles. . If you are working toward resistance, keep the weights low and the repetitions up. Repetitions on low-density weight scales will suffice. Resistance training has proven to boost metabolism, which gives you energy. Yoga is another great method to strengthen the body as well as the mind. Yoga is very therapeutic and low impact yet can still strengthen your core muscles. There are numerous avenues to explore and any or a combination of them will help you feel better and gain strength to live longer.
Diet is a big factor; if you are not currently taking a multi-vitamin consider adding them to your grocery list next time you shop. Even the best balanced diet cannot give you all the pertinent vitamins and minerals you need. Consider adding a nutritional supplement to your diet. There are numerous ones available on the market; Vemma is a great one to try. If you are not a breakfast person you can keep a bowl of dry cheerios with nuts and raisins and simply snack on it as you work. This easy to put together snack will save you money usually spent on the donut cart and your cholesterol and your heart will thank you in the long run. Put more beans and fresh greens into your diet. Read labels if sugar is one of the top ingredients, don’t buy it. Make these small changes in your life and you will be surprised at how well you start feeling and the level of your energy will amaze you.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
You, Yoga and Your Personal Wellbeing Going Green
You have probably not thought of your personal wellbeing and Going Green as having anything to do with each other but actually Going Green must start with your own health and wellbeing. Going Green is a way of thinking and rethinking how you live. Going Green is a whole new attitude on how you live and live within your environment. Start Going Green with yourself.
Yoga is intended to redirect your entire body to make it all come together. Yoga works the mind combined with the body to make it fall into place, which helps one to improve personal overall life. Everyone needs a little help one time or another to get their health and thinking on track. Practicing yoga brings the perfect out of all of us, teaching us to meditate and at the same time, helps relieve that awful stress. Along with helping to relieve stress, yoga strengthens our limbs, mind, refreshes us and even helps us lose weight. Our energy level will increase because we feel better.
When starting to practice Yoga take it slow and easy. Don’t force your body into the different postures all at once. If you do more than your body says it can do, you could hurt yourself. Like any exercise program, you need to go slow and stick with it. You might not notice a difference right away but hang in there and it will come in time.
Don’t go out and buy all new exercising cloths just to practice yoga. All you need is sweats and a comfortable loose fitting top. Maybe after awhile you might want to buy a yoga mat but most gyms will furnish them. Wherever you are you can practice using a towel for the floor mat they work just as good.
If you’re a person that can’t stand and if you are not flexible, this can be done in a chair. So, stand or sit. You can become the person you’ve always wanted to be. Make those muscles stronger and get that mind into shape along with feeling better and you’ll get to your goal.
Do you have allergies; the noise runs and your eyes water, you are congested, and just don’t feel good especially in the cold weather. Practicing Yoga can help strengthen and balance the immune system with its slow breathing and posture. The nervous system will relax and it calms down the virus.
Is it hard for you to fall to asleep or stay asleep? Try laying on the bed or floor before crawling into bed. This is a good time to practice meditating to relax. Lay on your back with the palms up and start at your head. Start with the head and relax it then the neck and on down slowly until you reach your feet. Practice as often as possible and this one will help you sleep once you’ve relaxed the whole body.
You can practice Yoga at the office sitting at your desk, in the park anywhere you can meditate. When sitting in a chair twist from side to side, rotate your head side to side and to the front and back, put you arms above your head and stretch. While doing these movements in your chair as you relax shut your eyes and let all thoughts come in and go out.
Stressed and need to learn how to breath slow and then sleep will come, Yoga can be useful for all ages from children to Grandma and Grandpa. The children can practice to strengthen the mind and body by standing beside you and Grandma and Grandpa can sit in the chair. Strengthening and relaxing along with the meditating is good for everyone. It all gets easier to you.
Yoga can also be good for your heart. The heart will become stronger, Someone who suffers from epilepsy can benefit from practicing Yoga because it stimulates the brain; some people in a study that was taken says it decreased the amount of seizure’s they were experiencing. Yoga is known to help the mentally handicapped by relaxing their minds, letting them think well.
