How Hot Yoga Made Me Change
About one year ago, my best friend asked me if I wanted to try hot yoga with her. It was something we had contemplated for…
Should You Work Out While Watching TV
I am the definition of a multi-tasker. I read while I eat, I always have at least two browser windows pulled up when on the web, and I watch TV while working out. It’s the last one of my list that has began to worry me. The thought came to me last night while I was watching the season finale of Dancing With the Stars while trying to complete a high intensity cardio workout along with Billy Blanks. I actually have two TV’s in my living room, one for watching regular television and one that is hooked up to the Wii and DVD player. This way, I can watch my favorite shows while feeling the burn. Great idea right? Well lately I’m not sure how great that really is. While trying to watch Nicole jive her way to the mirror ball trophy, I realized my workout was seriously slacking, I couldn’t take my eyes off the TV long enough to listen to Billy’s instructions, and I kept messing up moves that I normally would be able to hit. And I would never move my head away from the TV screen to really get into the cardio set or stretch I was to be performing.
So that got me thinking, even though I feel great that I can watch my favorite TV shows and get in a workout at the same time, am I really benefiting? Since I am not putting my full concentration into each punch and kick, am I better off shutting the tube off while working out? I know I enjoy watching TV while walking on the treadmill or elliptical machine, but that is different from having to pay attention to what an instructor is telling me. I couldn’t find anything in my research to support or advise against working out while watching TV, but I think I will break my habit of watching TV while trying to complete workout videos. Anyone else have an opinion on this topic?
Check Out These Sculpting Secrets
As I was browsing on Shape.com today I found an article titled ‘Speedy Sculpting Secrets.’ Since I work out to look more sculpted, I headed to the page to see just what secrets I needed to learn. Most of them were what I expected, but there were a few surprises that were thrown in there, and a few new moves I am going to try at the gym. Here were some of my favorite secrets:
1. Hit the Hills. The treadmill can be your friend when trying to vary your workouts. Remember, if you continually do the same routine, your body and muscles will eventually get used to your moves and you won’t be helping yourself. Try these three treadmill programs to keep mixing it up.
FLAT SPRINTS Set the treadmill at a constant 1 percent grade and run of walk fast (you should be completely out of breath) for 30 seconds. Recover at an easy intensity for 60 seconds. Repeat 9 times.
HILL DRILLS Run or walk for 30 seconds at an 8 percent grade followed by 60 seconds at a 1 percent grade. Repeat 9 times.
CONSTANT CLIMB Set the treadmill at an 8 percent grade and walk or run for 30 seconds at a moderate pace (you should be out of breath) followed by 60 seconds at a slower pace, still on the 8 percent incline. Repeat 9 times.
2. Don’t Procrastinate. Try not putting off the moves you dread (for me that would be push-ups!) because you are less likely to complete them if you keep them until the end. Get them out of the way first thing, that way you won’t be as tired when trying to complete them near the end of your routine.
3. Water is Your Friend. Pools can be a workout gold mine if you have access to one. Swimming laps is a great way to sculpt the body, but there are other ways you can utilize the pool as well. Shape suggest getting a kickboard and doing flutter kicks across the length of the pool, then getting gout and doing either lunges or squats and repeating the exercise. By alternating between water and land, the body is getting a cardio-sculpting workout.
4. Hold Your Tongue. This tip I found very interesting. When doing moves such as crunches, you should rest your tongue behind the top row of your teeth. This will help prevent neck strain, keeping you in better form and working the abs harder.
Check out the full article at Shape.com for all 31 sculpting secrets!
Motivations to Hit the Gym!
I was browsing on the Women’s Health Magazine online when I saw an article with the title ‘8 Motivating Reasons to Hit the Gym.’ Readers had written in on why they keep active, and WH picked out the top 8. It was interesting to see what inspired others to keep up with their workouts, and I noticed that many of their reasons were some of the top reasons why I keep myself motivated. Keep reading to see the top 8!
1. To Battle Depression. Working out has been seen as a great way to overcome depressions, because of the endorphins the body releases during exercise. When I am having a particularly rough day, turning to the gym or hitting my yoga mat can often distress me and help me think clearer.
2. To Feel Sexy. One Women’s Health reader wrote in and said she began taking pole dancing lessons. Not only was she learning sexy moves and gaining confidence, her body began to firm up and she dropped a couple jean sizes. I’ve never taken pole dancing lessons myself, but have done Carmen Electra’s Striptease DVD’s, so I can understand about learning sexy moves while getting a great workout.
3. To Stay Healthy. I began a steady workout routine a few years back when I learned I had high cholesterol (hereditary in my family). Each time I work up a sweat from a great routine I feel like I am continually improving my heart health, one of the best motivators.
4. For the Kids. I don’t have children myself, but I can certainty understand why this is a top motivator. Keeping yourself healthy is not only great for you, but can also influence your children to workout and stay active
5. To Achieve New Goals. It is always nice to set goals for yourself; then you reach them you feel a heightened sense of accomplishment. Keeping a goal is a great motivator to keep pushing even when you don’t feel up to it, especially if you give yourself an incentive, such as a new outfit or trip to the spa.
6. To Feel Happier. Working out can give similar benefits when battling depressions, because of the endorphins being released.
7. To Build Stamina. Maintaining a good workout routine will help build and a keep a strong stamina. Whether you need it for your work, taking care of kids, or to do activities you love, working out can help provide the energy and strength to do that.
8. To Have Your Cake (And Eat it Too!) This is one of my big reasons to continually work out. I’m not the best eater (I say that very loosely!) and often fill up on fast foods or chips. Working out not only relieves some part of my mind about possibly keeping those extra pounds off, but after I complete a good workout, I find that I don’t want to eat junk. Usually the best meals I eat come from after a workout, where I am feeling good about myself and would rather not ruin the great job I just did.
