Hello, dear gym freaks!
Do you like working out with music? Or do you enjoy the piece and quiet of a training? I personally can't work out without my headphones on. When I'm not listening to anything while at the gym, sometimes I feel like I'm getting too lazy and sluggish because there's nothing to keep me up. Music really helps me keep going especially when on the treadmill or the cross trainer.
This is one of the major reasons I truly enjoy group exercises such as aerobics or zumba - the music the instructors play is so lively and energetic it does not give you a chance to stop and you want it to keep going so you keep training, as well. I think it's a great motivator in such cases and really helps me go on instead of give up, leave and go have some french fires.
Some people enjoy reading a book or watching a video while working out, but in my opinion music can boost your productivity in a way nothing else can. This is one of my favorite songs to listen to while training.
So, what do you guys do when working out - radio, book or you simply concentrate on the training? Let me know in the comments below:))
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
BUS 499a Weigh v Measure
Hello, fellow gym-lovers!
I hope your fitting programs are going well and that you're right on track with the desired results. It is a great pleasure to find out that there are results from what you have been doing and working on so hard. It is also a huge disappointment, though, when you get on the scales and realize that all those workouts have been to waste since you have barely lost a kilo. Let me tell you a secret - scales are not the best measurement of your results.
If you are just on a diet, and you don't have the time or simply refuse to workout, the scales might give you an accurate idea of how much you've lost. However, when you train, not only do you lose fat, but you also gain muscle mass. This is why the scales could be a very misleading tool and a false reflection of your true achievements.
You can certainly feel it, when your pants are much easier to put on and when that dress looks so much better on a Friday night. If you'd like to truly assess your results, though, take measurements of different parts on your body. Chest, waist, arms, thighs - keep record of all the areas that you've been aiming at and you will definitely feel the results. If not - you will know that you have to work harder and try different techniques. Cheers:)
I hope your fitting programs are going well and that you're right on track with the desired results. It is a great pleasure to find out that there are results from what you have been doing and working on so hard. It is also a huge disappointment, though, when you get on the scales and realize that all those workouts have been to waste since you have barely lost a kilo. Let me tell you a secret - scales are not the best measurement of your results.
If you are just on a diet, and you don't have the time or simply refuse to workout, the scales might give you an accurate idea of how much you've lost. However, when you train, not only do you lose fat, but you also gain muscle mass. This is why the scales could be a very misleading tool and a false reflection of your true achievements.
You can certainly feel it, when your pants are much easier to put on and when that dress looks so much better on a Friday night. If you'd like to truly assess your results, though, take measurements of different parts on your body. Chest, waist, arms, thighs - keep record of all the areas that you've been aiming at and you will definitely feel the results. If not - you will know that you have to work harder and try different techniques. Cheers:)
Sunday, April 13, 2014
BUS 449a Gym? Hell, no
Hello, dear fitters!
I can imagine that not everyone of you is a huge fan of the gym. Honestly, sometimes it gets boring doing workouts on your own, and I definitely need some extra motivation and diversity to keep going. This is why I strongly support group classes such as aerobics, zumba or stretching.
My most favorite group workout have always been aerobics classes. Having an instructor show you and do everything with you is highly motivational as the exercises seem much easier (no, they're not) but you keep trying instead of giving up in the beginning. I also really enjoy the music and it definitely gives me a boost even in moments when I can barely breathe anymore. The aerobics classes I have attended have generally been divided in two parts - standing up and doing some cardio exercises and then laying down on a mat and working out different body muscles groups - abs, legs, upper body.
Zumba is also a lot of fun, although in my opinion it does not challenge your body as much as aerobics do. If you like the latino rhythms, and enjoy dancing this is definitely for you. You can easily combine having fun with toning up your body and exercising a little. Don't push your expectations, too high, though. If you want visible results, you shouldn't abandon the gym for good:)) So, have you ever visited such group classes and what was your favorite part? Please, write a comment:)))
I can imagine that not everyone of you is a huge fan of the gym. Honestly, sometimes it gets boring doing workouts on your own, and I definitely need some extra motivation and diversity to keep going. This is why I strongly support group classes such as aerobics, zumba or stretching.
My most favorite group workout have always been aerobics classes. Having an instructor show you and do everything with you is highly motivational as the exercises seem much easier (no, they're not) but you keep trying instead of giving up in the beginning. I also really enjoy the music and it definitely gives me a boost even in moments when I can barely breathe anymore. The aerobics classes I have attended have generally been divided in two parts - standing up and doing some cardio exercises and then laying down on a mat and working out different body muscles groups - abs, legs, upper body.