I’ve given you a few ideas on why a person might want to try practicing Yoga so go for it and enjoy.
Yoga is intended to redirect your entire body to make it all come together. Yoga works the mind combined with the body to make it fall into place, which helps one to improve personal overall life. Everyone needs a little help one time or another to get their health and thinking on track. Practicing yoga brings the perfect out of all of us, teaching us to meditate and at the same time, helps relieve that awful stress. Along with helping to relieve stress, yoga strengthens our limbs, mind, refreshes us and even helps us lose weight. Our energy level will increase because we feel better.
When starting to practice Yoga take it slow and easy. Don’t force your body into the different postures all at once. If you do more than your body says it can do, you could hurt yourself. Like any exercise program, you need to go slow and stick with it. You might not notice a difference right away but hang in there and it will come in time.
Don’t go out and buy all new exercising cloths just to practice yoga. All you need is sweats and a comfortable loose fitting top. Maybe after awhile you might want to buy a yoga mat but most gyms will furnish them. Wherever you are you can practice using a towel for the floor mat they work just as good.
If you’re a person that can’t stand and if you are not flexible, this can be done in a chair. So, stand or sit. You can become the person you’ve always wanted to be. Make those muscles stronger and get that mind into shape along with feeling better and you’ll get to your goal.
Do you have allergies; the noise runs and your eyes water, you are congested, and just don’t feel good especially in the cold weather. Practicing Yoga can help strengthen and balance the immune system with its slow breathing and posture. The nervous system will relax and it calms down the virus.
Is it hard for you to fall to asleep or stay asleep? Try laying on the bed or floor before crawling into bed. This is a good time to practice meditating to relax. Lay on your back with the palms up and start at your head. Start with the head and relax it then the neck and on down slowly until you reach your feet. Practice as often as possible and this one will help you sleep once you’ve relaxed the whole body.
You can practice Yoga at the office sitting at your desk, in the park anywhere you can meditate. When sitting in a chair twist from side to side, rotate your head side to side and to the front and back, put you arms above your head and stretch. While doing these movements in your chair as you relax shut your eyes and let all thoughts come in and go out.
Stressed and need to learn how to breath slow and then sleep will come, Yoga can be useful for all ages from children to Grandma and Grandpa. The children can practice to strengthen the mind and body by standing beside you and Grandma and Grandpa can sit in the chair. Strengthening and relaxing along with the meditating is good for everyone. It all gets easier to you.
Yoga can also be good for your heart. The heart will become stronger, Someone who suffers from epilepsy can benefit from practicing Yoga because it stimulates the brain; some people in a study that was taken says it decreased the amount of seizure’s they were experiencing. Yoga is known to help the mentally handicapped by relaxing their minds, letting them think well.
I’ve given you a few ideas on why a person might want to try practicing Yoga so go for it and enjoy.
Exercise and Proper Cushioning
I got my soft floor mat yesterday from my website http://www.softfloormats.com/, it took less than one week to arrive in the mail. I unboxed it and was pleased with how well the color matched my expectations, I ordered purple because it was my mom’s favorite color and I thought it would give me added motivation if I thought of her while exercising. Anyway I literally had it assembled in less than two minutes! It has two surface textures and does not skid on the ceramic tile floors that I have in my home. The color range of the soft flooring is phenomenal and you can mix and match. All the colors have border and corner pieces as well. It is so lightweight that I can disassemble it with ease and store it under the bed when I don’t want it out.
Much to my surprise my granddaughter told me she and her best friend wanted to work-out with me! Okay I bought a mat that is 4’ x 8’ that would not be big enough for all of us; I simply placed another order for the additional pieces needed to make it 4’ x 12’ as all pieces are constructed to interlock adding the additional footage was not a problem. Our Soft floor mats offers a mat for martial arts where there is a lot of impact and the mats are thicker and absorb the shock. This thicker mat is recommended for weight rooms where heavy weights may hit the floor. For normal exercising needs though the normal thickness is great.
