Twinkie’s Challenge: Exercise Regularly
We’ve all been told that we are supposed to exercise on a regular basis, since it’s healthy for us. But why should you and I exercise on a regular basis? Is the effort worth the sacrifice? I am challenging each of you to make exercise a part of your life, and I suggest you check out some of the benefits that are associated with regular exercise. Define “Regular Exercise” In order to benefit from regular exercise, you need to start somewhere. What’s considered “regular exercise”? In general, adults need to exercise for about three to five times a week, for 20 – 40 minutes. Health Benefits of Regular Exercise There are plenty of reasons why you should take on this challenge of making exercise a part of your life. I will list some of the top benefits of exercise,...
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Develop a Strong Core
Your core provides the foundation for movement throughout your entire body. The core muscles consist of the abdominals, hips, and lower back. Benefits of a Strong Core In addition to having a firm midsection, there are plenty of reasons why you should work on developing your core muscles. Lower back pain affects nearly 80% of the adult population, which often times is a result from having weak core muscles. It makes logical sense to assume that if you strengthen your core muscles, you will decrease back pain. According to researchers at the California State University, people who followed a ten week core workout program experienced 30% less back pain compared to before they started the program. A stronger core means you can lift heavier weights. Your core helps to support your spine, which allows for your entire body to...
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Love your Heart
The heart symbolizes Valentine’s Day, and it’s no surprise that February is Heart Health Month. This year, learn how you can love your heart by taking care of it! Heart Facts • Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and the #1 killer of women. It’s also one of the most preventable health concerns. •Cocaine affects the heart’s electrical activity and causes spasm of the arteries, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke, even in healthy people. •Three years after a person quits smoking, their chance of having a heart attack is the same as someone who has never smoked before. •People that suffer from gum disease are twice as likely to have a stroke or heart attack. If you need coronary artery bypass surgery, trust the doctors with the most experience....
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Why Hugh Jackman is Gaining Weight
Is Hollywood Allowing Weight Gain? Here’s something you don’t hear very often in Hollywood: “Gain Weight!” Yes, occasionally, there will be a role in Hollywood where the actor or actress is asked to gain weight for the part, rather than loosing weight. As this may be viewed by some as a positive move within the Entertainment Industry, is it a step in the right direction? Becoming “Wolverine” Among the actors who are gaining weight for a movie role, Hugh Jackman is one of them. In 2009 Hugh Jackman, who is 6’3″, weighed 190 pounds when he filmed X-Men Origins: Wolverine. The Director asked Hugh Jackman to add muscle to his frame, since he wasn’t muscular enough to really be the “Wolverine” we all know in the comics. He needed to look more “thick” and was asked to “bulk up” for the...
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Workouts for your Baby
It’s never too early to exercise, right? Your baby will benefit from exercise, just as much as you do! Babies need to work on building strength, and your little bundle of joy is going to need your help getting there. Tummy Time This helps your baby build a strong core, which strengthens your baby’s stomach, back, and neck muscles. Why it’s Important: It’s important that your baby’s core muscles are strengthened so that if your baby is ever in a dangerous situation (such as face down and not getting enough oxygen), your baby will have the ability to roll over. Lifting Let your baby learn how to lift objects with varying weight and size, such a baby’s rattle, toy keys, or Alphabet blocks. It will be a fun way for your baby to learn how to hold objects as well as...
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Stretching Before & After Exercise
You probably already know about the importance of exercising on a regular basis. Many don’t know that with every time you exercise, proper stretching should be accompanied with your workout. Importance of Stretching If you aren’t properly stretching with your workout, you are definitely putting yourself at risk for a serious injury during your workout. It’s always a bad situation when you can’t workout because of a workout related injury that was very preventable – if only you stretched after your workout! Not only do you prevent injury by stretching, you also become increasingly more flexible, stronger, bring valuable oxygen to your muscles, and provide better blood circulation. Stretching after your workout helps prevent muscle cramps, soreness, and allow for your muscles to loosen up. Before your Workout Do you need to stretch before your workout? This topic is very debated,...
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10 Reasons why you’re STILL overweight…
1) You think “Fat Free” or “Sugar Free” means that it is “Healthy” Marketing campaigns know that we are all trying to be healthier, and they are doing everything they can to sell you their product in an angle that makes you think their product makes the cut. They aren’t trying to make their products healthier. What does this all boil down to? The companies just want to make money, and the only way to make money is if you buy their product –whether it’s good for you or not. Read the labels and ingredients and start learning how to understand what they really mean. It’s almost guaranteed that if something it marketed as “Fat Free” or “Sugar Free”, they are using dangerous replacements which usually end up being worse for you than the actual fat or sugar. Most...
Read MoreAre you “Skinny Fat”?
Are you “Skinny Fat”? You heard me right! There is a new term called “Skinny Fat”, and it refers to those who look skinny, have a healthy BMI, but have a higher amount of fat versus muscle, and are at risk for Obesity related illnesses. That’s right- just because you are “skinny” or look good on the outside, it doesn’t mean you are healthy on the inside. So how many of us are considered “Skinny Fat”? 30 million Americans. How can we prevent ourselves from being “Skinny Fat”? It’s everything we already know, which is to Eat Healthy and Exercise on a regular basis. Check out this great video from MSN Health: “Skinny Fat” Video Please let me know what you think about this new discovery of Skinny Fat! Feel free to follow us, however you...
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