Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Jillian Michaels is Kicking My Butt!

Wow, well it's been a while since I have visited my Yoga Meltdown video on here.... I would like to report some great progress, but the truth is I've been a bit lazy lately (see, it even happens to me sometimes), and haven't been doing my yoga workout as often as I should. I'm still doing it - it's just only about once a week lately (although, to be fair, I have been throwing some other workouts into the mix, so it's not like I've just been sitting around most of the time).

Anyway, I've been doing Level 1 of Jillian Michaels' Yoga Meltdown workout since last July - fairly regularly, except for during my back pain episode last fall. I am someone who is gung-ho about a workout for a while - love it, can't get enough of it, etc., until I get bored. So lately I've been feeling less motivated about the Yoga Meltdown workout, and I figured what the heck, I'll try Level 2 - it can't be THAT much harder, right??

Ummmm...WRONG. This workout is some serious stuff! I'm in pretty good shape (and have been doing yoga for 8 months now), and there were exercises in there that I couldn't even do - not even the beginner version! I was seriously sore (my entire body) for 3 full days. Not that it wasn't fun...or it will be, someday, when I'm ready for it. But for now, it gave me a new-found appreciation for Level 1, and I will be enjoying this one for some time to come. :-)

As a funny, slightly related note, I was on an exercise forum the other day, and someone was asking for a good, challenging workout video "without an annoyingly perky instructor". Someone else had suggested a Jillian Michaels video, with the comment that "Not only is she not annoyingly perky, she seems like she would come to your house and punch you if you don't work hard enough."  Ha ha! So true....

More Jillian Michaels Workouts:
    
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Saturday, March 12, 2011

Exercise: Home Or Gym?

Making the decision of where you will go to exercise is a very important step in reaching your fitness goals.  A lot of factors will go into this decision, and each one should be evaluated well before you start exercising.  Once you have made a decision on where you will go to exercise, you can move on to deciding how you plan to work out.

Jogging with our iPhones...Image by Ed Yourdon via FlickrAs you probably know, exercising at home has many advantages.  The finance department is one of the best ones.  With the gas prices being what they are today, it is quite obvious that you'll save money on fuel as well as wear and tear on your vehicle by choosing to exercise at home.

Memberships to a gym can often be quite expensive and may include other things that you don't need such as child care or swimming pools.  You also won't need to be concerned about the latest trends of exercise gear as you most likely will be exercising by yourself at home.

But keep in mind that working out at home does require a bit of financial obligation.  Even though you may plan just to go running, for example, it is very important that you have high quality running shoes.  This statement applies to any type of equipment that you may purchase to use at home.  If you go out and buy cheap equipment, you'll probably end up getting hurt or getting frustrated because you aren't making any progress.

Along with the financial advantages, exercising at home may also help those who don't like to work out in public.  If you are worried about how you look in gym clothes, it is very comforting to know that the only person who has to be with you when you exercise at home is you.  Also, when you exercise at home, you don't need to worry about the time involved in getting to or from the gym, or being away from home (you can even do certain chores - such as laundry - while you are working out).

But for those of you who are motivated by being with people you know or come to know while working out away from home, a gym may be a better idea than working out at home.  At the gym, you'll  also have more of a selection of equipment as well, far more than you'll have at home.

Using the diagonal sled-type leg press machine.Image via WikipediaIf you need other services than just a few weights and equipment, the gym may be the best place to go. Rather than buying a ton of equipment, you can just use all the equipment that is already there, for a small fraction of the cost of buying it all yourself. If you plan to swim a triathlon, you'll find the swimming pool at the gym to be just what you need to prepare yourself.  Swimming is also a great exercise for your body and cardio, as it will work muscles in your body that you probably didn't even know you had.

Gyms will also offer classes that you may find very fun and motivating.  If you attend class on a regular basis, you may be motivated enough to continue, as you see the progress you are making. You can also meet new people in class, and even help others along if you choose.

All in all, making the choice of exercising at home or at the gym is a choice you should make based on your goals, personality, and personal preference.  The most important decision you'll need to make is to determine what type of environment you want to be in and how you want to accomplish the fitness goals that you have.

