Accept the fact that everyone’s body is built different and when God created you, He did not make a mistake.
When you see the models and Hollywood stars on the cover of those glamour magazines, keep in mind that every one of those photographs have been airbrushed, meaning they really do not look like that.
While they make look fantastic either way, you are not those people - you are you! Always love yourself for who you are inside.
As long as you are eating right, exercising, and doing the best for yourself, then you should be happy.
You may never reach that model appearance and to be honest, you do not want to.
Do the best you can and love the inside beauty more than the outside beauty!
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Exercise and Summer
Exercising outdoors can be refreshing and fun but it can also cause problems if you do not follow some simple rules.
Make sure you are drinking enough water, about 16 ounces every 30 minutes, before, during, and after exercise.
Some sports drinks such as Gatorade have special ingredients that help replenish fluids to prevent dehydration.
After Exercise
When you have completed your exercise regimen, instead of eating carbohydrates, grab some fresh fruit or water.
The reason is that for a minimum of an hour after exercise, the body is still breaking down fat.
You need to allow the body to finish doing its job.
Make sure you are drinking enough water, about 16 ounces every 30 minutes, before, during, and after exercise.
Some sports drinks such as Gatorade have special ingredients that help replenish fluids to prevent dehydration.
After Exercise
When you have completed your exercise regimen, instead of eating carbohydrates, grab some fresh fruit or water.
The reason is that for a minimum of an hour after exercise, the body is still breaking down fat.
You need to allow the body to finish doing its job.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Diabetes and Exercise
Aerobic exercise can actually be beneficial for people with diabetes.
This exercise increases the insulin sensitivity and when combined with good eating, can help restore a normal glucose metabolism.
Before starting into a workout program, you need to see your doctor first to determine if there are any risks for coronary artery disease and that your blood glucose control is appropriate for exercise.
Once cleared, you will feel better and see for you the benefits associated with exercise.
Article By Georgette Pann :
This exercise increases the insulin sensitivity and when combined with good eating, can help restore a normal glucose metabolism.
Before starting into a workout program, you need to see your doctor first to determine if there are any risks for coronary artery disease and that your blood glucose control is appropriate for exercise.
Once cleared, you will feel better and see for you the benefits associated with exercise.
Article By Georgette Pann :
There are two main types of diabetes, type I and type II. Type I diabetes is characterized by the pancreas making too little or no insulin. An individual with diabetes type I will have to inject insulin throughout the day in order to control glucose levels. Type II diabetes, also known as adult onset diabetes, is characterized by the pancreas not producing enough insulin to control glucose levels or the cells not responding to insulin. When a cell does not respond to insulin, it is known as insulin resistance. When a subject is diagnosed with type II diabetes, exercise and weight control are prescribed as measures to help with insulin resistance. If this does not control glucose levels, then medication is prescribed. The risk factors for type II diabetes include: inactivity, high cholesterol, obesity, and hypertension. Inactivity alone is a very strong risk factor that has been proven to lead to diabetes type II. Exercise will have a positive effect on diabetes type II while improving insulin sensitivity while type I cannot be controlled be an exercise program. Over 90% of individuals with diabetes have type II.
Exercise causes the body to process glucose faster, which lowers blood sugar. The more intense the exercise, the faster the body will utilize glucose. Therefore it is important to understand the differences in training with type I and type II diabetes. It is important for an individual who has diabetes to check with a physician before beginning an exercise program. When training with a diabetic, it is important to understand the dangers of injecting insulin immediately prior to exercise. An individual with type I diabetes injecting their normal amount of insulin for a sedentary situation can pose the risk of hypoglycemia or insulin shock during exercise. General exercise guidelines for type I are as follows: allow adequate rest during exercise sessions to prevent high blood pressure, use low impact exercises and avoid heavy weight lifting, and always have a supply of carbohydrates nearby. If blood sugar levels get too low, the individual may feel shaky, disoriented, hungry, anxious, become irritable or experience trembling. Consuming a carbohydrate snack or beverage will alleviate these symptoms in a matter of minutes.
