exercise Tag

Recognizing the Signs of Exercise Burnout

Exercise burnout can be described as the gradual depletion of energy as a result of overtraining or failing to change a workout routine. Many of us start an exercise program excited about becoming healthier and getting into better shape. Sometimes we will train too much in the beginning without adequate rest, embracing our workouts vigorously only to fall victim to fatigue or injury. Does this sound familiar? Exercise burnout occurs slowly and can be eliminated if the signs are recognized and dealt with early. Take a look at the following signs of this common phenomenon and see if you need...

What is the Purpose Behind Your Health Goals?

When meeting a client for the first time I always ask a few questions about their health goals going forward. This helps me determine if their goals are realistic and how they've gotten to the point of sitting and talking with me. I can usually tell a few minutes into our conversation how dedicated this person is going to be, how much energy and time it's going to take from me to help them and whether they'll actually achieve the health goals they've mentioned. The reality is, not everyone has the drive, self confidence, dedication and purpose driving him or her...

How to Achieve your Fitness Goals

The following are three sure fire strategies for staying the course in your journey of optimal fitness. 1. Identify Your Personal Vision for Being Fit: So you’ve decided to commit to regular exercise. How come? Your answer to this question is a key to your success. If you were to get exactly what you wanted out of keeping your body moving on a regular basis, what might that be? A healthier body? More energy? Strength? Weight loss? Get really clear on what you are aiming for, and make sure it sounds and feels good to you. This will greatly increase your...

Stability Ball Hamstring Curl: Exercise of the Week

The Stability Ball Hamstring Curl could possibly be the most effective hamstring exercise around. To perform this movement you will need a Stability ball and your body. Since the ball is unstable, your hamstrings and back muscles have to work hard to maintain your body position. Hamstring curls using the ball delivers great resistance to your hamstrings, and when done correctly this relatively “new kid on the block” is super effective. Goal: Keeping your hips up in line between your knees and your shoulders as you draw your heels in. Muscles involved: Hamstrings, stabilizer...

Exercise to Improve Confidence and Self Esteem

If you have ever experienced the heart-thumping, invigorated state of a high-intensity cardio workout, you have likely had that surge of enthusiasm that accompanies blood flow and endorphins. One of the bonuses of having this boost is that your brain accesses a state in which your world feels manageable, and more hopeful. You feel more ‘on top of the world’, and better about yourself. Experiencing an increase in confidence is one of the best pay-offs of exercise. When we feel good, we see the world through brighter lenses. We tend to feel more confident, excited and more assured. When we hold...

Plank with Chest and Back Series: Exercise of the Week

In the eighties and nineties we heard the words "six pack" used to describe strong rectus abdominals. In today's fitness industry, the words core strength is commonly being used, but what does the core really consist of? Anatomically, the core consists of the muscles in the hips, deeper muscles in the abdominals such as transversus abdominus (TA), multifidus and others surrounding the spine. One of the most important reasons to strengthen your core is because the structural integrity of the body depends on it. A very efficient method of training called Functional core training challenges the participant in an environment that uses...

How Exercise Reverses Aging

The best anti-aging solution isn’t for sale, in fact it’s free. It can also help you lose weight, think better, sleep sounder and give you a stronger heart. Solid scientific research proves this one thing can help you live longer, stronger and happier. It’s called exercise. The key to a successful fitness plan is persistence, so if just squeezing back in your pants and looking better isn’t quite enough motivation for you, here are some powerful reasons to lace up those sneakers and break a sweat. Turning Back the Clock on Aging Back in 1966, a group of 5 young men took part...

10 Reasons that Exercise is Not Just About Losing Weight

You can lose weight by eating healthy and watching your portion and calories but you can lose more weight faster and get fit by adding exercise to the picture. Let’s be realistic, exercising can be hard, it’s a matter of time or lack thereof. Between work, kids, making dinner and going to bed, when are you supposed to fit in that hour of exercise? The answer is, you’re just going to have to make it happen—no one else can do it for you, because exercise is not an option. If losing weight and looking good weren’t enough… Here are 10 reasons to...

Controlling Diabetes with a Balanced Diet and Exercise

Lifestyle changes can make a profoundly positive difference when it comes to controlling diabetes, not only from day to day but also over the long term as well. Because many medications associated with diabetes can create complications — such as the link between the Actos and bladder cancer — many people with diabetes are trying to reduce their need for medications and insulin injections in favor of a natural, balanced approach to blood sugar control. A balanced diet, meaning one that contains the right nutrients in the right amounts, is quite capable of reducing the need for diabetes health medications over...

Cucumber Matcha Pineapple Smoothie

I’ve been having such a blast today creating new recipes in my kitchen such as a pineapple smoothie and dancing to Easy-E. Such a blast, in fact, that I need to refuel before heading to a couple of yoga classes tonight. As I opened my fridge I got to thinking.. what would Easy E do? Just joshing you. I started to think about a quick combination I could make in my kitchen right now that would provide me with the most energy before class starts in a few short hours. As I dedicate more to my yoga practice, I’ve been paying attention to...