Archive for the ‘Excercise / Fitness’ Category

Tai Chi - Breathing Techniques and Benefits to Your Health

Friday, November 17th, 2006

There are many fitness regimes that incorporate breathing techniques, yoga being one of them. However, while other exercise programs, especially those which involve high impact and strenuous workouts depend on the fitness level of the individual Tai Chi is generally suitable for persons of all fitness levels. Of course the speed and intensity of Tai Chi routines can be adjusted for fitness levels so as to maximize the benefit to each individual.

Tai Chi Chuan or Tai Chi for short is best known these days for its health benefits but its origin is as a form of martial art. This may be hard to reconcile with the gentle routines and dance like movements followed by its practitioners. Tai Chi is an “Internal Martial art” - one that concentrates on building inner strength as opposed to demonstration of external brute force.

Tai Chi operates on 4 levels - Physical, intellectual, spiritual and as a form of combat.

As a physical exercise Tai Chi movements or forms involve a surprisingly large range of joint rotations and therefore promote flexibility and help improve metabolism, circulation and cardiovascular health.

On an intellectual level Tai Chi involves relaxation and focus - awareness of your body, its posture, balance and co-ordination. Tai Chi works on principles of qi (pronounced as chee). Qi assumes the existence of channels of bio energy - it is a life force that governs our being. This is by no means a concept unique to Tai Chi and is equivalent to the Yoga concept of “Prana”.

Proponents of Tai Chi believe that this life energy is transported throughout the body through 12 main meridians and 8 secondary meridians. As long as qi continues to flow uninterrupted through these invisible channels (meridians) the body remains strong and healthy. However, when passage of the qi is blocked by bad posture, inactivity, injury or other factors that’s when problems set in.

Breathing techniques are an integral part of this process of distributing qi. Every Tai Chi movement involves collecting storing and distributing energy. Inhaling stores energy while exhaling delivers energy. Breathing is matched with appropriate movements. For instance when hands move apart in an opening movement or you step forward this is accompanied by inhalation and storing of energy while punching or when hands come together this coincides with exhalation and distribution of energy.

Tai Chi teaches its students to breathe abdominally - to let the breath or qi sink to the “Tan Tien” i.e. the area below the navel. This gives the body a sense of strength and stability.

The spiritual aspect of Tai Chi is also closely tied in with breathing techniques. A proficient practitioner of Tai Chi will no longer have to consciously control his breathing and match it with the movements of his body. Appropriate breathing will after some practice become second nature -a spiritual experience of communing with nature.

Hard as it may be to imagine, Tai Chi movements were intended as a means of combat and the movements or forms as they are called are geared to dislocate joints and cause internal bleeding in opponents. If Tai Chi were used as a dance routine then the benefits derived from it would be limited. To derive the maximum benefit from Tai Chi it should be approached as a martial art. Thereby deriving the attendant benefits of internal toughness and strength.

Although it is believed Tai Chi was first practiced in China in the 1820’s recent studies have shown that significant health benefits can still be derived from it. These include better balance and co-ordination (Of special importance to elderly people as this reduces falls and associated injuries), lowering of blood pressure and stress levels, strengthening of muscles and joints and improved cardiovascular health.

Given these benefits and its adaptability to suit many individual circumstances Tai Chi obviously has much to offer the health conscious individual in the 21st century.

Brad Bahr is the editor of many health related websites and publications. He has been testing and reviewing nutritional supplements for over 20 years. After trying hundreds of products, he recommends one supplement above all others for renewing health and energy: http://www.hgh-facts.com

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How to Buy the Right Exercise Equipment

Friday, November 10th, 2006

Sometimes going to the gym is just not convenient. We have to work, take care of the kids and do the many chores that require us to live in a modern world. Unfortunately today’s busy lifestyle can really take a toll on your health. We all know that we need to take the time to exercise but where do we actually find that time? A solution is to purchase exercise equipment for your home.