Zumba is also a lot of fun, although in my opinion it does not challenge your body as much as aerobics do. If you like the latino rhythms, and enjoy dancing this is definitely for you. You can easily combine having fun with toning up your body and exercising a little. Don't push your expectations, too high, though. If you want visible results, you shouldn't abandon the gym for good:)) So, have you ever visited such group classes and what was your favorite part? Please, write a comment:)))
BUS 449a The importance of planking
Hello, fellow fitness maniacs!
The first post this week is about planking and how it affects your body.
We all know what planking is. What many of us don't know, however, is that it greatly exercises almost all muscles in the body and stimulates us on several levels.
Let's first start with a brief description on how to properly plank. To do so, get in the push-up position, but instead of putting your hands on the ground, put your elbows directly below your shoulders. Keep a straight line from your feet to your neck by tightly squeezing your glutes and abs. Hold for as much as you can.
Yeah, easier said than done, I know. For now I have been able to hold in that position for about a minute. The easiest part of this exercise is that it can be performed at home. All you need is a mat. And that's pretty much it on the easy side:))) Planking, however, contract core muscles groups including those that stabilize your spine and hips. As a result, you end up with a better posture of your body and you feel much more flexible. It also stretches muscle which have stiffened during the day due to uncomfortable sitting desk position at work, and therefore relieves you and decreases the stress level. Lastly, planking strengthens your body overall as it exercises upper, mid and lower muscles at the same time. So, what's your planking record? Let me know in the comments below :)))
The first post this week is about planking and how it affects your body.
We all know what planking is. What many of us don't know, however, is that it greatly exercises almost all muscles in the body and stimulates us on several levels.
Let's first start with a brief description on how to properly plank. To do so, get in the push-up position, but instead of putting your hands on the ground, put your elbows directly below your shoulders. Keep a straight line from your feet to your neck by tightly squeezing your glutes and abs. Hold for as much as you can.
Yeah, easier said than done, I know. For now I have been able to hold in that position for about a minute. The easiest part of this exercise is that it can be performed at home. All you need is a mat. And that's pretty much it on the easy side:))) Planking, however, contract core muscles groups including those that stabilize your spine and hips. As a result, you end up with a better posture of your body and you feel much more flexible. It also stretches muscle which have stiffened during the day due to uncomfortable sitting desk position at work, and therefore relieves you and decreases the stress level. Lastly, planking strengthens your body overall as it exercises upper, mid and lower muscles at the same time. So, what's your planking record? Let me know in the comments below :)))
Sunday, April 6, 2014
BUS 449a What to eat after...
Hello, bunch of fitness freaks!
The second post this week is dedicated to what to consume after a training session.
Let your body take a break from the long workout first. It won't feel nice if you start eating immediately after. If you're starving and cannot make it, though, eat a piece of fruit with a cup of tea. It will fill you up enough so you can take a shower and prepare your meal in peace. (not bothered by those noisy rumbles coming from your stomach)
The best choice for an after-workout dish - grilled chicken or fish garnished with steamed or grilled veggies. It's a great option as it satisfies your hunger but will leave you feeling light and comfortable for the rest of the day.
My next suggestion for you is a whole-wheat sandwich. Use some meat of your choice but chicken and fish would be the best. Don't forget to add some veggies. Tomatoes and spinach will boost your energy again once you've left the gym and feel exhausted.
The last idea I'd like to share with you tonight is to have an omelet. This is a very easy meal, won't take you a long time when you're starving after the training and you don't have another option that has already been cooked. Be careful with the oil and the cheese, add some veggies and enjoy:) Let me know what's you favorite food after training in the comments below:))
The second post this week is dedicated to what to consume after a training session.
Let your body take a break from the long workout first. It won't feel nice if you start eating immediately after. If you're starving and cannot make it, though, eat a piece of fruit with a cup of tea. It will fill you up enough so you can take a shower and prepare your meal in peace. (not bothered by those noisy rumbles coming from your stomach)
The best choice for an after-workout dish - grilled chicken or fish garnished with steamed or grilled veggies. It's a great option as it satisfies your hunger but will leave you feeling light and comfortable for the rest of the day.
My next suggestion for you is a whole-wheat sandwich. Use some meat of your choice but chicken and fish would be the best. Don't forget to add some veggies. Tomatoes and spinach will boost your energy again once you've left the gym and feel exhausted.