Exercise that is performed with proper cushioning for your bones will be more effective and you will feel more energized after your work-out, whether it is yoga, tai chi, aerobics, pilates or whatever your choice. Carpeted floors may not provide enough cushioning and after a workout you may notice discompfort around your ankles and knees, this would be your body asking for more cushioned support. For more information check out http://www.softfloormatsblog.com your will find a lot of information on soft floor mats.
Much to my surprise my granddaughter told me she and her best friend wanted to work-out with me! Okay I bought a mat that is 4’ x 8’ that would not be big enough for all of us; I simply placed another order for the additional pieces needed to make it 4’ x 12’ as all pieces are constructed to interlock adding the additional footage was not a problem. Our Soft floor mats offers a mat for martial arts where there is a lot of impact and the mats are thicker and absorb the shock. This thicker mat is recommended for weight rooms where heavy weights may hit the floor. For normal exercising needs though the normal thickness is great.
Exercise that is performed with proper cushioning for your bones will be more effective and you will feel more energized after your work-out, whether it is yoga, tai chi, aerobics, pilates or whatever your choice. Carpeted floors may not provide enough cushioning and after a workout you may notice discompfort around your ankles and knees, this would be your body asking for more cushioned support. For more information check out http://www.softfloormatsblog.com your will find a lot of information on soft floor mats.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Add Benefits to Your Work-out with the Proper Support
The best feature of this cushioned flooring is the benefit of less shock to your joints and feet. Instead of feeling the pain after each work-out, you will be left recharged and more energized. “No pain – No gain” does not refer to the pain of jarring contact with hard surfaces, it is referring to the more pleasant burn in muscles that have gotten a healthy work-out.
Yes, you can get flooring for your work-out room, just like the professional can and the best part is; it is affordable, durable and comes in an array of colors. This means you can have style, a great work-out without shock to your bones and joints as compared to traditional hard flooring surfaces. These soft floor mats are easy to assemble with edging pieces and none of it requires glue or adhesives. The interlocking system makes it slip proof and the durability will have your investment lasting for many years.
Soft Floor Mats are so affordable that you can’t afford not to make your next work-out more beneficial. With the portability of the interlocking system even if you don’t have a designated room you can still set up a work-out area in a matter of minutes because this product is so lightweight you can assemble and disassemble as needed. If you are lucky enough to have a designated room and your favorite color is violet, no problem there is a rainbow of colors that you can mix for that perfect blend with your décor. You can even add your name with our letter pieces for an even more personalized work-out area.
Yes, you can get flooring for your work-out room, just like the professional can and the best part is; it is affordable, durable and comes in an array of colors. This means you can have style, a great work-out without shock to your bones and joints as compared to traditional hard flooring surfaces. These soft floor mats are easy to assemble with edging pieces and none of it requires glue or adhesives. The interlocking system makes it slip proof and the durability will have your investment lasting for many years.
Soft Floor Mats are so affordable that you can’t afford not to make your next work-out more beneficial. With the portability of the interlocking system even if you don’t have a designated room you can still set up a work-out area in a matter of minutes because this product is so lightweight you can assemble and disassemble as needed. If you are lucky enough to have a designated room and your favorite color is violet, no problem there is a rainbow of colors that you can mix for that perfect blend with your décor. You can even add your name with our letter pieces for an even more personalized work-out area.
The Exercise Ball
Exercise balls are one of the most innovative ways to exercise. The real benefit of these balls, which were introduced by a group of Swiss medical therapists, is a substitute of support during exercise. Working out with the exercise ball will strengthen and tone all of the major muscles of the body. The advantage of exercise balls is that they are durable and maintain shape well under pressure. The documentation with the balls will provide test load figures for how much weight the exercise balls will hold. The advantage here is the fact that the balls provide soft yet firm support that doesn't harm your body.