Before engaging in exercise, it is important for blood sugar levels to be tested to make sure that they are not below 80 to 100 mg/dl range and not above 250 mg/dl. Glucose levels should also be tested before, during, after and three to five hours after exercise. During this recovery period (3-5 hours after exercise), it is important for diabetics to consume ample carbohydrates in order to prevent hypoglycemia.
Exercise will greatly benefit an individual with type II diabetes because of its positive effects on insulin sensitivity. Proper exercise and nutrition are the best forms of prevention for type II diabetics. It is important for training protocols to be repeated almost daily to help with sustaining insulin sensitivity. To prevent hypoglycemia, progressively work up to strenuous activity.
As with individuals with type I diabetes, carbohydrates should also be present during training to assist in raising blood sugar levels if the individual becomes low.
About Georgette Pann, BS health/Physical Ed., Physical Therapist assistant, ACE Certified Personal Trainer, IFA Certified Sports Nutrition. She is owner of Nutrifitness for online personal training ,nutritional counseling, diet and fitness information and more.She has been profiled in the E-Book "Fit Over 40". To find out more go to: http://allyourstrength.com/fof/gpfof.html To visit her website go to http://thenutrifitness.com
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
What is heat exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion happens when your body gets too hot. It can be caused by exercise or hot weather. You may feel weak, dizzy or worried. You also may have a headache or a fast heartbeat. You may get dehydrated and have very little urine.
What is heatstroke?
Heatstroke can happen when your body gets too hot, or it can happen after heat exhaustion. Heatstroke is much more serious than heat exhaustion. Heatstroke can kill you. People with heatstroke may seem confused. They may have seizures or go into a coma. Most people with heatstroke also have a fever.
Heat-related illnesses can be a common occurrence when exerting energy in the outdoors or poorly ventilated indoors.
Two primary contributors can be alcohol consumption and not enough water.
Three types of illness include heat cramps, which are very painful and might be combined with headache or nausea, heat exhaustion, which is more serious and includes vomiting, chills, headache, dizziness, among other symptoms, and heatstroke, which if the most dangerous and if not caught and treated immediately, can be fatal or lead to permanent brain damage or coma.
For all three of these, particularly the last two, the best action is prevention.
If you notice that your heart starts beating too fast and you feel light-headed, get out of the sun.
Wear loose fitting clothing, preferably made from lightweight cotton as well as light colors.
Drink LOTS of water. Even if you do not feel thirsty, drink anyway. Do not go with the old rule of taking salt tablets. You should always stay clear of these unless you have first consulted with your physician.
Stay away from alcohol, soft drinks, caffeine, or heavily sugared drinks to include fruit juice. Take frequent breaks and if necessary, stop for the day. If you do believe you are in trouble, seek medical attention immediately.
It is far better safe than sorry!
Heat exhaustion happens when your body gets too hot. It can be caused by exercise or hot weather. You may feel weak, dizzy or worried. You also may have a headache or a fast heartbeat. You may get dehydrated and have very little urine.
What is heatstroke?
Heatstroke can happen when your body gets too hot, or it can happen after heat exhaustion. Heatstroke is much more serious than heat exhaustion. Heatstroke can kill you. People with heatstroke may seem confused. They may have seizures or go into a coma. Most people with heatstroke also have a fever.
Heat-related illnesses can be a common occurrence when exerting energy in the outdoors or poorly ventilated indoors.
Two primary contributors can be alcohol consumption and not enough water.
Three types of illness include heat cramps, which are very painful and might be combined with headache or nausea, heat exhaustion, which is more serious and includes vomiting, chills, headache, dizziness, among other symptoms, and heatstroke, which if the most dangerous and if not caught and treated immediately, can be fatal or lead to permanent brain damage or coma.
For all three of these, particularly the last two, the best action is prevention.
If you notice that your heart starts beating too fast and you feel light-headed, get out of the sun.
Wear loose fitting clothing, preferably made from lightweight cotton as well as light colors.
Drink LOTS of water. Even if you do not feel thirsty, drink anyway. Do not go with the old rule of taking salt tablets. You should always stay clear of these unless you have first consulted with your physician.
