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Feb
26
Don't Skip the StretchPublished in Untagged by wendie | Comment (0)
Flexibility is not only important for overall functionality, but it helps to assist in a more effective workout and it helps to prevent injuries. As we age we lose flexibility if we do not continue to stretch adequately. Make the most of your "down" time and stretch. Quite often I will stretch my legs while reading the paper or a book. I tend to multi-task when I it makes sense. Flexibility improves over time so do not get frustrated if you can't touch your toes at first—stay focused and committed, it will happen! If you are looking for a leaner look then stretching should be part of your fitness equation since it helps to lengthen your muscles to give that lean, trim appearance.
Feb
22
Young Girls and SteroidsPublished in Untagged by wendie | Comment (0)
Good Morning America had a special the other morning about young girls using anatomical steroids to achieve the "perfect" body. The report said that 5-10% of young girls in high schools across the country are gaining access to this illegal drug not for performance enhancement purposes, but for the sheer purpose of achieving appealing aesthetics. Now, I know this has been going on for the last few years and it really is disturbing. What does this say about the shallowness of our society or the perception that all women should look like (or feel they need to look like) the model on the cover of Glamour magazine? One of the girls that was interviewed during the GMA program spoke of the side effects that she experienced. After taking the drugs for about five weeks she noticed a significant increase in muscle mass and fat loss - which was her intention for taking the drug in the first place. What she wasn't prepared for was the low voice that she now owns, the horrible back acne, mood swings, and suicidal tendencies. I write about this only as a warning that going to extreme unhealthy measures to achieve the "perfect" body has more negatives than positives and could even become fatal. It's not worth it! Do things the healthy way to achieve lasting positive results and remember that we were all given different body types.
Feb
20
Organized Pantry = Eating BetterPublished in Untagged by wendie | Comment (0)
The way your pantry is organized can make a big impact on the way you eat or don't eat. Most of us are in "busy" mode during our day so it makes sense if you arrange your groceries in a way that they are categorized by meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), easy to grab, and easy to read. In doing this, you will be more aware of the food you have available and it should assist you in making positive food choices even when you're in a hurry. You can even label the shelves if you desire. By keeping track of what you have in the pantry saves time as well - no more emergency trips to the store only to return home and find that same item hiding behind a box of Grapenuts. I used to do this all the time with oatmeal for some reason, but once I created a system that was user friendly and worked for my family I eliminated needless stops to the store. Organize your refrigerator in the same manner to save time, money, and from finding disgusting, moldy science experiments pushed to the back wall.
Feb
16
Can men do your program?Published in Untagged by wendie | Comment (0)A recent inquiry from a gentleman named Mike… "Do you train or have male clients? I know it's a silly question, but there is a perception that pilates and other bodyweight exercises are mostly for women." My response… "Not a silly question in the least. Yes, I train many male clients. I even train couples together. Matter of fact, I just ran into a gentleman that I used to train this morning. He wants to hire me again because he shifted gears for awhile and went back to lifting heavy weights. He now has a back injury instead of the healthy, lean body that he had when we trained together. Bodyweight exercises, pilates, and yoga are not only for men and women alike; but the offer strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination which all lead to good-looking aesthetics without compromising the joints, tendons, or ligaments. Also, the muscle that you can create through bodyweight exercise is astonishing. The ex-pro football player, Herschel Walker, used to train by using bodyweight exercises and he was a fast, record-breaking, muscle machine!
Feb
12
Get a PhysicalPublished in Untagged by wendie | Comment (0)Now that the holidays have past and the days are a little more settling, it would be a perfect time to get a physical. How long has it been since your last? You may be surprised at the time that has elapsed and one should consider a physical on a yearly basis. Gals, going to the OBGYN doesn't count as your full physical! Here is a list of helpful tips and questions that you may want to ask your doctor so that you get the most out of your visit. 1. Know your medical and family history as this assists the doctor to check all related health risks due to past illnesses or hereditary factors. Take any information, x-rays, immunization record, and dates of surgeries or treatments with you to the exam. 2. Ask what type of screening tests are appropriate at your age. 3. What do you see ask risks based on my medical and family history? 4. What can I do to better my health and decrease risk factors? 5. What is the best way to follow up and receive my exam results? 6. Will you or a nurse practitioner go over the results with me in detail? 7. Make sure to be open and honest with your questions and concerns so that the doctor can assist you accordingly. These are just some ideas of where to start. Many more questions will evolve once you and your doctor have dialogue. Physicals are important step for preventive care.
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