You can find exercise balls in several different colors and finishes. You can even get a ball that matches the texture of your room. They are simple to store and you can even roll them under your bed or a table if you prefer.
Originally developed for use in medical therapy, the exercise ball is used to support the body during exercise. These balls will provide support to the body when you do a specific exercise in a specific position and still need to maintain the balance. Most exercise balls are made of burst proof latex or other material that is very safe to use.
There are many postures with yoga and muscle toning exercise that can only be done with the help of some type of support. For these postures, exercise balls are quite useful. The exercise balls will introduce an element of stability to the exercise that you wouldn't normally get with the floor exercise. Your body responds automatically to the instability to keep balanced on the exercise ball. This will help in strengthening the muscles that aren't actively participating in exercise. Exercise balls will help to get rid of backache and spinal disorders. The small range of movement and adjustment of balance of the spine that is induced by exercising with the exercise ball will help reduce back pain. The Swiss ball exercise is for people with back pain to provide them with a simple way to restore movements after an episode of back pain. It also results in improved muscle strength, greater flexibility, and a wide range of motion of the spine.
You can find exercise balls in several different colors and finishes. You can even get a ball that matches the texture of your room. They are simple to store and you can even roll them under your bed or a table if you prefer.
Originally developed for use in medical therapy, the exercise ball is used to support the body during exercise. These balls will provide support to the body when you do a specific exercise in a specific position and still need to maintain the balance. Most exercise balls are made of burst proof latex or other material that is very safe to use.
There are many postures with yoga and muscle toning exercise that can only be done with the help of some type of support. For these postures, exercise balls are quite useful. The exercise balls will introduce an element of stability to the exercise that you wouldn't normally get with the floor exercise. Your body responds automatically to the instability to keep balanced on the exercise ball. This will help in strengthening the muscles that aren't actively participating in exercise. Exercise balls will help to get rid of backache and spinal disorders. The small range of movement and adjustment of balance of the spine that is induced by exercising with the exercise ball will help reduce back pain. The Swiss ball exercise is for people with back pain to provide them with a simple way to restore movements after an episode of back pain. It also results in improved muscle strength, greater flexibility, and a wide range of motion of the spine.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Digging out the old Exercise Equipment
I have dug out my old dumbbell set, located the thigh slimmer that Suzzane Summers used to sell on TV, it actually works if you use it. It didn’t help the closet any though. I did purchase a body ball from Walmart for only $9.95 with a small booklet. Then a trip to the used book store proved my point about people starting a new exercise routine getting all the info and not following through, I was able to purchase a book on Pilates on the Ball and another book on Tai Chi for less money than one book would cost new. A little money savings in this economy does not hurt.
So now I have all I need why am I not doing it, well for once I am doing it but using the buddy system really will help anyone stay with it for more than three weeks. I hope the information I find and pass on will motivate someone else to follow through this year and make their lives healthier and better. Marcus Annaeus Seneca is quoted “Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power.” I intend to stay in my power and continue with a healthier path for myself.
My goal for this year is to feel stronger, because lately I have been feeling really frail and I don’t like that feeling. What am I doing besides exercise? I am looking closely at my diet as diet plays a major role in how you feel and how your body handles and uses the foods you choose. No more soda, more nuts and grains, fiber and a nutritional supplement. Small changes I can handle, one step at a time. This year I intend to get healthier. I have been very lax with my taking vitamins, some days I do and some days I don’t. That has changed to everyday.
For my exercise routine I found a great site in About.com type in Pilates and there is a lot of beginner exercise ideas and routines for all levels. As I continue on this journey with a little of everything including Tai Chi, Pilates, Pilates on the Ball, Yoga and I find exercises that really feel right for me I will share them and hope you will share what you find works for you as well.