Once you have given it some thought and weighed out the pros and cons, you'll have no problem making the choice.  And of course always keep in mind that once you've made your choice, it's not set in stone. You can always switch if you aren't happy with the choice you made, or combine the two and just work out occasionally at home and the rest of the time at the gym, or vice versa.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Video - Gym Workout

Here is a 10-minute video of an example of a good gym workout. If you enjoy going to the gym, this video gives you an idea of a well rounded workout using gym equipment. (I know we focus a lot on working out at home, but some people do prefer the gym, so this week I wanted to share a few resources for those of you who do enjoy this form of working out.) I liked this lady because I agree with her philosophy of health and fitness, and eating. (For more ideas on cooking and eating healthy - and happy - visit our Cooking From Scratch blog.)

Betty's Workout at the Gym--NO RECIPE--
In this video, Betty demonstrates her workout at the gym (due to several requests). I also emphasize the importance of diet in achieving fitness and a healthy lifetstyle. If you are looking for a diet that will definitely take the pounds off and neve...

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Boredom Busters: Get A Fitness Trainer

One of the biggest obstacles to staying on track for fitness is losing motivation. People are just starting an exercise program can find themselves quickly tired of the same routine. Keeping exercise appealing and maintaining a good fitness perspective is key to long-term success.

If you had to watch the exact same episode of your favorite television show every day for the rest of your life, you would probably be banging your head against the wall by the end of the week. You would change the channel, pick up a book, or do anything you could to avoid something you once enjoyed.

Personal trainer monitoring a client's movemen...Image via WikipediaYet many people starting on a fitness program feel compelled to follow the same routine, day after day after day, and consequently fall off the exercise wagon due to sheer boredom. That is why the services of a fitness trainer can prove to be a great help in keeping your fitness program lively and engaging.

Fitness trainers are those who are expert in analyzing and creating a fitness program that is right for you. They are the ones who will calculate your appropriateness to a certain program with regards to your “fitness level,” create the program according to your specific needs, and keep you stimulated and inspired by giving you activities that will not bore you.

But then again, as with other entities included in the fitness world, not all fitness trainers are created equal. They may vary depending on the different types of training that they have, the health education they have acquired, and the skills that they have learned.

Hence, it is important to consider some factors that will determine if a certain fitness trainer is right for you.

Here are some things to look for:

1. Certification

Like any item or product, the quality is sometimes measured and determined through the certification that goes with it. Hence, before you choose your fitness trainer, it is important to verify if the trainer is duly certified by a highly regarded fitness association.

It is also best to choose a trainer that has a CPR certification or first aid qualifications.

2. Education/Training

Be sure to choose a fitness trainer with adequate training and education as far as health and physical fitness is concerned.

Even though it is not necessary, trainers who have acquired education connected with health or any other related field will definitely have an edge over the others.

Fitness trainer Billy Blanks shows a female wo...Image via Wikipedia3. Knows How to Give the Right Attention

A good fitness trainer should know how to provide his or her client their undivided attention whenever their session is going on. In this way, the trainer will be able to focus more on the details that need attention and immediate consideration or correction.

4. Knows How to Track Development

It is best to choose a fitness trainer that knows how to track his or her client’s progress as far as fitness is concerned.

In this way, the trainer will be able to generate new activities and training designed specifically for a particular result desired by the client, and being able to see and track the progress towards your goals will help keep you motivated and having fun!

5. Good Personality

Since you will be dealing most with your fitness trainer, it is a good idea to look for somebody with a pleasing personality -- somebody you can be comfortable with. It is best to hire the services of somebody whom you can easily get along with, and who you will enjoy spending time with during your sessions.

When it comes down to it, some of the best help that you can get in your workout program can come from a professional person who knows what he is doing. Hence, it is best to choose the best person who can give you the services and attention that you need so that you will never get bored during your workouts again.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Video - How to Ice Skate

If Thursday's article piqued your interest in ice skating, check out this quick video for some tips from an expert skater. These tips and basic steps will get you moving around the ice. You will learn forward movements, backwards, and curves/turns, as well as stopping, and a simple spin for a little challenge.

It's not as good as an in-person class, but it will at least give you an idea of some of the techniques that can be helpful when you are learning to skate, and it is all explained in very simple step-by-step terms.

