I found this neat tool at MSN.com. Just click on any muscle in the body and there you’ll find exercises for that muscle! Bored of your same old same old? Try this tool and learn new exercises.
Share ThisYesterday the day began with a brilliant blue sky which soon became friends with fluffy white clouds. I took advantage of this beautiful weather and went for a run (a 4 mile one). I was glad I ran at the beginning of my day and not at the end. You see, in Minnesota weather changes in one minute. My friends and I had planned on going roller blading, but that idea was defeated by the dark angry clouds rolling in. One plus about all the rain is that all the trees are a bright green!
Share ThisOn June 21 I will be running in my second 5K!! I’m so excited and motivated to beat my PR (personal record). I’ve been training. Sunday I ran 4 miles outside and yesterday (Tuesday) I ran 4.5 miles on the treadmill at a pretty fast pace. My first 5K was just last month so maybe I’ll try and do one 5K every month this summer!!
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The other day I was just clicking my way through my iPod and noticed that there is a very handy tool for exercisers (runners especially). A STOPWATCH!! Before I used the clock (which I had just recently figured out) and had to do a little math to figure out my times. Well, this wonderful tool not only keeps time during your route, it also figures out how long each lap was. It also tells your longest lap and your quickest lap. Your iPod saves all of this information so that you can go back and pat yourself on the back for faster times.
#24. Eat like a kid. You don’t have to give up that quick lunch if you order smaller portions: Instead of a Quarter Pounder with Cheese and large fries, opt for the cheeseburger Happy Meal. You can even play with the toy. Saves 390 calories.
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Weight training, either using weights or your own body as the resistance, has a great number of benefits. And a good weight-lifting program can be helpful in preventing diseases such as osteoporosis and obesity. Please consider making weight training a regular part of your fitness program! Here are other benefits:
• lose weight.
• tone your muscles.
• gain body strength.
• improve athletic performance.
• prevent injury.
• improve balance.
The Rules of Weight Training
• An ideal program will work all of your muscles at least three days a week, giving yourself a day of rest between each lifting day. You may need to gradually work up to lifting three times per week.
• Warm-up using a cardio activity such as walking or riding a stationary bike for about 10 minutes and stretch your muscles before you begin lifting.
• Always breathe out while lifting. Never hold your breath.
• Exercise the large muscles (e.g., quadriceps and hamstrings) before the small muscles (forearms or lower legs).
• Exercise the muscles of the chest, back, shoulders, thighs, calves and abdominals.
• Do one or two exercises for each area.
• Start with a lower weight and do two sets of eight to 16 repetitions.
• Add one more rep (or more pounds) each week to become stronger. (For example, increase the weight and do three sets of 10, then three sets of 11 . . . three sets of 15. Then increase the weight again and drop the reps.)
• Don’t forget to stretch your muscles and cool down after you lift.
Share ThisHave you ever been so tired that you didn’t really want to take responsibility for your unhealthy eating? I have… It seems that once I get tired, the monster of bad habits preys upon me and tells me to devour a second helping of dessert. I usually succumb and use the excuse “I’m tired; therefore, my body must need more energy” when I really just need some good ZZzzzs.
Well, I think the first step in defeating this bad habit (or any for that matter) is to recognize that I have developed this habit, resolve to break it, realize when I do it, and replace the bad habit with a healthy habit. And don’t forget repeat (and break your other habits)
Share ThisToday is my birthday and it’s time to celebrate! This means only one thing: birthday cake (or some kind of chocolate dessert for me:) I’m the birthday girl so I can eat all that I want, right? After all, my birthday only comes once a year. But let’s think about this. I have a rather large family: my parents, five siblings, four sister-in-laws, two nephews, and three nieces. So that adds up to 16 different birthdays (17 including mine). When I use the excuse “well, this birthday only comes once a year” I’m really multiplying that “once a year” to seventeen times a year. When I put it that way… it kinda makes me think I don’t always have to splurge on every occasion.
Well, that’s my two cents worth.
Share ThisBan bubbly drinks
The carbon dioxide in carbonated beverages can stay in your belly, causing visible bloating, says Walter Coyle, MD, gastroenterology program director at Scripps Medical Center in California. Say no to gum
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Today was a perfect day for a run. Partly cloudy, breezy, and blue sky. I ran 4 consecutive miles near the Mississippi River. It was hard (especially against the wind) but the weather made up for the hard work. I’m thinking about signing up for another 5K in June. Who knows? Maybe I’ll beat my PR (personal record).
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