Living Young Forever

Weight lifting is long been hailed for its health benefits. In recent years it has been refined to become know as “resistance” training. When proper stress is applied to the body such as load bearing or weight bearing exercises the body responses to accommodate the new stress through adaptation.

The benefits to this is increased bone density and muscle quality improves to accommodate the new demand. Cardio fitness is still important but being able to get up out of your chair and go about your daily activities takes muscle and balance skills which are only achieved be weight or resistance training.

No you don’t have to be a “body builder” or a highly conditioned athlete to achieve health and a vibrate life. Simple tools for exercising such as a re-bounder, resistance bands or light hand weights can do the magic of keeping your muscle tonality and bone density in optimal condition. Just 30 minutes a day 3 to 4 times a week is what research has shown to be all you need to keep the body tuned up.

It is well documented that only 30 minutes of walking a day can lower blood pressure, reduce body fat and contribute to overall wellness. That’s right WALKING. No you don’t have to do all those advanced infomercial expensive programs to have a healthy vibrant life.

If you want to add a little bounce in your walk try a rebounder. A what? OK a trampoline some call it, actually a mini trampoline and almost anyone can use it. It’s compact, stores easily, and it is right there when you need it; at home ready to use without driving across town. With a rebounder you get all the benefits of walking plus it will kick start your lymphatic system giving your immune system a boost. Not to mention its fun. But don’t tell anyone else after all exercise is supposed to be “Working”- Out not FUN.

Healthy weight loss can be very confusing in a media driven for profit quick fix world. Don’t be taken in by the gimmicky world of profit based fads. Healthy weight loss is really a simple formula. You need to keep and gain healthy muscle and loose the excess body fat.

All you need to do is simply make better food choices and eat in moderation along with moderate exercise on a regular schedule. It really is that simple and it is a time tested healthy way to loss those unwanted extra pounds. Well a little patience and consistency is needed also but always remember if you stick with it you will reach your goals. You gained those unwanted pounds over time not over night, and it takes time to lose it. There are some very good and safe products on the market to help with appetite control and metabolism boosts, but remember there is no “magic” pill or potions they are only as good as the effort you apply with them.

So you think you don’t have time to exercise. Think again, studies have shown that just 30 minutes a day will give amazing health benefits. Including immune boosting fat reducing heart healthy benefits. So you don’t have 30 minutes a day you say.

Well 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening, it has an accumulative effect. Next excuse? No gym required. A simple piece of home gym equipment will do just fine. How about a rebounder (trampoline) they are cost effective and are inexpensive. There are lots of great exercise options out there and with a little bit of effort to find right option for you, could add years to your life and life to your years

No kidding if you are not having a ball with exercise you are missing out on a great way to train. All the things that come and go in the world of the commercialization of health and fitness this may be one of those timeless core elements. Swiss Balls or exercise balls are one of those tools that just work. Easy to transport and easy to use an exercise ball can add a key component to any exercise program; core strength and balance.

Versatile and fun the exercise ball is one of the best ways to train for balance and strength, utilizing synergistic muscle not always conditioned by traditional weight training and exercise methods. As we age balance and core strength is now being considered as important as cardio conditioning and some research suggests perhaps even more important.

Omega 3 Fatty acids are particularly beneficial to men’s health. Omega-3 Fatty Acids are part of the membrane of every cell in the body; they’re also the building blocks of hormones that govern much of the body’s physiology. A low intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and low circulating levels of DHA, are associated with prostate cancer, BPH or enlarged prostate, and prostatitis. Increasing consumption of Omega-3 Fatty Acids found in fish as well as flax, hemp, pumpkin, and nuts such as walnuts can help reduce the risk associated with low Omega 3 dietary intake.

Although Omega-3 can be obtained from other sources other than fish, fish is still considered the richest and most plentiful source for Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Unfortunately too many Americans just don’t like the taste of the oily, fatty fish – such as mackerel, tuna, sardines, or wild salmon – that are rich in Omega-3’s. Others eat the wrong fish – for example, fish sticks or other white fish – which has a negligible impact on their Omega-3 level and may actually raise their omega-6 levels which is associated with inflammation and other health problems when out of balance with Omega 3’s.

However the good news is, supplements can fill the gap. Fish oil oral supplements have an important role in restoring the desired balance of Omega 3’s in your diet. They are affordable, convenient and lower the risk of heavy metal contamination found in so many of the preferred fish sources.