Enjoy!

How to Ice Skate
Festive ice rinks are open all over the country this time of year, so we've asked our expert Lara to give us an ice-skating masterclass. . Follow us on twitter at twitter.com

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Thursday, March 3, 2011

The Excitement of Figure Skating

Jenni Vähämaa performs a spiral during her sho...Image via WikipediaIf you've ever admired figure skating in the Winter Olympics, why not try it for yourself? If you've mastered the basics of ice skating, figure skating can provide a fun and exciting challenge.

Figure skating is a type of ice skating that involves learning difficult routines and movements on the ice. Many people love to watch amateur and professional figure skating because the competitors are able to gracefully twist, leap, and twirl around as they glide along the ice.

The most difficult element of figure skating for most people to master is spinning. The faster you skate the faster you can spin, but keeping your balance and going from a spin back to skating without being disoriented is not a simple feat. The secret is to center the ice skates as you go into the spin. This will give it a uniform look and keep the body from looking like it is moving from side to side during the spins.

There are plenty of different types of spins that an ice skater can perform once you have the basic concept. Some require both feet to be on the ice with the leg straight and others require the knees to be bent and the skater in a squatting position. Others require one leg to be lifted off the ground at hip length or even placed behind the head! It takes plenty of skill to be able to do this with ice skates on so be ready to practice long and hard!

User:Dr.frog's figure skates. This is a Riedel...Image via WikipediaFor most of us, figure skating is something we will continue to watch from the stands or on TV. While it is an exciting winter sport, figure skating often requires too much time and effort for most people to put into learning. However, if it is something you've always wanted to try, don't hold back! Look for a rink that offers classes, and try a few to see if it is really up your alley. You may find it is not for you, or you may discover a new passion that offers great exercise and fun combined!



(Remember to consult with a qualified instructor as well as your personal trainer, to make sure you are in good enough shape to try figure skating, and that you are performing the moves correctly to avoid injury.)
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Tuesday, March 1, 2011

News on Fun Ways to Exercise in Winter

For those of you getting the winter blah's just about now, here are a few recent articles with some tips for keeping your exercise routine going, and keeping motivated to stay in shape during these last few long months before spring. (And be sure to check back through the archives on this blog as we've posted LOTS of great ideas over the past few months.)

Esquiador Venezolano Cesar Baena compite y ent...Image via Wikipedia6 Ways to Stay Motivated to Exercise this Winter
Find a Winter Sport You Love: There are so many great winter sports that will provide you with a fun way to get in your exercise. There is down-hill skiing, snowboarding, snow-shoeing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, just to name a ...
Publish Date: 11/23/2008 10:17
http://www.sheerbalance.com/hot-topic/6-ways-to-stay-motivated-to-exercise-this-winter/

Get in shape for spring break
But a quick glance at the calendar will tell you, we're already almost a quarter of the way through the year! You know what that means, right? Despite the bitterly cold and snowy weather many of you have had this winter, things will be warming up ... Walking and running are great exercises for several reasons. They work nearly every muscle in the body all at once, unlike weight training which targets specific areas. It's also great cardio exercise to strengthen the heart. ...
Publish Date: 02/28/2011 14:18
http://www.smoothfitness.com/blog/get-in-shape-for-spring-break/

Fun Family Fitness Ideas for the Holidays | Health | Epoch Times
During the winter months, don't just stay indoors and sip hot chocolate, get outside and get fit with the whole family. (Photos.com). Finding fun ways to exercise and bond with the kids during the holidays is an easy an inexpensive way ...
Publish Date: 12/21/2009 19:56
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/health/fun-family-fitness-ideas-for-the-holidays-26781.html

The 5 Best Winter Activities for Burning Calories
Recreational ice skating can be a fun way to exercise with a group of friends or family. Add a stick and a puck and you have a friendly game of ice hockey! 3. Downhill Skiing = 0.060 kcal/lb/min. Downhill, or alpine, skiing is a fun ...
Publish Date: 02/19/2011 0:35
http://socialhype.com/lifestyle/1774-the-5-best-winter-activities-for-burning-calories.html

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