There are a few things to consider when you think of purchasing exercise equipment. How often are you going to use it? Do you have space in your home? What kind of exercises do you like to do? Should you purchase used or new? Do you want to buy equipment with a specific body area in mind?

Are you Really Going to Use the Equipment?

The market for used exercise equipment is huge. The reason is not typically because people want to upgrade their equipment, but because they bought something that they had no intention of using in the first place. If you are not a runner, then perhaps you would not like a treadmill, despite it being the most popular piece of exercise equipment you can buy. Maybe you would be more comfortable with an elliptical machine instead.

How many times have you been seduced by those info commercials showing hot bodies working out with fancy machines? It takes a long time to look as good as the models. The equipment is not going to magically transform you into a bodybuilder. You have to use the exercise equipment consistently to create a healthy body. So make sure before you spend the money that you actually expect to use the equipment.

Decide what Type of Exercise You Like

Many people buy exercise equipment thinking that they would like to get involved in the activity without ever really participating in it. It seems as though the first piece of exercise equipment purchased is a treadmill. Now, if you do not like to go outside for a walk or running is not your thing, there should be serious doubts that you would enjoy it any better inside your home. However, if you always enjoyed lifting weights at the gym, then you know you would benefit from having a high quality bench and a few choice dumb bells in your home.

Make Sure You Have the Space

Before you run out and buy a couple of exercise machines you probably want to map out where you intend to put it in your home. Exercise equipment can look relatively small in huge gyms, but the same piece of equipment in your little upstairs bedroom can dominate the room. There are many pieces of equipment made nowadays that can fold up into smaller units perfect for closet storage or fit in unused corner areas.

Buying New or Used

There are so many pieces of quality exercise equipment for sale used and cheap that it is difficult to recommend that you buy them new. The only reason to buy new is if you could not find the exact piece that you really want. Convenience in purchasing a new one also comes into play, but with this convenience comes a high cost. There are numerous quality second hand stores that sell used equipment. Also it is a good idea to comb through the classifieds in the paper and see if anyone is selling good equipment.

What Part of the Body to Concentrate On?

You might consider what body parts you are most interested in working out with home exercise equipment. Maybe you only want something that can help tone your abdominal muscles. Or perhaps you are not getting enough legwork and want equipment to build those muscles. Of course, there is also exercise equipment that can work out the entire body. The idea is to consider your goals and what you want to accomplish with the exercise equipment and then make your purchase.

Exercise equipment can be a time saver for those people who want a workout but cannot make it to the gym. There are many types of equipment available so choosing the right one will ensure that it will actually be used. Exercise equipment can make you healthier but only if you use it and do not relegate it to the junk pile.

Brad Bahr is the editor of many health related websites and publications. He has been testing and reviewing nutritional supplements for over 20 years. After trying hundreds of products, he recommends one supplement above all others for renewing health and energy: http://www.hgh-facts.com

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Jump Start Your Aerobic Training

Wednesday, October 25th, 2006

Aerobic training is very important for your heart and your overall fitness. Health experts recommend you train aerobically twenty to thirty minutes a day, four to five times a week.

The activities most used are running, walking at a brisk pace, biking, and doing basic aerobics in the house to fitness tapes. Dancing and boxing to the music are the most popular of the programs. These are all very good exercises to help you build your aerobic capacity.

You might want to consider jumping rope. We have all done this when we were kids, but rope jumping is not included in many workout programs.

It should be. It is one of the best aerobic exercises available and involves your entire body. Boxers have used rope jumping since way back when.

Add a little variety to your rope jumping routine and you may find it fun and challenging.

To begin, start with your basic rope jumping. Hold the rope in both hands with the rope behind your back. Start by swinging the rope over your head and under your feet, jumping up and down with both feet as the rope goes under your feet. This is a great way to loosen up and you should do this for a couple minutes.

Next, begin alternating your feet touching the ground, like you are running. One foot jumps over the rope at a time.