Stay away from alcohol, soft drinks, caffeine, or heavily sugared drinks to include fruit juice. Take frequent breaks and if necessary, stop for the day. If you do believe you are in trouble, seek medical attention immediately.
It is far better safe than sorry!
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Medication and Exercise
If you are on scheduled prescription medication, you should know that some drugs could have a negative affect if mixed with exercise.
Some can cause the heart to work too hard or you might not sweat as needed, to mention a few.
If you are taking medication, before you start any exercise program, consult with your physician to ensure there are no harmful effects.
Mixing Medication and Exercise
Is there a best time to exercise? The short answer is yes: anytime you can fit it into your schedule. But exercise such as walking and moderate aerobics brings down blood sugar both while you do it and for up to a day afterward.
While that's the big payoff, it's also a potential hazard, especially if you take medication or insulin. The reason? Let's say you've just taken oral medication or a dose of insulin to bring your blood sugar down, and then you immediately walk for an hour. The glucose-lowering combination of the treatment and the activity could send your blood sugar crashing.
Some can cause the heart to work too hard or you might not sweat as needed, to mention a few.
If you are taking medication, before you start any exercise program, consult with your physician to ensure there are no harmful effects.
Mixing Medication and Exercise
Is there a best time to exercise? The short answer is yes: anytime you can fit it into your schedule. But exercise such as walking and moderate aerobics brings down blood sugar both while you do it and for up to a day afterward.
While that's the big payoff, it's also a potential hazard, especially if you take medication or insulin. The reason? Let's say you've just taken oral medication or a dose of insulin to bring your blood sugar down, and then you immediately walk for an hour. The glucose-lowering combination of the treatment and the activity could send your blood sugar crashing.
On the other hand, if you're taking insulin but don't give yourself a large enough dose, your blood sugar may actually rise too high during exercise. That's because when you're physically active, the liver pumps out more glucose, and without adequate insulin, your body will have trouble shifting glucose from your blood to working muscles. Only you and your doctor can sort this all out, but you may be able to avoid most problems by following these guidelines.
Exercise an hour or two after eating. At that point, your blood sugar levels are elevated from food, and you'll have ample glucose to fuel your muscles. At the same time, your digestive system will have finished most of its work, so it won't deplete the energy you need for your workout.
If you take medication, ask your doctor if you can skip it before exercising or take a lower dose; the blood sugar drop from physical activity may be able to substitute for the drug. Otherwise, avoid exercising when the effects of your medication peak.
If you use insulin, time your workouts so you're not active when the effects of the insulin peak, often within the first hour or two after an injection. Your doctor will probably want you to monitor your blood sugar before and after to see how activity affects it, and based on those results, he may want you to adjust your insulin dose before you exercise.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Asthma and Exercise
If you have asthma and love to exercise, it is important to keep your inhaler with you.
However, if for some reason you forget, remember that caffeine can provide temporary relieve of bronchial constriction.
If you do not have asthma but after years of running, you develop breathing problems, you could be suffering from “Exercise Induced Asthma”, which should be mentioned to your physician.
However, if for some reason you forget, remember that caffeine can provide temporary relieve of bronchial constriction.
If you do not have asthma but after years of running, you develop breathing problems, you could be suffering from “Exercise Induced Asthma”, which should be mentioned to your physician.
Pregnancy and Exercise
Do not think that just because you are pregnant means you have to stop exercising, unless you have special needs.
Before you exercise during pregnancy, always check with your doctor first.
Once you get permission to proceed, you will find that leg extensions, standing curls, and other exercises can be done with ease.
If you are not sure what you can and cannot do, ask your doctor for recommendations.
Before you exercise during pregnancy, always check with your doctor first.
Once you get permission to proceed, you will find that leg extensions, standing curls, and other exercises can be done with ease.
If you are not sure what you can and cannot do, ask your doctor for recommendations.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Increased Protein
Many diets of today’s society pull you back and forth, one telling you to eat more protein, and one less.
The fact is that if you are not exercising as much as you used to or if you are exercising heavily, your body could in fact need more protein than what the RDA recommends.
The good balance for either scenario is 50% to 60% carbohydrates, 20% to 25% protein and 20% or less of fat.
