After a workout, the last thing on my mind is food. I just worked SO hard to burn calories, and adding them back into my body seemed counter-productive.
But, as I’m learning from experts – and my own experience of feeling weak, tired and sore after an intense hour in the gym - refueling your body after a work out is essential for weight loss, muscle health and being able to get back up and do it again the next day.
So, I asked fitness experts to share their tips for refueling after a workout. Here’s what Shawn O”Neill from BlenderBottle had to say: (more…) read more →
I admit it…. I am horrible when it comes to eating a balanced diet. Though there are foods I do like – eating is one of those things that I will forget to do.
Though that may sound like a convenient excuse… it has actually become a problem for me as I try to keep up with a rigorous workout schedule.
So, I asked our fitness and health experts to share their tips for eating to prepare your body for challenging workouts. Like – when should you eat, what should you eat and why. Here’s what fitness guru, Shaun Zetlin had to say: (more…) read more →
As a busy mom and business owner, I’m often tempted to grab a few cups of coffee and pull an all-nighters to get caught up. But, now that I’ve added a challenging fitness routine to my week – I know sleep is crucial in keeping me healthy and my fitness goals on track.
But, how much sleep do we really need? Does it change when we are active?
Here’s what Registered Dietician, Chrissy Carroll has to say about sleep and the effects it has on our health and fitness: (more…) read more →
A year ago, I tried a yoga class for the first time. It was an accident really.
My friend and I showed up at the gym for our normal cardio class, only to find that the instructor couldn’t make it. So, the lady checking us in convinced us that since we were already there, we may as well go to the yoga class that was starting.
So, we did.
And I’ve been hooked ever since!
Yoga is More Than Stretching
I used to think that yoga was all about breathing really loudly while stretching. It didn’t seem like something that was worth my limited time.
Now that I now better, I describe yoga like this: I’ve never worked harder at trying to stay still.
Striking a Pose
Yoga is really all about getting into and holding a pose.
By practicing yoga, you gradually move your body into more and more complex poses and hold each pose longer and longer.
This takes a lot of strength, endurance and stamina. Though you do become more flexible over time – it doesn’t take much flexibility to start and practice yoga.
Seeing a Difference
The biggest selling point for me when it came to yoga was that I could see a difference.
Within a few weeks, I noticed that I could get deeper into lunges and planks and hold them longer.
After a little more than a month, I noticed more toning in my arms and legs.
A few months later, I could feel more flexibility and strength in my back.
Now, a year into it – my balance and endurance are greatly improved. This helps in all of the other parts of my life – from playing with the kids to sitting at my desk to working hard in kickboxing classes.
Give It a Try
Give yoga a try! You may be just as surprised as I was at how challenging and how beneficial it can be! read more →
I have the attention span of a flea. In order to keep up my motivation to exercise – it has to be something different all the time.
That’s why I love cross training. It’s something new every day! Plus, if you get creative with your training mix – it can keep those of us with even the shortest attention span engaged for at least an hour each day.
Here are some creative tips for keeping your cross training routines “un-routine”:
- Break up your cross-training workouts into 5 minute sections. Changing activities every 5 minutes will help you lose track of time and will keep your mind working as well.
- Open a fitness magazine (you can find plenty of them online!) and choose the first workout you see. Without judging and without expectations – do it!
- If you think “I don’t wanna do that today” – don’t! If your motivation is killed before you even start, you’re not going to get the full benefit of a workout. Choose something else – what sounds like fun instead?
- Ask your friends what they are doing. Facebook is a great place to find new exercises to try. Just change your status to “Need ideas for 5 minute segments for my cross training workout…” and let your friends chime in.
- Don’t do the same thing. Duh! This is what cross training is all about – but people often choose one other thing to do as their “cross training” (and running tops that list for any athlete or fitness enthusiast!). Just because you’ve added a 30 minute jog to your list doesn’t mean you’re cross training. Get out of your box and try lots of different sports and exercises.
- Check out your local YMCA or community rec center. They usually have inexpensive classes and schedule a different activity every night of the week. Show up with your gym clothes and shoes – and let yourself be surprised!
Just keep moving! read more →
Subscribe to receive updates!
The Pretty Hard Work Store
The Knowing Flow – The Complete Package 
Race Day Domination: Obstacle Expert Package (Digital Product) 
Kettlebell Total Body Conditioning (DVD) Recent Posts
24 May 2013Cool Cucumber Salad
22 May 20135 Ways to Maximize the Effects of Your Home Workout
20 May 2013Amping Your Yoga Practice
18 May 2013Learn The Advantages Of Pilates
15 May 20138 More Quick Tips on How to Start a Physically Active Routine
Recent Comments