For a little more of a challenge, swing the rope backwards. Do both the basic jump and the feet alternating jump. This works your muscles out in a different manner and really helps with your coordination.

Now it gets tougher. Jump higher and swing the rope faster so you rotate it twice before your feet touch the ground. This gives your legs additional muscle toning and, for any athletes out there, it helps develop your jumping ability.

Once again return to basic jumping but this time, as you swing the rope, cross your arms in front of you. You are going to find this tough to do at first, but you’ll get the hang of it. It adds a little fun to your workout as you try to master this technique.

Now you’re ready for single leg jumping. Jump rope with the same foot for five repetitions, then switch legs and jump with the other leg for five repetitions. Repeat with each leg.

This is only a few of the variations you can try. Experiment and see if you can come up with any more techniques. Search the internet for jump rope techniques. The more different variations you come up with, the more enjoyable your exercise will be.

Adding the jump rope to your exercise routine will definitely help you increase your fitness level. We did it as kids. Now do it as adults.

Brad Bahr is the editor of many health related websites and publications. He has been testing and reviewing nutritional supplements for over 20 years. After trying hundreds of products, he recommends one supplement above all others for renewing health and energy: http://www.hgh-facts.com

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10 Tips To Improve Your Fitness Health

Monday, October 23rd, 2006

Here are ten tips to improve your fitness health. Even athletes who are incredibly fit may not be really healthy. They often tread a fine line between health and illness or injury.

1)Listen to your body. As you are training it is easy to become preoccupied with the repetitions you are doing, or the time you’ve been exercising. Leave your watch at home and slow down or walk when your body hurts.

2)To improve your fitness health you need to eat a varied diet. Five fruit and vegetables a day should be your minimum target. Your health will improve if you eat at least five different kinds of fruit, then any vegetables will be a bonus.

3)Take a complete day off from exercise every once in a while. It doesn’t have to be every week, but doing extra training when you are tired may have a detrimental effect on your health and fitness. You become fitter and healthier through rest as much as exercise.

4)Limit the number of supplements you take. Adequate amounts can in fact be absorbed by modifying the diet without the risks involved by taking a dietary supplement. Consult a professional dietician. Many sprinters and power athletes, for example, take creatine supplements because it gives them a legal edge. There is a risk, though, as it is possible that they have been contaminated by banned substances. This is a risk to your fitness health, and a risk financially if you are a professional athlete.

5)Your health will improve if you minimize the number of tablets that you take. Paracetamol may seem okay, but you will be surprised how often a headache can be cured by drinking water, having something to eat or sitting in a quiet room.

6)You will improve your health and fitness by stretching more. Your muscles get shorter through exercise, and if you never stretch you will get injured. One method is to warm up slowly first, then spend several minutes stretching before the main workout. Stretch thoroughly after exercise as well.

7)You need to stay hydrated if you are exercising more. This means drinking water and sports drinks if you are sweating a lot. You lose minerals in your body while sweating. It is recommended to drink five glasses of water a day, but if you are working out you need to drink more than this. Don’t get carried away, though, because it can be just as dangerous to drink too much as too little.

8)Exercise with other people. You will meet new friends, and your fitness will improve if you have other people to motivate you.

9)Don’t become too competitive as this may harm your health. Motivation from other people is good, but you should only compete against yourself. Try too hard to keep up with someone else, and you could become injured.

10)Have fun! Your health and fitness will improve if you are having fun because you will stick to your exercise program.

Brad Bahr is the editor of many health related websites and publications. He has been testing and reviewing nutritional supplements for over 20 years. After trying hundreds of products, he recommends one supplement above all others for renewing health and energy: http://www.hgh-facts.com

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Top 10 Tips for Gym Newbies

Tuesday, October 17th, 2006

Beginning a workout regime at the gym can be overwhelming in many different ways. If you haven’t been before (or haven’t been for a long time) it can seem as though everyone knows what they’re doing but you. You worry about looking stupid, or about what people will think about your body, or about whether you’ll remember everything you’ve been told.

