Archive for July, 2009

If you are by the pool, use the ladder rails for dips and pulling yourself out of the pool. Repeat this a minumum of 10 times. If you are really ambitious; try getting out of the pool by only using your arms to pull yourself up the ladder. Taking the lower body out of the… »

Water sports are also a great way to have fun while exercising.  You can play water basketball or water volleyball at a picnic or with friends.  Try making it more workout oriented by adding in some penalties for getting scored on.  For example; 2 points equals a lap around the pool or 10 pushups for… »

Besides using herbs to help flavor foods when cutting back on salt, fat and sugar, herbs may also offer additional benefits of their own. Researchers are finding that both fresh and dried cooking herbs have antioxidants that may help protect against such diseases as cancer and heart disease. Try using some of these herbs to enhance… »

Enjoy getting outdoors and hiking this Summer.  Hikes are a great way to exercise and socialize at the same time.  Time goes by much quicker when exercising outdoors with nice scenery.  Sacramento has some great local options when it comes to finding a nice… »

Having a bowl of fruit on the counter versus a stocked cookie jar is a great way to implement healthy eating choices and habits.  It is easy to grab a treat if it is in a location that lends itself to frequent snacking.  Replace cookies and chips with fruits and almonds and you will be… »

Exercise with a friend or in a small group.  This will be much more fun, hold you more accountable and will push you beyond what you might do on your own.  Have your workout partner or other group members come up with different ideas on the workouts to keep it dynamic.  For example; today we… »

The human body is composed of about 70 percent water and, not coincidentally, water is a crucial part of how the body functions.  Muscles, lungs, and the brain all contain a lot of water, and blood is mostly water. Your body needs water to regulate body temperature and to provide the means for nutrients to… »

The food we eat should be nutrient dense in order to help our bodies operate at the highest level possible. It is important to recognize that some foods, such as nuts, are more nutrient rich than others. Nuts, for the calories they contain, are packed with important nutrients, including the good polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats,… »

Working out and getting in shape should be a fun and enjoyable process.  Listen to your favorite music, workout with a friend…find something to make the workout more enjoyable and it will help dramatically with the consistency of your… »

Hold yourself accountable to regular exercise and a proper diet.  Try leaving a note on the fridge that says, “Did you workout today?”  Or perhaps try making a calendar and giving yourself a star for every day that you engage in some sort of exercise.  At the end of the month you’ll be impressed with… »