So now I have all I need why am I not doing it, well for once I am doing it but using the buddy system really will help anyone stay with it for more than three weeks. I hope the information I find and pass on will motivate someone else to follow through this year and make their lives healthier and better. Marcus Annaeus Seneca is quoted “Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power.” I intend to stay in my power and continue with a healthier path for myself.
My goal for this year is to feel stronger, because lately I have been feeling really frail and I don’t like that feeling. What am I doing besides exercise? I am looking closely at my diet as diet plays a major role in how you feel and how your body handles and uses the foods you choose. No more soda, more nuts and grains, fiber and a nutritional supplement. Small changes I can handle, one step at a time. This year I intend to get healthier. I have been very lax with my taking vitamins, some days I do and some days I don’t. That has changed to everyday.
For my exercise routine I found a great site in About.com type in Pilates and there is a lot of beginner exercise ideas and routines for all levels. As I continue on this journey with a little of everything including Tai Chi, Pilates, Pilates on the Ball, Yoga and I find exercises that really feel right for me I will share them and hope you will share what you find works for you as well.
Has Your Resolution to Start Exercising This Year Already Been Given Up?
Has your physical activity become non-existent? Did you set a goal to become more physically active this year and already you are not following what you set up? Many, many people go through this, year after year with always the same result? If you are like millions of others you have exercise equipment like small dumbbell weights and thigh thinners maybe even an exercise ball all collecting dust hanging out in a closet or utility room or the garage. Start by getting your equipment dusted off and put in the area you will work-out in.
One reason that exercising gets put aside is that it is generally an activity that is done alone and with no one else involved letting it drop is not noticed, even by you. The best thing you can do to keep yourself motivated is to get others involved. Exercising on the buddy system or in a group usually has better results. With today’s busy lifestyles and the down economy it may not be possible to get together but you can still gather a support group that keeps everyone on track. Start with family members that you are in contact with, even just through e-mail. Plan to e-mail each other in your group with your progress and make a pact that you will each help the other to stay motivated. Set small goals and follow up with each other regarding those small steps and eventually the steps will be easier to follow. A quote from Cicero “Man’s best support is a very dear friend”. Those that have several very dear friends are very blessed. Make an upfront deal to keep each other on track. What a wonderful gift from all of you to all of you to exercise and everyone will get healthier together. A better gift cannot be found.
Next schedule your time, mornings are normally best and the best time of the day to find the ten minutes it will take to start. If your first 10 minutes is spent with some form of exercise the rest of your day will be the better for it in so many ways. Add some meditation with your exercise and remember to check up with the others to see if they made the time for their ten minutes that day. Journal your progress as a group either appointing one person to keep the journal or take turns with who keeps the journal. . Sharing your achievements with each other and journaling them is a great way to keep motivated.
One reason that exercising gets put aside is that it is generally an activity that is done alone and with no one else involved letting it drop is not noticed, even by you. The best thing you can do to keep yourself motivated is to get others involved. Exercising on the buddy system or in a group usually has better results. With today’s busy lifestyles and the down economy it may not be possible to get together but you can still gather a support group that keeps everyone on track. Start with family members that you are in contact with, even just through e-mail. Plan to e-mail each other in your group with your progress and make a pact that you will each help the other to stay motivated. Set small goals and follow up with each other regarding those small steps and eventually the steps will be easier to follow. A quote from Cicero “Man’s best support is a very dear friend”. Those that have several very dear friends are very blessed. Make an upfront deal to keep each other on track. What a wonderful gift from all of you to all of you to exercise and everyone will get healthier together. A better gift cannot be found.
Next schedule your time, mornings are normally best and the best time of the day to find the ten minutes it will take to start. If your first 10 minutes is spent with some form of exercise the rest of your day will be the better for it in so many ways. Add some meditation with your exercise and remember to check up with the others to see if they made the time for their ten minutes that day. Journal your progress as a group either appointing one person to keep the journal or take turns with who keeps the journal. . Sharing your achievements with each other and journaling them is a great way to keep motivated.
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