The first day is usually okay (because most gyms provide an introductory session on how to operate the machines) - but the second day can be confusing and even embarrassing, unless you’ve signed up with a personal trainer. You’re quite likely to find that you can’t remember which machines you’re supposed to use, or even how they work.

Relax. Everyone goes through it. You’ll find it easier on the third day, and by the fourth you’ll be feeling quite confident. Within weeks you’ll be powering through your exercises as though you were born in the gym!

Here are a few tips that might ease the way in the first few weeks:

1. If you’re a complete beginner, it might be worth your while to sign up with a personal trainer for at least a couple of sessions, until you’re feeling more confident. Otherwise, go with a friend. If you’re both new, you can muddle through together. If your friend is experienced, he or she will help you out.

2. Take a notepad and pen with you for your introductory session. Write down the name of the machine and its position in the gym as well as a few words that will remind you what you’re supposed to do on it. (Some machines can be used in several different ways.)

3. Don’t hesitate to ask a staff member for help if you can’t adjust the machine for your weight and height, or if you can’t remember exactly how it works. They won’t mind showing you again. They want their customers to keep coming back!

4. Don’t push yourself too hard to begin with. If you work out so hard that you can barely walk, you’ll be tempted to miss a day while you recover. One day doesn’t matter much, but if you continually skip days because you’re too sore, you’re likely to drop out altogether. What’s the hurry? After a few weeks, when your body is getting used to the extra exercise, you can increase the intensity.

5. If your knees and ankles react badly to increasing the speed on the treadmill, try increasing the grade instead. You might be pleasantly surprised to find that a slower speed, with the treadmill on an incline, burns more calories than jogging.

6. Smile and nod to the other gym users, but don’t hold up their workout programs by chatting. As you become recognized as a regular, you will find that you gravitate to your own little group - probably people who have the same goals and needs as you do.

7. Wear comfortable clothing - either loose or with plenty of stretch. Avoid the temptation to buy workout gear that’s two sizes too small in the hope that you’ll lose weight quickly. (You might well shed those pounds fast - but if it takes longer that you’d anticipated, you’ll always be conscious of those too-tight clothes.)

8. Don’t worry about being overweight. In a way, it’s good to start off with quite a few excess pounds to lose - your success is much more noticeable than it is on slimmer gym users, and you’ll find the positive comments really motivating. Make sure you get a ‘before’ photo of yourself at the gym when you start out. After a few months, you’ll be amazed at the difference.

9. If you’re considerably overweight, you are likely to find that your stomach gets in the way on some machines. Just do what you can. You might feel better just increasing your fitness and losing some weight on the treadmill for the first month or so, then moving on to the machines when moving and stretching is more comfortable. Consider doing a few laps in the pool (either walking or swimming) as well as your other gym work. The water will help to support your weight and provide variety.

10. Try to find a happy medium between challenging yourself and resting on your laurels. If you can easily manage three sets at the current weight, try increasing it for the first set. If you can do twenty minutes on the treadmill without sweating, then increase either the speed or the grade (or both!) Remember… “if nothing changes, then nothing changes!”

One final tip: once you have decided on your regular gym days, resolve that nothing but an emergency will stop you going. Make your gym attendance a habit - and before too long, the exciting results will have you trying to convert all your friends to becoming exercise lovers too!

Brad Bahr is the editor of many health related websites and publications. He has been testing and reviewing nutritional supplements for over 20 years. After trying hundreds of products, he recommends one supplement above all others for renewing health and energy: http://www.hgh-facts.com

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Fitness Exercises that can be Performed in 10 Minutes or Less

Thursday, October 5th, 2006

Most people understand that exercise is important for their overall health and well-being. However, many complain that they just don’t have enough time in their schedule for exercise. With the fast paced lives that most of us lead, it’s understandable that most of us are time starved and without the proper time for exercise.