The last idea I'd like to share with you tonight is to have an omelet. This is a very easy meal, won't take you a long time when you're starving after the training and you don't have another option that has already been cooked. Be careful with the oil and the cheese, add some veggies and enjoy:) Let me know what's you favorite food after training in the comments below:))
BUS 449a How to start your workout
Hello, dear fitness bloggers!
The first post this week will be about foods you are advised to have before you workout.
I would definitely suggest you eat no less than half an hour before you go training because otherwise you will feel clumsy and sluggish and you will give up on the workout soon after. Make sure you give your stomach enough time to digest the food thoroughly.
My first idea for a snack before is yogurt. It's light, tasty and easy on your stomach, so it's a perfect choice. It's up to you whether to eat it plain, flavored with fruit pieces or add something on your own to it. My tip: slice an apple or one banana and sprinkle with laxseeds.
An oatmeal dish is another wonderful option to have before the training. This is because the energy you will get from it will be released gradually during your entire workout by creating a constant flow of sugar into your blood system.
Nuts would be another great option to load you up with energy and drive the hunger feeling away while you train. They won't leave you with a heavy sensation in your stomach, but be careful not to have too many because the exact opposite might occur.
So, guys what's your favorite snack before the workout? I'd love to read your ideas, so don't forget to comment below:))
The first post this week will be about foods you are advised to have before you workout.
I would definitely suggest you eat no less than half an hour before you go training because otherwise you will feel clumsy and sluggish and you will give up on the workout soon after. Make sure you give your stomach enough time to digest the food thoroughly.
My first idea for a snack before is yogurt. It's light, tasty and easy on your stomach, so it's a perfect choice. It's up to you whether to eat it plain, flavored with fruit pieces or add something on your own to it. My tip: slice an apple or one banana and sprinkle with laxseeds.
An oatmeal dish is another wonderful option to have before the training. This is because the energy you will get from it will be released gradually during your entire workout by creating a constant flow of sugar into your blood system.
Nuts would be another great option to load you up with energy and drive the hunger feeling away while you train. They won't leave you with a heavy sensation in your stomach, but be careful not to have too many because the exact opposite might occur.
So, guys what's your favorite snack before the workout? I'd love to read your ideas, so don't forget to comment below:))
Saturday, March 29, 2014
BUS 449a Cross Trainer
Hello, dear readers!
This post's idea is to give some tips on how to maximize the benefits from doing your cardio exercises on the cross trainer.
I personally love the cross trainer as it doesn't put so much pressure on the knees and hip joints which is a core concern for people who have had injuries or problems in those areas in the past. This is why I highly recommend this exercise to all of you who don't wish to stress your knees.
I think cross trainers have been underrated as many of you think that running for example is more strenuous for your body. Let me tell you that - if you do the cross trainer right, you will get great results.
The most obvious way to go on a cross trainer is forward. However, you should go backwards on it, as well. This way you will exercise all your legs muscles in one work-out. Backward pedaling will put more pressure on the quadriceps muscles which are part of the front muscles on the thighs. When you go forward you exercise the hamstrings at the back of your thighs. To stress on the butt muscles or the calves, go either way. Don't forget to keep your posture straight in order to engage the abdominal muscles, as well. You should also hold the handles of the cross trainer if you like to work out the arms in the process, too.
So, the cross trainer is a great way to include your entire body in your training. Don't forget to breathe and do it with pleasure:))
This post's idea is to give some tips on how to maximize the benefits from doing your cardio exercises on the cross trainer.
I personally love the cross trainer as it doesn't put so much pressure on the knees and hip joints which is a core concern for people who have had injuries or problems in those areas in the past. This is why I highly recommend this exercise to all of you who don't wish to stress your knees.
I think cross trainers have been underrated as many of you think that running for example is more strenuous for your body. Let me tell you that - if you do the cross trainer right, you will get great results.
The most obvious way to go on a cross trainer is forward. However, you should go backwards on it, as well. This way you will exercise all your legs muscles in one work-out. Backward pedaling will put more pressure on the quadriceps muscles which are part of the front muscles on the thighs. When you go forward you exercise the hamstrings at the back of your thighs. To stress on the butt muscles or the calves, go either way. Don't forget to keep your posture straight in order to engage the abdominal muscles, as well. You should also hold the handles of the cross trainer if you like to work out the arms in the process, too.
So, the cross trainer is a great way to include your entire body in your training. Don't forget to breathe and do it with pleasure:))
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)