Tag: Fitness

I was forwarded this great infographic on calories burned doing handyman work around the house from the friendly folks at GreenPal.

We never really think about our workouts as being those handyman jobs at home but they certainly burn calories and get that “honey do list” done

Since Spring is here, or at least just around the corner I am sure that these pictures and calories burned will certainly give you great ideas of how to burn some of those calories you may have put on this winter.

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Obliques are the sidewall of your abdomen. When obliques are too fatty, many people call them love handles.

Working out the obliques as well as your back muscles is essential to getting in a good abdominal workout. While it is tempting to focus on your upper abs, you will not get the best results by doing so.

Two ways to work Obliques

Obliques can be worked in two ways. The first is through crunches in which you twist your torso.

You lie down as if you are doing a traditional crunch. When you come up, instead of just rolling into the crunch, you twist your torso to the left or right. You will get the best results by rotating the direction in which you twist.

You can try variations on this exercise, such as doing two short twists or using a medicine ball to add resistance.

The second easy oblique exercise is the side lift. Lie on one side. Use your hand to lift your body, holding yourself up with your leg if needed. Lift your body until your elbow is pretty straight, and then bring yourself back to the ground.

This exercise is similar to doing push-ups, but different in form. This exercise will work your full oblique muscle.

Working out your back is a bit harder, but also necessary. The first basic exercise you can do requires you to lie on your stomach. Lift your left arm and right leg about a foot.

Hold them in the air for 10 seconds and then lower them. You should then alternate between your legs and arms until you have done a full set of reps.

Using Resistance Bands

Also consider using resistance bands to get a good workout of your back muscles. Standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, you should hold the resistance bands and pull inward.

Bring your arms in as far as you can, hold briefly, and then slowly return your arms to the starting position. You can try this exercise with several variations. Move the resistance bands or make them tighter to make the workout harder.

Start with your foot on one end of the band and pull the band toward you to work different muscles in your back.

Any of these basic exercises will get you started on the way to better oblique and back muscles. Try some variation with them to make sure your workout does not stagnate.

Then simply create a routine that you complete a few times a week to strengthen these important muscles.

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Many people look upon massage as an indulgence that is simply not necessary, I have to admit that I enjoy getting a massage but was always wondering if long term massage was good for me. This way of thinking keeps them from experiencing the miraculous healing power a good massage can have.

This form of therapy is not only very pleasant and relaxing but offers great health inspiring benefits.

This article is going to reveal some of the key health benefits of massage and debunk the idea that it is a luxury not worth pursuing. Here is what you can expect by receiving a massage every week or two

Health Benefits of Massage

Increased circulation throughout the body. This is great for addressing a whole host of health issues. Better circulation brings fresh oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. This allows them to reach optimal health very quickly.

Better flow of lymph fluid. This allows the lymph system to be far more effective in removing toxins and other pollutants. It breaks up the stagnant lymph fluid allowing the whole system to be freshened and cleansed.

Promotes deep, slow breathing. This is very beneficial to both the body and mind. Slow, deep breathing brings much more oxygen into the body. This is wonderful for your health. Oxygen is critical to every aspect of body operation.

The more oxygen you have in your system the better. Deep, slow breathing also eases anxiety in the mind.

Helps the body recover faster from injuries to the muscles and tendons. This is because massage relieves harmful tension and inflammation and brings better circulation to the affected area. Be sure to tell your therapist about the injury so that they can treat it accordingly.

Releases serotonin and endorphins from the brain. These are the bodys natural feel-good hormones. People who have elevated levels of these hormones feel happy and exuberant. They are also very effective at relieving pain. This is of great benefit to anyone, especially people suffering with chronic disease.

If you are prone to depression you will find a degree of relief by receiving a regular massage. This is because of the release of these natural hormones along with the relaxation of the body.

Makes the skin healthier and more vibrant. Vigorous massage brings new life into tired, old looking skin. Fresh nutrients and oxygen are delivered to the skin resulting in a healthy glow. A massage per week can keep your skin looking its best, deep into old age.

Also, because the therapist uses a lotion to aid in the massage your skin becomes fully moisturized, leading to greater elasticity and a reduction of wrinkles.

The above benefits are only a quick overview of the health benefits of massage. To write about all the great things massage can do for you I would need many pages. It is important that you find a high quality, well-trained massage therapist.

This will ensure you the best experience possible along with the greatest health benefits. Be sure to alert the therapist to any special needs or concerns you may have.

It is important to maintain a regular schedule of massage to receive maximum benefits. While a massage every now then is very healthy, it will not even come close to the power of regular massages.

I find that a massage every one or two weeks provides the best benefits. Simply find a routine that works for you and stick with it. You will be very glad you did.

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