Exercise Ideas for Weight Loss

There are all kinds of ways you can work exercise into your life. You can workout anywhere doing all sorts of things.

Playing with children, for example is a great way to get some exercise. When you get down on the floor and play “horsey”, you are giving yourself a heck of a workout – and it is fun for the kids!

Throw a ball around in the backyard and really get into it! Jump on a trampoline, or just play tag! Exercise like this not only give you the physical benefits, it can remind you of the joy of youth and put a real smile on your face!

At work, take the stairs instead of the elevator. When you park in a parking lot, park as far away from the door as possible so you have to walk further.

Use your imagination and you will find ways to exercise almost anywhere!

Image via WikipediaMany people love the idea of being in a gym surrounded by sweaty people who are lifting weights and using the stair-stepping machine. If this is what you like, by all means, get into a gym.

Weight training gives you the opportunity to sculpt your body by pushing your muscles toward working harder than they normally would. You will also boost your metabolism by adding more muscle (muscle fibers burn calories - even at rest!).

We suggest that you get the advice of someone in the gym like the trainer or owner to give you some exercises to start out with. They will be the experts in the field for you and will know what works when you’re just beginning a weight training program. They can also help guide you when it’s time for you to “step up” your regimen.

Aerobics classes are another great way to get a terrific workout. You can find classes like these in many, many places, but mostly in gyms and workout studios. Keep in mind that there will be a fee to take these classes, but it might very well be worth it to have the camaraderie that comes with other people sweating along with you!

We highly recommend looking into taking water aerobics. Exercising in the water has so many benefits. You have less stress and strain on your joints, plus the natural resistance of the water will work your muscles more than if you were taking a class “on land”.

Water aerobics can be done by just about anyone – young and old alike. It’s a great alternative to strength training and you won’t have the problem of excessive sweating that many of us just hate! You’ll get an amazing workout and it’ll be fun too!

Image via WikipediaMany people – the Hollywood elite included – are beginning to advocate Pilates as a very effective weight loss method. This exercise regimen was developed in the early 20th century, but has just now come to global popularity - and it's definitely one of our favorites!

Pilates is more than exercise program, it is based on the principles of many different types of movements. It takes some of its movements from yoga, acrobats, stretching, and more. Plus, Pilates concentrates a lot on the mind as an exercise tool.

We can’t tell you how to do Pilates because it’s so involved, but there are many helpful tools out there that can help you with a Pilates program if you think that the route you want to go. Our favorite Pilates book is The Pilates Body, by Brooke Siler. But you can also look for web sites, videos, and classes in your area. Once you learn the basic movements, you can then practice them on your own!

A Few Good Pilates Resources:
   

Why Are We So Overweight?

I suppose an exercise blog - even one about fun - can't go too long without mentioning obesity, especially with the current state of the health of our nation.

Image via WikipediaSo why are we so overweight? Of course, the easiest answer is fast food, but the problem extends much further. Yes, the prevalence of fast food restaurants certainly doesn’t help. As Morgan Spurlock showed us with painful reality in his movie, “Super Size Me”, fast food menus offer us a heaping helping of fat, cholesterol, and calories. I highly recommend watching this movie if you find yourself addicted to McDonald’s – you could very well change your mind after you see it!

At any rate, many of these restaurants are now offering health-conscious choices including salads, potatoes instead of French fries, yogurt, and grilled meats instead of fried meats. So with these items now included on their menu, why aren’t we losing weight? The answer lies within our choices. And those choices extend to home life as well.

Many people live horridly busy lifestyles, and they more often than not opt for pre-packaged foods that contain high amounts of salt, fat, and other unhealthy components that contribute toward weight gain. We tend to maintain a mostly sedentary lifestyle, choosing to watch a favorite television program after dinner rather than going out for a walk like they used to do decades ago.

This type of lifestyle unfortunately is being learned by our children as well. When I was young, we couldn’t wait to get through dinner so we could go outside and run around, climbing trees and rocks, and playing with the animals until the sun went down. We rode our bikes everywhere, and didn't even own a TV until I was in college!

Today, you’re more likely to find kids on the computer or in front of the TV with a video game controller in their hands. Kids know more about the story line on Desperate Housewives than many of their housewife mothers. They can tell you about all of the new products being offered through commercials they see in between their programs. In fact, the average child these days will watch more than 15 hours of television each and every week.