However, exercise is essential to our health, so it is important to understand that even a brief amount of exercise performed on a regular basis can go a long way to improve your life.

10-15 minutes of exercise performed 3-4 times a week will do a lot to improve every aspect of your physical health. No special equipment or props are needed. In fact, a number of exercises can be done in the morning while you are still in your pajamas. Some routines may be so easy that you may be tempted to think that they are not doing much good as all. However, if performed properly on a consistent basis, 10 minutes of exercise can get you in shape.

Here are a few exercises that you can do in just 10 minutes to improve your total fitness health.

1 Minute Back Stretch

- Sit with your legs straight out in front of you and your back straight.
- Place your right palm flat on the floor behind you as you twist your head and shoulders so that you are looking over your right shoulder.
- Make sure that you keep both buttocks flat on the floor.
- Hold for 15 then do the other side.

Repeat twice.

1 Minute Back Scratcher

- Sit with your legs stretched out in front of you and your back straight.
- Stretch your right arm and bend it at the elbow as if you are going to scratch your back between your shoulder blades.
- Reach your left arm behind your back to touch or hold the fingers of your right hand.
- Hold this position for 30 seconds.
- Repeat on the other side.

2 Minutes of Sit Ups

- Lie flat on the floor on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.
- Place your palms on your hips and run them up to your knees, pulling yourself up by your stomach muscles.
- Do as many of these sit ups as you can in 2 minutes.

5 Minutes of Step Ups

- Find a step of about 6-8 inches of height. Step up with your left foot.
- Raise your right foot to join it.
- Take your left foot off of the step and then your right foot to join it.

Repeat For 5 Minutes

1 Minute of Press Ups

- Lie on your stomach.
- Bend your arms at the elbows and place both hands flat on the floor with your thumbs at shoulder level.
- Keep your toes flexed and on the floor.
- Push on your palms to raise your upper body.
- Your back and shoulders should be flat and your buttocks should not be sticking up.
- Fully extend your arms but do not lock them.
- Now slowly lower your body back on to the ground and repeat as many times as your can in 1 minute.

Congratulations! You have just completed 10 minutes of exercise that did a lot to increase your cardio-fitness, helped to maintain the strength in your arms, shoulders and legs, and increased the flexibility in your joints. If you don’t have a lot of time to work out, try performing these exercises for 10 minutes 3-4 times per week, and you will see and feel a great difference.

Brad Bahr is the editor of many health related websites and publications. He has been testing and reviewing nutritional supplements for over 20 years. After trying hundreds of products, he recommends one supplement above all others for renewing health and energy: http://www.hgh-facts.com

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Using a Pilates Ball to Improve Your Fitness

Monday, October 2nd, 2006

Pilates is an exercise program that helps to strengthen and get a person more flexible in sophisticated but easy to do movements. Mostly Pilates exercises can be accomplished with just a mat and a determination to get fit. However Pilates allows you to do many advanced exercises that you could not otherwise do without one.

Pilates typically does not require the use of weights or sophisticated gym equipment. That is what makes it so popular with many people. You can do a Pilates routine in the comfort of your home or you can join a fitness gym to practice with an instructor. In many advanced classes or DVDs that you might use at home the use of a Pilates ball will eventually come into play.

The Pilates ball makes the exercises you perform a bit more advanced and possibly more difficult. However, that is a good thing as it will strengthen your core with more focus than if you did not have a Pilates ball.

The Pilates ball is chosen based on your height and weight. You do not want the ball to be over inflated. The fitness gyms will typically have the Pilates ball set at the correct inflation but if you are using one at home it will be easy to put too much air in it. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instruction for inflation.

The Pilates ball makes your moves more difficult and advanced. The instability of the ball during the exercise makes your core do more work than if you were not using one. Other exercises can be made easier if you are doing exercises where you place your legs on the ball for support.

