Fitness

June 9, 2013 In Fitness, News, Spotlight, Workouts By Vancouver Health Coach

Ripped to the Core Workout

A six-pack may turn heads, but unless you have a strong group of deep-core muscles you'll never develop a complete midsection. With Fitness Goop's Ripped to the Core program you will get a workout that will strengthen your transverse abdominals and the deep muscles of the core, plus some favorite moves that will keep your abs engaged the entire workout. Before starting the workout here are few tips to remember: Perform three sets of 15 repetitions (reps) for all exercises except side bridge and plank, aim for 30 seconds. Rest for 60 seconds between each set. Throughout the workout, concentrate on breathing correctly....

June 3, 2013 In Fitness, News, Spotlight, Workouts By Vancouver Health Coach

Tough Mudder 2013: Why Am I Doing This?

I recently—and crazily—decided to sign up for the Tough Mudder endurance race that describes itself as “Probably the Toughest Event on the Planet.” Gulp! I’m not a runner. I’ve never been a runner. Even as a kid I didn’t like soccer, basketball, or track. I figure skated, danced, dove, swam, did gymnastics, and played volleyball. I had good reason not to like running. Running hurts my knees. Yet, here I am, signed up for an event that includes 10-12 miles—yup, miles (16-19 km)—of running. I know that this is interspersed with obstacles (mildly put) and is not a straight running course. Where...

May 15, 2013 In Fitness, News, Spotlight, Workouts By Vancouver Health Coach

Benefits of Myofascial Release Therapy

If you have been injured after something has gone wrong during your fitness program, you will need the best possible treatment you can receive. Some turn to traditional remedies such as bathing in ice, others receive various forms of physiotherapy while a growing number of professional athletes and amateur fitness fanatics will turn to something a little more left field called myofascial release therapy in the hope that their ailments will become a thing of the past. For anyone suffering sprains or strains, it can be hard to find the right treatment. Myofascial release therapy, alternatively known as ‘skin rolling’ is...

May 1, 2013 In Fitness, Green & Healthy Living, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Skinny Fat: Can You Be Skinny and Fat At The Same Time?

Just looking thin or skinny on the outside is not indication of what’s going on inside and is not a guarantee of health. Skinny fat is basically when a person looks skinny on the outside, but actually has a high percentage of body fat. Skinny fat people will achieve this look by dieting, often times extreme dieting, and failing to exercise, or only engaging in certain forms of cardiovascular exercise that burn large numbers of calories. The easiest way to determine if a person is skinny fat is to evaluate their body fat percentage. One of the most common ways to do...

April 10, 2013 In Emotional Health, Fitness, News By Vancouver Health Coach

Motivating Yourself To Stick to your Fitness Goals

Planning new fitness goals can be exciting and powerful, but sometimes they’re just lip service. Lip service to ourselves that we promise to get back on track once the holidays are over and life returns to normal. Sometimes words are not enough. Stating goals and writing them down are an important part of the equation, however it’s the taking of action that everything truly depends on. Let’s look at a classic example. You’re health-conscious and have decided to throw caution to the wind over a holiday such as easter, indulging in whichever cookies, or chocolates and fat-laden appetizers that come your...

March 31, 2013 In Fitness, Green & Healthy Living, News By Vancouver Health Coach

Do You Know Your Resting Heart Rate?

Studies are now finding that your Resting Heart Rate (RHR) is a strong predictor of cardiovascular health as well as a good indicator of your basic fitness level. A strong heart is able to pump more blood with every beat, so you want to have a low resting heart rate. It is very easy to figure out your resting heart rate; you just need to be able to count and have a watch with a second hand. Try taking your RHR first thing in the morning, as you will have a more accurate reading compared to any other time during the...

March 28, 2013 In Fitness, News, Yoga By Vancouver Health Coach

5 Ways Yoga Can Relieve Chronic Back Pain

Chronic low back pain is one of the most common causes of pain in the United States and Canada. This condition otherwise referred to as (LBP) can be the result of injuries, arthritis, pregnancy, herniated discs, stress that causes tension and poor posture. While the number of people suffering from back pain increases, so does the rate of over the counter medications used to relieve the pain. There is however, another option that can help chronic back pain sufferers and it is not available by prescription, but is practiced on a yoga mat. In a research study by ClinicalTrials.gov yoga...

March 22, 2013 In Fitness, News, Spotlight, Workouts By Vancouver Health Coach

Largest, Longest, Smallest & Strongest Muscles in the Body

There are about 640 muscles in the body. They come in all shapes and sizes and perform many different functions. Here's a quick list of the largest, longest, smallest and strongest. Largest The Gluteus Maximus, one of three gluteal muscles, is located at the back of the hip and is commonly called the buttocks. It's main functions are hip extension and hip external rotation. Some great exercises to train the Gluteus Maximus muscles include squats, deadlifts and lunges. Longest The Sartorius are long thin muscles that run from the outside of the upper thigh down and across the leg to the inside of the...

March 6, 2013 In Fitness, News, Running, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

How to Choose the Right Running Shoes for You

Whether you are running for fun or planning on becoming part of the Olympic team one day, it's vitally important to ensure that you are wearing appropriate and correctly-fitting running shoes. Too many runners make a poor selection due to a lack of understanding of their foot type, but with a little care and forethought, it is possible to select a pair of shoes that will enhance your performance without compromising the condition of your foot structure. Feet come in three main types, normal, flat and high-arched. After a bath or shower, take a look at your damp footprint on the...

February 20, 2013 In Fitness, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Exercising in the Cold

Winter is upon us and as the mercury drops, most people dread the idea of being outside in freezing temperatures at all, let alone exercising in them. While working out in the cold can be invigorating, and according to some studies may even help you burn more calories, exercise outdoors can also be dangerous. So before you venture out into the arctic chill, here are a few tips to help you get prepared. Check Weather Forecast Even before you get ready to set foot outside, make sure to check the forecast. Don't forget to look at both the air temperature and the...