Now, we’re not saying television is BAD. In fact, some programs can be beneficial and even helpful in making kids smarter. What we’re saying is that kids need to get outside more instead of sitting in front of the TV eating Cheetos and drinking sugar rich soda.

The statistics are showing this to be true. Fifteen percent of all children and teens are overweight - a number that has tripled since a previous study done in 1980.

Some people blame their excessive weight gain on slow metabolisms. In some cases, this might actually be true. However, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has confirmed what no one really wants to face: we’re overweight because we simply eat too much of the wrong foods.

Image by Ed Yourdon via FlickrLosing weight is actually quite simple – eat less, exercise more. But we’re resistant to that message. Mainly, it’s because we’re looking for a quick fix – an easy, painless way to drop pounds without sacrifice. After all, losing weight just CAN’T be that easy, now can it?

No, it isn’t. You have to consider portion control, food choice, exercise, how much exercise, what kind of exercise, etc. But worrying about all of the specifics will do you little good. You need to get the big picture in mind first before worrying about the specifics.

What you want to do is lose those extra pounds. And there are many, many ways to go about that. But the first thing to do is have a goal in mind of what you want to accomplish, and the second step is to find forms of exercise you actually enjoy, and look forward to doing!

For a variety of fun exercise ideas, visit http://www.newholisticliving.com/exercise.html.

Video - Basic Yoga Workout for Beginners

Here is an excellent (and FREE) yoga workout for beginners I found online. The workout is broken up into about 10 minute segments, and I will post each piece of the workout over the next few weeks, so be sure to check back for the next one!

For those who think yoga is too hard, this is a great way to introduce yourself to the practice in a simple way. The instructor is very professional and offers good yoga technique, while still offering tips and modifications for those of different fitness levels. These are high-quality videos, very professional, and gentle - these basic exercises should be suitable for all fitness levels, but I must give the disclaimer to of course consult your own healthcare practitioner before starting any new workout.

Check out Part 1 of the series below, and be sure to come back next week for Part 2!

01 Basic Yoga Workout for Dummies Part 1
Part 1


Be sure to come back next week for Part 2, or subscribe to our free weekly newsletter (see box to the right), to be notified when the next video is available!

Basic Yoga Trainer Course - Review

There is a whole list of reasons why yoga is good for your health and your overall well being (we've covered many here on this blog). It's been practiced for thousands of years and still, to this day, finds lots of followers. Yoga is about becoming more energetic and fitter, but also calming your mind and allowing you to relax and de-stress. Given the busy lifestyles we lead these days with jobs and families, I find this is especially of great importance.

For many, being a working parent makes it difficult to find time to go to regular yoga classes. The Basic Yoga Trainer online is - in my opinion - a great alternative to joining a class. With the help of the online Basic Yoga Trainer course, you will be able to learn the basics of yoga from the comfort of your home. The course is divided into 21 lessons, ideally over 21 days, but you can take as long as you want. It is very detailed and covers a lot of ground in those 21 lessons. A great addition is the streaming video which demonstrates the individual moves. Every lesson starts with a bit of information on Yoga, such as Yoga Diet, History of Yoga and then specific yoga moves and techniques. Once you sign up online, you will have instant access to the course material, downloadable instruction guides and everything else you might need to make this course as convenient and worthwhile as possible.

Overall, if you are interested in Yoga and want to start learning how to incorporate it into your daily lifestyle, the Basic Online Trainer Yoga Course is a fantastic resource. It is easy to use and will give you the benefits of a healthy body and mind. I think that this course would benefit a variety of people, from complete yoga beginners to people already enjoying the benefits of yoga.

You can find more info at: www.theyogatutor.com, or click here for a free trial!

How Yoga Can Help You Cope With Fear

We usually talk about yoga as a fun way to exercise, and generally in the Western world, yoga is thought of as a fitness program. It’s true that yoga helps improve strength, flexibility and endurance. However, yoga also helps with many other mental, emotional and spiritual elements in a person’s life.

Image by myyogaonline via FlickrIn fact, yoga can be very effective to help you cope with fear and anxiety, thereby reducing stress. Here’s how:

#1: Yoga teaches focus and awareness.

One of the reasons fear is so destructive is that it can overwhelm logic. It takes over other senses too. One small fearful thought can snowball until it encompasses every thought and action. With yoga you learn how to focus on the present moment. You also learn to become aware of your thoughts.

When you’re aware of your thoughts they begin to lose power over you. You can change your thoughts. You can find a positive thought and focus on that. You can find gratitude and focus on that. Yoga teaches very powerful principles that can be embraced in simple ways.