For some floor exercises many find the floor too hard. The same exercise or variation can be performed on the Pilates ball which cuts down on the discomfort. It can also work out your entire body causing the least discomfort or damage to your muscles and particularly those in your back. When performing an exercise right on the Pilates ball you are likely to see a double effect of your performance as it focuses more toward your core.

The Pilates ball has interesting uses other than exercises as well. Many people use it as a stool to sit on. The instability of the ball as you sit on it forces your core muscles to work when otherwise they may not. Simply sitting in a chair relaxes your muscles and sometimes encourages people to slump. You will find that the Pilates ball will help you develop good posture.

A Pilates ball makes a wonderful exercise tool. It can enhance your exercises to strengthen your core as well as support you on to other exercises to make your movements more comfortable.

Brad Bahr is the editor of many health related websites and publications. He has been testing and reviewing nutritional supplements for over 20 years. After trying hundreds of products, he recommends one supplement above all others for renewing health and energy: http://www.hgh-facts.com

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Enhancing Your Athletic Ability

Sunday, September 17th, 2006

Are you one of those individuals interested in enhancing your athletic ability? If you are, then you will be pleased to know that your goal is fairly easy to obtain. The key to enhancing your athletic capacity is not rocket science. In fact, if you incorporate a number of exercises into your daily workout, you will be able to improve the overall quality to perform vigorous activity in no time.

To improve your athletic performance you will most certainly want to focus on endurance, speed, and agility and strength exercises.

Endurance related exercises can be bicycling, running, walking, jogging, and swimming. These activities improve cardiovascular endurance. There are collateral benefits to these activities. Running, walking and jogging helps burn those calories and improves well being. Bicycling or pedal pushing helps in improving one’s mental outlook. Swimming improves stamina and is one of the better techniques to increase lung capacity so that your body can get more oxygen. Stronger muscles equate to better athletic ability, therefore a prudent athlete will utilize endurance exercises often.

To improve your athletic performance you would also focus on speed and agility exercises. A popular speed training exercise is plyometrics. Plyometrics consists of converting strength to speed in short bursts. Agility exercises center on the ability to change directions with optimal speed.

Other methods for improving your athletic energy are lifting weights. You can definitely benefit by incorporating weight lifting into your exercise regimen. A progressive lifting of heavier weights will help increase muscle mass. You focus on a particular part of your body depending on the sport you play. However, a diverse weight lifting program that looks on an entire body work out is highly recommended. This helps you succeed in any athletic event and your entire body functions like a nicely maintained machine. Do not mar the lens in which you view your workout; be sure to balance your weight lifting exercises accordingly.

An alternative route to improving athletic performance is the practice of martial arts. Most common amongst these methods are karate, kung fu and judo. These activities require and help you maintain mental alertness. Taking on martial arts also helps develop dexterity and flexibility.

Practicing your regimen of activities on a regular basis will help you improve your chances of enhancing your athletic ability. Just like any other endeavor, practicing techniques again and again will not only improve your methods, but it will also help you train your body to exceed its prior limitations and keep your athletic ability at an optimum level.

Brad Bahr is the editor of many health related websites and publications. He has been testing and reviewing nutritional supplements for over 20 years. After trying hundreds of products, he recommends one supplement above all others for renewing health and energy: http://www.hgh-facts.com

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Exercise - Interval Training

Friday, August 25th, 2006

When it comes to exercise, the word “intervals” puts fear in many people’s minds. Intervals are sometimes misunderstood but adding them to your exercise program can help you burn fat and get in shape quicker.

Intervals are not for everyone. To begin performing intervals, you should be in good condition and a physical from your doctor is highly recommended.

What are intervals?

The easiest definition would be periods of high intensity exercise followed by recovery periods of low intensity exercise.

Here’s an example. You are following a walking program and have been walking briskly for thirty minutes a day, four days a week. You feel pretty good but would like to lose weight a little quicker.

