Posts Tagged ‘workout’

Wednesday Wellness: Break a Sweat and Make a Difference

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Several years ago I picked up a “People” magazine and saw an article in which Matthew McConaughey was quoted about his workout regiment and essentially he expressed he simply made it a point to sweat every day. At the time I didn’t give it much thought, but since then many times I’ve thought about the concept of sweating every day and it has actually inspired me in times I didn’t feel like working out.

Now, I could grab a hot cup of coffee and sit out in the sun and sweat, but I don’t think that’s what is meant here!

How often have you gone for a walk and although it was nice and felt great to move your body, a bead of sweat didn’t form on your forehead?

How often have you gone for a hike and picked up the cadence a little faster than usual and low and behold several beads of sweat formed? Wasn’t that a great feeling once you were in your groove and you finished?

When we work hard enough to break a sweat, we (usually) have an elevated heart rate and are stressing our muscles in a “good way.” Each time we do this, we get a little more conditioned; making the next time out on the trail or in the gym a little easier when we’re working up a sweat.

Picture yourself sweating every day…doing something active every day…and think what a difference that can make in a year’s time! Try it!


Wednesday Wellness: Happy Holidays!

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I thought it might be in light humor to pass along these recommendations for “not so healthy” (but fun) munching this week! You might guess that I’m not an advocate of any of these tips, but I am fully supportive of having lots of fun and laughs for a great holiday!  *(see note below)

HOLIDAY EATING TIPS

1.  Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the holiday spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they’re serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It’s rare….You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It’s not as if you’re going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It’s a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It’s later than you think. It’s Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That’s the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they’re made with skim milk or whole milk. If it’s skim, pass. Why bother? It’s like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Holiday party is to eat other people’s food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year’s. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you’ll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don’t budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They’re like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you’re never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don’t like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it’s loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don’t feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven’t been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by:
“Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate and wine in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming: ‘WOO HOO what a ride!’”

**If you do follow these tips, I’ll see you in January for a weight loss and work out program at Body Firm!! Whatever you do, have a wonderful week!


Wednesday Wellness: Stay Healthy on Vacation

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One of Body Firm’s Trainers and my good friend, Michelle Brown, was preparing for a 10 day vacation in Maui earlier last week.  While her friends were planning what outfits to wear and restaurants to go to, she was planning where she will be going to get her next workout in.  Here is what she shared in her blog.  To me, it’s so “ON”  that I wanted to share it with all of you!

Written the eve of her departure…

My lifestyle includes exercise and healthy eating daily.  This lifestyle of course took time to develop and I have no intention on breaking that GOOD habit now.  Plus I always feel great after a workout and know I will be indulging in foods and beverages more than usual so I will need the calorie burn.  Unfortunately, I currently have an issue going on with my knee preventing me from running (my favorite beach activity).  High calorie burn, great adrenaline fixes, and cost effective.  So without that, I need to come up with alternative solutions.

So here is what I did to keep myself going.  I found the local gyms online.  Some of them had trial memberships. I signed up for a few of those to last me over the 10 days.  I also found some other contacts through friends that also enjoy workouts while traveling.  I got a name of a trainer who does great boot camps at a park close to where I am staying.  I have his number and will be contacting him once I arrive.

I also have heard of some new adventures to try.  Surf paddling is supposed to be an excellent workout while enjoying the beauty of the island and I might actually get to see some sea life.  I hear the sea turtles are beautiful while paddling.  I may also sign up for surfing lessons.  There, of course, is always a renting a bike.  I brought my cycling shoes just in case.  Since the people I am going with on this trip do not have a similar lifestyle, I will be mostly on my own for these outings.  I have no problem with that as I know they will be basking in the sun enjoying their relax time and I will get my workout in and still get time to join them when I’m done.  This can be an obstacle, but know that I have a plan and once I get to my destination I will plan my workout schedule against the group activities so that it all flows easily for everyone.

Now there is the issue of food while vacationing.  This I plan to continue to do my daily habits as much as possible.  Meaning while eating out, I order healthy food by selecting lower calorie options – mainly ordering fish or chicken with vegetables that are steamed.  This should be easy in Maui.  Then while out and about I have packed protein bars.  I also brought a few of my favorite extras.  Which for me knowing the salt content of my food will be higher from eating out I am bringing some detox tea to have before bed.  I also have brought plenty of Emergen-C.  Two easy to pack items that will go a long way.  Now of course there are all those tasty fruity drinks that are so tempting.  I plan on having 1 mai tai and 1 hurricane while I’m there.  Other than that I will be sticking to my usual favorites: Vodka with soda and lime, or flavored vodka.  Of course I will be on the “drink water frequently plan” to keep hydrated.

My goal for this trip is to try out a few new sports I have not done yet and to exercise 8 of the 10 days – should be doable.  I will also be logging my food intake and exercise schedule to help duplicate this plan for my clients.

Michelle returns this coming weekend…if I know her, she hit every goal above and came back enjoying every moment of her trip!

I hope this blog inspired you as much as it did me!!