Weekly Update from SqueezeItIn.com
SqueezeItIn.com: Bag Some Biceps
No time to exercise? That excuse is gone forever with SqueezeItIn.com [WEBMASTER: Hyperlink to: http://www.SqueezeItIn.com] – the website that teaches you to “let life be your workout!” Founders Jenny Hein and Brigette Polmar are trying to change the way you think about fitness and challenging you to Squeeze It In with clever and effective exercises you can fit into your daily routine. We’ll be posting regular tips from SqueezeItIn.com, like this one that will have you looking forward to putting away the dishes.
From Jenny & Brigette – The SqueezeItIn.com Girls:
This exercise is so easy, effective, and popular, we made it our logo! Why stop to lift weights when you’re already lifting groceries? This multitasker puts great arms in the bag!
Holding one grocery bag in each hand (choose bags that are roughly of equal weight and aren’t too heavy, approximately 5 – 10 pounds each to start) begin with arms down at your sides and palms facing upward grasping the handles. Bend elbows and lifts bags to your shoulders, while keeping elbows tightly to your sides. Slowly return to the starting position. Lift both bags at once or alternate, lifting one bag at a time. Continue for two sets of twelve.
[WEBMASTER: Here is a link to this exercise on the SqueezeItIn.com site: http://www.squeezeitin.com/2009/06/new-exercise-bag-some-biceps/]
VARIATIONS:
Lower Slower: Lift bags as above, but lower bags SLOWLY to a 3-count of SQUEEZE-IT-IN.
Partial Curl: (See photo.) Start with arms at your sides and raise bags only halfway until arms are bent at a 90-degree angle. Slowly lower back to starting position.
Hammer Curls: Change hand position and hold bags with palms facing inward as if holding a hammer. Raise and lower bags with palms facing inward and thumbs pointing at shoulders.
Cardio: Every good workout must include cardio. Click here to see examples of our easy, do-anywhere cardio moves. [WEBMASTER: Hyperlink to : http://www.squeezeitin.com/2009/04/cardio/ ]
Visit SqueezeItIn.com [WEBMASTER: Hyperlink to: http://www.SqueezeItIn.com] every week for new exercise videos and nutrition tips.
Just Released: The SqueezeItIn.com Workout DVD, featuring an exclusive 30-minute workout along with dozens of SqueezeItIn.com moves you can use throughout your busy day. [WEBMASTER: Hyperlink to: http://www.SqueezeItIn.com/store]
Jenny Hein and Brigette Polmar co-founded SqueezeItIn.com as a wellness solution to help busy people find time to exercise, improve their lives, and “let life be their workout!”
Please Note: You should consult your physician before starting this or any exercise program.
Dance Your Way Slim
I recently wrote an article about the great workout you can get from belly dancing. Now, Shape Magazine has come up with many other great dance routines that are not only fun to do, but can help sculpt your body at the same time. Dancing has become a big interest with women across America due to the popularity of the ABC show Dancing With the Stars. Many gyms and other fitness areas are offering more dance classes, making learning even easier! Shape.com posted five popular dances (salsa, hip hop, samba, swing, and the paso doble) and broke down the steps that will target the key body areas women want to shape and tone. Check out that article, rent the dance DVD’s, or take up a new class at your local gym and have fun!
Fitness Updates from SqueezeItIn.com
SqueezeItIn.com: Life’s a gym. Work it out!
No time to exercise? That excuse is gone forever with SqueezeItIn.com – the website that teaches you to “let life be your workout!” Founders Jenny Hein and Brigette Polmar are trying to change the way you think about fitness and challenging you to Squeeze It In with clever and effective exercises you can fit into your daily routine. We’ll be posting regular tips from SqueezeItIn.com, like this one that will have you looking forward to putting away the dishes.
From Jenny & Brigette – The SqueezeItIn.com Girls:
Let’s face it, gals, we’ve “convenienced” ourselves to death – literally. You barely have to get off the couch or break a sweat to do anything anymore – and as appealing as that sounds, it’s just not healthy. We’re not saying give up the conveniences – really, just try to take my laptop or cell phone – I dare you. But remember, people used to wash clothes on rocks, not the permanent press cycle. And this is precisely why Laura Ingalls never needed a gym membership.
This isn’t to say you’re not busy. We know you are! If your life is a gym (and you know it is), then work it out! There are endless ways to squeeze in great exercises throughout your busy (and convenience-filled) day and you can find many of them on SqueezeItIn.com.
Now we know it’s a very long trip from the couch to the gym. So why not slip in a few great toning exercises right where you live – in your kitchen?
When ABC’s Diane Sawyer (yes, THE Diane Sawyer) saw this exercise she said, “Every dish is an opportunity!” Right you are, Diane! We hope this helps you to see all the wonderful opportunities to “let life be your workout!” No go unload that dishwasher. Great calves are just a load away.
Click on the photo above to view a video of this exercise.
How to do it: While putting dishes away, rise up onto toes. Hold for a 3-count of SQUEEZE-IT-IN. Come down slowly onto heels. Repeat until all dishes are back in cupboards or for at least 2 sets of 12.
Cardio: Every good workout must include cardio. Click here to see examples of our easy, do-anywhere cardio moves.
Visit SqueezeItIn.com every week for new exercise videos and nutrition tips. Coming soon: The SqueezeItIn.com Let life be your workout! DVD featuring an exclusive 30-minute workout along with dozens of SqueezeItIn.com moves you can use throughout your busy day.
Jenny Hein and Brigette Polmar co-founded SqueezeItIn.com as a wellness solution to help busy people find time to exercise, improve their lives, and “let life be their workout!”
Please Note: You should consult your physician before starting this or any exercise program.
