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Tips For Sticking With a Fitness Routine

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Jul
24
2011
Fitness and Exercise

Have you ever experienced this situation? You eagerly start a new fitness routine with much enthusiasm and the very best of intentions. The first week you work out until you reach the point of complete exhaustion. Finally, you've so sore and exhausted you'll find almost any excuse to not work out. Unfortunately, this situation is far too common in a world where we expect immediate gratification. A new body isn't built in a day. Even if you're on the best fitness routine available, you need to develop patience. It takes time to see changes in your strength, stamina, and energy level, much less changes in your weight and physical appearance. If you recognize this from the beginning, you'll be more likely to continue your exercise routine even when it seems like you're not making progress. You also need to understand the importance of exercise consistency. Select a realistic routine you can stick with for the long haul. If you've never exercised don't design a strenuous fitness … [Read more...]

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2011 Fitness Trends

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Jan
11
2011
Fitness Trends 2011

Just as there are clothing and fashion trends, trends in fitness change too. No one wants to do the same workout over and over, so it’s exciting to see what’s new in the fitness world. Here’s what will be big in 2011. Fitness Industry Trends: Fast and Hard is In According to a recent poll conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine, 2011 will be the year of the boot camp workout. Boot camp workouts combine strength training and aerobics and they give you a heart-pumping, body-blasting workout using minimal equipment. Participants do old-fashioned push-ups, crunches, and jog in place similar to the techniques military recruits use to get into “fighting” shape. The beauty of the boot camp workout is it works the whole body in a relatively short period of time – and “recruits” burn up to 600 calories in an hour. The exercises are constantly changing, so it rarely gets boring, and when you finish, you’re drenched in sweat - but satisfied. Trends in … [Read more...]

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Winter Fitness – Exercising In Cold Weather

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Dec
27
2010
Winter Fitness

For many people, the onslaught of cold winter weather is a sufficient reason to put the brakes on a regular outdoor exercise program. However, this does not need to be the case, as exercising in colder weather can be just as enjoyable as warm-weather exercise when you wear the correct clothing and take protective measures. Layers One common mistake made by winter exercisers is they start out with too many clothes. When you step outside the house, you should feel chilled. If you don't feel somewhat cold, you are likely to be wearing too many clothes and will quickly become too warm when you begin moving. Starting out with three of four layers of thinner clothes rather than one or two items of thick clothing makes it easier to make adjustments should you become overheated. Extremities Protecting your extremities with a hat and gloves is important when exercising in colder weather, as up to 50 percent of body heat can be lost through the head. A hat that covers the ears is … [Read more...]

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Fall Fitness

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Oct
25
2010
Fall Fitness

Change is inevitable as we (reluctantly, if summer lovers) move into the fall season. In addition to the changing color of the leaves, is the changing dynamic of our lives. This inescapable change in nature can have a direct effect on health and fitness if not prepared. Without the extended, warm summer days, there is much less opportunity to live an active lifestyle. So are you still getting enough exercise? Without the fresh, outdoor BBQs, eating habits will change. Are you still enjoying colorful, healthy foods? Being aware of these slight lifestyle changes will enable you to make the fall fitness transition as smooth as possible. The quality of your health and fitness in the fall can also enable you to enter the holiday season with a great baseline, and the strength you need to prevail through a tumultuous November and December. Stay Active Don’t be deterred by the cooler temperatures. The same beautiful resources that you enjoyed during the summer are still … [Read more...]

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Five Exercise Mistakes – Are You Making Them?

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Sep
06
2010
5 Exercise Mistakes

Getting into shape is one of the most important commitments you can make for your health and your mental well being. When the New Year rolls around many people make the time honored resolution of starting a fitness program. While a few stick with their commitment, most fall by the way side after a few weeks. Of those who continue to exercise, not all will achieve the firm toned body and heart that they had envisioned. Why is it that despite exercising on a daily basis, there are some who fail to reach their fitness goals? Here are five common exercise mistakes that can keep you from achieving the body and fitness level of your dreams. Doing the same workout every day This is one of the most common reasons why you may fail to see results. If you follow the same fitness routine each time you exercise, your body will eventually adjust to the intensity level and stop making gains. You may see results when you first start your workout, but over time your weight plateaus and so does … [Read more...]

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Listen to Music While You Exercise

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Aug
26
2010
Listen to Music While You Exercise

It’s all-to-easy for exercise to become monotonous—taking the same route through your neighborhood on your nightly walk, staring at the same photo on the wall in front of your treadmill each morning, or watching the same perky instructor on an exercise DVD every day is enough to make anyone bored. Some people feel that varying their routine frequently helps them stick with an exercise plan, but listening to music is also a great way to help stay motivated. It also helps take your mind off the fact that you’re exercising! Most gyms play fast, upbeat music over the stereo system to keep people energized while they work out, but choosing your own exercise playlist that’s comprised of your favorite songs might encourage you to push yourself a little further. Break Out Your iPod or CD Player I listen to my iPod as I walk or attempt to jog, but even before technology was advanced enough to give us the ability to purchase and download songs from the internet in a matter of … [Read more...]

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Exercise Can Help You Feel Better Physically and Mentally

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Aug
09
2010
Two women walking

Regular exercise is one of the easiest ways to feel better both physically and mentally. Exercise can help us look better by losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight, and it can decrease the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Physical activity can also help ward off feelings of depression and anxiety, and help you fall asleep easier at night! Physical Activity Has Many Benefits The list of benefits associated with exercise is just as long—if not longer—than the list of disadvantages associated with skipping exercise, but millions of women are guilty of being couch potatoes. Don’t think I’m pointing fingers, because I’m not—I’m one of the laziest people I know when it comes to physical activity. Before getting pregnant in 2008, I was in the best shape of my life. I got to the point that I honestly enjoyed eating salad and fruit, and I walked outside or on my treadmill every single day. For once my seizures were under control, and I felt … [Read more...]

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