For someone who’s accustomed to training with free weights, the transition to resistance training can be slightly confusing. The key is to forget about weight altogether. Rather than dwelling on measurements such as pounds and kilograms in terms of weight, you’ll need to select bands based on the level of tension. Select just enough tension to ensure a challenging workout, and upgrade your routine as needed.

Resistance bands are especially convenient for workouts on the go. Whereas free weights are a pain to lug from place to place, resistance bands can fit easily inside a travel bag. They can be used solo, unlike dumbbells which require a spotter to be used safely. If you have further questions about the proper form and technique to implement during resistance training, consult a gym professional or a relevant workout video.

Exercise a word that can strike fear into even the bravest of couch potatoes. Not to worry its time to get over the intimidation of the hot hard bodies of the infomercial world and turn off that TV.

Although joining a fitness club is a popular choice to get in shape it is definitely not for everyone. And it doesn’t need to be. Exercise is just another word for getting your body in motion and let’s face it, not everyone likes pumping iron or pretending there a hamster running on a treadmill.  So they often choose to stay in the security of their couch not knowing where to start.

First of all it’s easier and more fun than you may think. How much exercise do you need?  Adults need a minimum 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity such as a brisk walk, swimming or water aerobics, riding a bike on level ground with a few hills, playing tennis or even giving your gardener the day off and mowing your own lawn. You also need muscle-strengthening activities on a minimum of 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms). There are many ways you can strengthen your muscles, whether it’s at home or the gym. You may want to try the following: using resistance bands, heavy gardening, use your body weight for resistance such as Push-ups park in the back of the parking lot and take your own groceries out to the car.

If even this still has you clinging to your couch with white knuckles, start even slower go to the mall and walk, (you may want to leave your credit cards at home). Find a park that has stairs or beach and walk, and best of all invite a friend to join you and enjoy sharing some long over do conversation without texting, while getting some fresh air and you know “exercising”.

Recession proof your health.

When the economy goes into the dumper usually our buying power goes with it. This can mean all too often having to resort to opting for less expensive nutrient deficient food choices in order to make ends meet.  Combine that with the stress of perhaps longer work hours a second job or no job at all and it is a recipe for a health disaster.

One great option is to supplement your daily nutritional needs with a basic high quality whole food multivitamin to fill in the missing nutritional gaps. With ever increasing demand for supplements over the past several decades there is plenty of excellent options to too choose from at very affordable prices.  For an average of 5 cents per day you can get the much needed daily vitamins and minerals to help keep you healthy when an optimal diet is not possible.

Research has validated time after time that vitamins such as b12 and antioxidants can help the body coop with stress along with other nutrients that can balance the immune system when under duress. Today’s whole food multivitamins offer a full spectrum of nutrients and herbal formulas that help the body and mind keep pace with the demands of the modern day world.

So be sure to take your daily multivitamins, after all where else can you get an all you can eat produce buffet for just 5 cents a day.

In an ever present world of rising  health care costs people are realizing that a pound of prevention is worth a ton of cure. It use to be an ounce and a pound but inflation is rampant in the medical business forcing basic services out of the reach of many. Between the cost of medical services and medical insurance (if you can get it) more and more people just can’t afford to get sick, literally.

The bad news is there is no end in sight soon, but the great news is prevention awareness is on the rise. People are making healthier food choices and using alternative therapies such as massage and acupuncture to stay healthier.

Many people are going back to the basics and are taking there own health into there own hands by finding ways to “stay” healthy. Staying  healthy is truly the best way to avoid rising health care costs. We are not of course suggesting you should not seek out medical help when necessary or you should self diagnose. However we do believe that you can do some simple things to be pro active in prevention and to avoid the high cost of medical services. Prevention is allot less expensive.

With just a few simple basic time tested steps you not only can help minimize having  to go to the doctor you might just find that you fell better, are fully energized and getting more living out of life.

Here are our top six steps to a healthier you “Health Basics 101″.

1. Eat Whole Foods – Organic Whenever Possible
2. Drink  Plenty of Pure Fresh Water
3. Get Lots Fresh Clean Air
4. Get Proper Rest
5. Take Appropriate Nutritional Supplements for Nutrition Insurance
6. Exercise,- Get Your Body in Motion.

Watch for future blogs as we take an in depth look at these six simple ways to staying healthy.