#2: Teaches you to push your limits.

As you progress with yoga you’re going to try new poses. Some of these poses can be very challenging. You’ll be moving out of your mental and physical comfort zone. This is great practice. You can apply the same boundary stretching lessons to your daily life. When you push your own emotional boundaries fear can become less of an issue for you.

#3: Fear management.

One of the core elements of any yoga practice is breathing control. Controlling your breathing helps you control your body and quiet your mind. This can be applied when fear is overtaking you. You can remember to control your breathing and quiet your mind. Thus, you’ll be able to manage your fear.

#4: Yoga Poses for Fear

There are actually a few poses you can embrace in your yoga practice or when you’re experiencing fear that can help.

Image via WikipediaEasy Pose (see photo above) – To perform easy pose simply sit cross legged on the floor or your yoga matt. Palms up, rest your hands on your knees. Keep your entire body relaxed. Keep your back straight. Breathe deeply and slowly for a count of seven. Inhale for four and exhale for a count of three. Stay in this position until you feel more calm and focused.

Standing Forward Bend (see photo at right) – Stand with your feet a comfortable distance apart. No wider than shoulder distance. Slowly roll down until you’re hanging from the waist. Your head and shoulders, hips and legs should stay relaxed. Breathe through your nose. If your hands reach the floor, great. Let them relax there. If not, consider using a pillow or a bolster to rest them on. You want to be comfortable. Allow your face, neck and back to relax. Continue to hold the pose as you breathe deeply for a minute or two. When ready, slowly roll back up. Take care to not move too quickly after this pose. You may feel a touch lightheaded.

Yoga can help you find your center. It can help you manage fear. It can also help you push past your fears. If you struggle with fear consider starting a yoga practice. You will be amazed at the many benefits yoga provides.

Belly Dancing as Exercise

If Thursday's video inspired you, here is some more info on belly dancing for exercise. It is hard to think of a more fun way to exercise than dancing, and belly dancing is no exception. Fun, fast, challenging, and sexy, this is a great one to try. From body shaping, to cardio and core strength, belly dancing offers a range of great fitness benefits. And don't be intimidated - there are many belly dance classes springing up everywhere, and videos geared for beginners as well, so people of many different fitness levels can enjoy this fun and exciting form of exercise.

Here are a few articles to check out, and below are some examples of belly dance workout videos to get you started right in your living room.

Cover of BellydanceThe Goddess Workout with Dolphina – Introduction to Bellydance ...
Bellydancing has been around for 25000 years, but Americans are suddenly getting hip to it. The credit goes to a Los Angeles bellydancer named Dolphina, who.
Publish Date: 08/18/2011 14:09
http://www.camera-backpack.info/1147.html

Dancing with the Scarfs
As more and more people are putting emphasis on staying in shape and on physical fitness, they are also accessorizing with Jinglies; the hottest dance hip scarf in the fitness industry for belly dancing and zumba workout ...
Publish Date: 08/08/2011 3:00
http://www.talkinmince.com/Art/257276/6/Dancing-with-the-Scarfs.html

Dance Workouts for Women
Why do so many women choose a belly dance workout over other workouts for women? Because belly dancing makes them feel feminine and sexy and targets the areas women complain about the most: the abdominals, arms, hips, and thighs. ...
Publish Date: 01/21/2011 3:00
http://seoit.hubpages.com/hub/Dance-Workout-Routines-for-Women

Luscious – The Bellydance Workout for Beginners
Luscious: The Bellydance Workout features gorgeous music and a beautiful flow undiluted by conventional exercises. Systematically addressing each group of muscles to deliver a total body workout, it creates an entertaining and ...
Publish Date: 04/13/2008 3:00
http://yourfatloss.info/uncategorized/luscious-the-bellydance-workout-for-beginners


Some Fun Belly Dance Workout Videos:
   

Video - Fun Dance Workout Idea

Here is a great fun workout idea - sexy, fun, energizing, and challenging, this may be a new idea for you but it's one that's worth checking out!  Classes are available at many fitness clubs these days, or you can always just dance at home - it is easier than ever to find new fun ways to exercise online (see below for some resources).

Check it out, and get shaking!

Belly Dance Workout by Mihaela Coman
www.WatchMojo.com shows you how belly dancing can be fun and a great way to stay in shape! WATCH THIS VIDEO IN HIGH QUALITY HERE: www.watchmojo.com



Some Fun Belly Dance Workouts You Can Do At Home: