Chick Lit Plus by Samantha March

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Benefits of a Morning Workout
Chick Lit Plus

Benefits of a Morning Workout

A few months back, I started to switch up my workout schedule. Instead of hitting the gym after work, around 6:00 or so, I started waking up a bit earlier so I could get it out of the way first thing in the morning. I was doing this for a few different reasons. One was to simply get it out of the way. Sometimes my afternoons and nights can get a bit hectic, and even though I would have full intentions of making it to the gym, it just wouldn’t happen. It’s nice to have that done first thing in the morning so I don’t have to be thinking about when I can squeeze time in throughout the day. Another reason was because I was told by our health specialist at work that working on in the morning can boost your metabolism so you burn more calories throughout the day. I’ve also found that AM workouts leave me feeling more energized right off the bat. And the last reason – vanity. I don’t mean losing weight or being toned, I’m talking about my skin. My face was beginning to break out regularly, and my usual facial products weren’t seeming to help the problem. I started asking around, and my friend who works esthetics mentioned working out and washing my face after being at the gym. I did some research of my own, and found that working out with makeup on is bad for your skin, and that you should wash your face after you sweat it up. Both of those things now seem pretty obvious to me, but I still wanted to share! Now, I work out in the mornings with a bare face (sometimes I might scare other gym-goers but they just have to deal with it) and be sure to wash my face right away once I get home. It’s pretty amazing how fast my skin cleared up with that small change!

December 11, 2012
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Workout Wish List: Bosu Ball
Chick Lit Plus

Workout Wish List: Bosu Ball

I am one who enjoys a good workout, and I primarily like completing my workouts at home. While I need to go to the gym to use treadmills and ellipticals, I have quite an array of workout DVD’s and small equipment in my house. I have dumbbells, a kettleball, resistance bands, my pink yoga mat, but now I have a new want to add to my wish list: a BOSU Ball. I noticed this workout friend when Kelly Osbourne was spotlighted in Shape Magazine. The BOSU ball helps balance, while strengthening the core muscles around your abdominal and back. Kelly’s workout had her doing planks and pushups on the ball, as well as standing (balancing) while doing bicep curls and other moves with weights. The BOSU ball boasts that not only does it help trim and tone your body, but improves balance and coordination.
I found on Amazon the BOSU Ball Trainer Home Version- which includes the ball, pump, exercise manual, and a workout DVD. I think the BOSU ball would be a perfect addition to my at-home fitness room. It won’t take up a lot of space, and I can get a great workout while doing moves I normally would complete with the added challenge of balance. Does anyone own or have used the BOSU ball? Is this something you would recommend?

March 5, 2011
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Keep your Workouts in Check
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Keep your Workouts in Check

It’s summertime (hallelujah) and the rush to get that perfect bikini bod is in full force. This may be the opportune time to step back and examine your workout. Do you switch some things up, add in cardio or more reps to your usual routine? Or do you need a whole reboot to get that tiny waistline? Fitness magazine has 10 tips and tricks that readers should consider- I know I am making the necessary changes to my workouts after reading this!
Do not rely on cardio alone! Even though cardio and aerobic exercises will make you sweat and help you tone, being mindful of your diet along with your regular exercise will really make the difference in your body.
Rushing through reps. Doing reps quickly may make you think you are getting the work done, but this is not the case. In order to be toned muscles must be challenged, and this includes both in weights and in reps. Fitness suggests reaching for a lighter dumbbell when you aren’t moving the weight with steady control as you lift and lower, and heavier if you don’t believe you’ve done just about all you can do by the end of a set.
Too much time on the bike. I was once worried that bicycling multiple times during the week was going to make my thighs larger- not more toned. This can be the case if you pick the bike for all your sweat sessions. To tone thighs, Fitness recommends cycling once or twice week, and the other days choose the elliptical or treadmill for best results.

Check out the full article here for more ways to reboot your exercise routine and get your best body for the summer!

Source: Fitnessmag.com/Caroline Hwang

June 17, 2010
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How To Prevent Exercise Injuries
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How To Prevent Exercise Injuries

Are you being as safe as you need to be when you work out? Chances are, you are slipping in at least one area, causing exercise to be an enemy to your body. Shape.com listed four fitness tips that will help you avoid injury while getting your best workout.
1. Don’t Forget to Stretch! I am guilty of this so often, because I feel like I don’t have enough time. But stretching is crucial to a workout; giving you more flexibility and you will be less likely to pull a muscle if everything is stretched out. It’s important to stretch both before and after your workout to get the best results.
2. Overtraining. Exercising too frequently can have harmful effects on the body. The body needs recovery time, so it is important to let muscles rest. If you work your legs one day, the next day work on upper body strength and vice versa. This will cause your body to get stronger while preventing injuries.
3. Doing the Wrong Workout. Shape advises against choosing a workout simply based on its popularity or the fact your friends are doing it. You need to make sure it is a class that will focus on your fitness needs, and most importantly- fit your current fitness level. If you are a beginner, don’t sign up for an advanced kickboxing class. You will more than likely end up hurting yourself, and feeling defeated about working out.
4. Getting Dehydrated. You should never do a workout without enough fluids or food in your system. Shape reports that both are essential to complete a workout and keep up your stamina. Drink water or munch on a protein bar before your workout to keep your energy up.

Remember, exercise can be harmful if you are not doing it correctly! Be sure to check out Shape.com for the full article and other fitness tips.

January 12, 2010
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