Intervals might be perfect for you. Begin your regular walking program and, after five minutes, jog for ten, twenty, thirty seconds or more. Your heart rate will begin to increase and your breathing will pick up after this period, return to walking briskly until you have completely recovered. You then begin to jog again.

In the beginning you may only want to perform two or three of these short jogs. That’s fine. Do what’s comfortable for you. Later, as you become more accustomed to this routine, you can add more jogs or increase the length of time you jog or both.

During each period of jogging, your heart rate has increased. When you stop jogging and continue walking, your heart rate will be at an increased rate for a minute or so. This is an added benefit. During aerobic exercise you want your heart rate to increase, which makes it stronger and makes you healthier.

Intervals work great on a treadmill. You can increase the speed for however long you want, or you can increase the height, so you are walking at the same pace only going uphill.

This is interval training at a low level but you still get benefits from it. You can follow a similar routine in your other aerobic exercise as well.

For instance, if you are riding a bike for exercise, every so often pedal faster until you begin breathing heavier, and then return to riding as before.

You can see that interval training is not only for athletes. It’s one of the fastest and most effective means of reaching a top level of fitness and decreasing body fat.

Do these three or four days a week and watch your fitness level go up while your pounds begin to disappear.

Brad Bahr is the editor of many health related websites and publications. He has been testing and reviewing nutritional supplements for over 20 years. After trying hundreds of products, he recommends one supplement above all others for renewing health and energy: http://www.hgh-facts.com

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Power Walk Yourself to Health & Fitness

Sunday, July 30th, 2006

Do you have a spring in your step? Does life feel so good that you cannot wait to get out of bed in the morning?

With the sedentary lifestyle so many of us lead nowadays, the chances of feeling like this are a little on the minus side. Hours of sitting at computers, driving to work and then watching TV at home, all lead to being overweight, having posture-related aches and pains and a general feeling of sluggishness.

These physical symptoms lead to mental sluggishness too. So we are trapped in this cycle of lethargy, draining us of our vital energy.

In order to lignite that vital spark, we need to break this cycle and the way to do it is…exercise. Exercise should not an optional extra that we fit into our lives when we feel like it, it needs to be an essential part.

Body and spirit are inextricably linked, so to achieve a healthy mind, you must firstly have a healthy body.

In order to make exercise an ingredient of our everyday lives, something that we will stick at, it needs to be fun. It needs to be enjoyable, challenging, motivational, have variety, achieve the desired results and suit your body and lifestyle.

One of the most natural forms of exercise is walking. Walking is an aerobic exercise that will not only increase your cardiovascular strength, but improve your posture as well.

Whereas any form of walking is beneficial, the most powerful is…Power Walking.

There are numerous benefits to be gained from power walking and some of them are:

Cardiovascular fitness is improved and thus the risk of coronary disease and strokes is reduced.

Mental well-being is improved resulting in a reduction in anxiety, stress and tension.

Muscles are toned and strengthened.

Helps to reduce body fat and manage your body weight.

Boosts energy and improves your self esteem.

The above are just a few of the physical and mental benefits to be gained from power walking. One benefit that deserves special mention and is often overlooked, is that if you walk with friends, it is socially enjoyable. This ensures that your power walking exercise is fun and not an activity that has to be endured.

Power walking is a low cost form of exercise. No special clothes or equipment are necessary to be able to participate.

However, there is one item that I would strongly recommend and that is a good pair of walking shoes. Each time your foot hits the ground, it is subjected to two and a quarter times your body weight, so the purchase of walking shoes is a wise investment.

So, muster your friends, grab your walking shoes and power walk yourself to new levels of physical and mental well-being.

About the Author
Brad Bahr is the editor of many health related websites and publications. He has been testing and reviewing nutritional supplements for over 20 years. After trying hundreds of products, he recommends one supplement above all others for renewing health and energy: http://www.hgh-facts.com

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