If you stick with this equation, you will benefit.
The fact is that if you are not exercising as much as you used to or if you are exercising heavily, your body could in fact need more protein than what the RDA recommends.
The good balance for either scenario is 50% to 60% carbohydrates, 20% to 25% protein and 20% or less of fat.
If you stick with this equation, you will benefit.
Quick Energy
Listen to your body.
If you find that you are dragging, eat the right foods that will give your body the energy needed and are healthy.
Examples of these foods include carrots, rice cakes, breakfast cereals, bananas, and potatoes.
If you find that you are dragging, eat the right foods that will give your body the energy needed and are healthy.
Examples of these foods include carrots, rice cakes, breakfast cereals, bananas, and potatoes.
Friday, November 04, 2005
Heat Therapy
Using heat therapy is a great way to reduce long-term effects or injury for overworked muscles.
If you have sore muscles and joints, use heat to help increase blood flow, relieve muscle spasms, and increase joint mobility.
Benefits of Heat Therapy
Historically, heat has been a natural remedy used to relieve pain and enhance the recovery process. Heat stimulates your thermoreceptors — receptors that respond to heat and cold — which, in turn, help block the transmission of pain signals to the brain. Thus, a continuous application of heat can significantly reduce your discomfort.
Heat therapy also increases blood flow, which helps to decrease stiffness, relax sore muscles and provide soothing comfort.
Note: Heat should not be used on areas of swelling and bruising. (If swelling occurs, use ice, then apply heat after the swelling goes away.)
If you have sore muscles and joints, use heat to help increase blood flow, relieve muscle spasms, and increase joint mobility.
Benefits of Heat Therapy
Historically, heat has been a natural remedy used to relieve pain and enhance the recovery process. Heat stimulates your thermoreceptors — receptors that respond to heat and cold — which, in turn, help block the transmission of pain signals to the brain. Thus, a continuous application of heat can significantly reduce your discomfort.
Heat therapy also increases blood flow, which helps to decrease stiffness, relax sore muscles and provide soothing comfort.
Note: Heat should not be used on areas of swelling and bruising. (If swelling occurs, use ice, then apply heat after the swelling goes away.)
Eat More
Before you get too excited, understand that when you eat, it is not how much you eat, but what you eat.
If you find that getting fit and eating less food is too hard, add more of the right food into your diet.
Great options include an orange, hard-boiled egg, small broiled chicken breast, and fresh vegetables such as carrots, celery sticks.
If you have a craving for something sweet, many delicious options are available such as Weight Watchers cheesecake or Chocolate Éclairs.
Getting fit does not mean total deprivation.
If you find that getting fit and eating less food is too hard, add more of the right food into your diet.
Great options include an orange, hard-boiled egg, small broiled chicken breast, and fresh vegetables such as carrots, celery sticks.
If you have a craving for something sweet, many delicious options are available such as Weight Watchers cheesecake or Chocolate Éclairs.
Getting fit does not mean total deprivation.
Abdominal Crunches
While you may not end up with a washboard stomach, you can do some things to get your abdomen in better shape.
Crunches have long been a favorite for many athletes for the very reason that they work.
Lying on your back with knees bent, keeping feet flat on the floor, cross your hands across your chest and then curl your torso, rolling from your sternum toward your hips.
Do this slowly and start out with a set of ten crunches in three reps.
In other words, do ten crunches, wait a minute, do ten more, wait a minute, and then do the final ten.
As you get accustomed to these, you can increase both the number of sets and reps.
Easy Body Makeover for Busy Women
We all know how busy our lives get with work, kids, cooking, cleaning and the daily buzz of activities that are required of us. I have compiled a list of exercises that are quick and easy and can all be done while watching a little T.V.!
Arms: There is just no way of getting around this if your arms are a problem area. Get some small weights. Try your weights out in the store to decide which will be the best for you. Don’t buy anything you are not going to be able to lift for 10 reps. Remember, you can always go up in weight later. Next, work on your trouble area(s) in reps of 5 – 10 in the beginning and increase your repetitions as you are able to tolerate.
Legs: Have an exercise bike? This has got to be one of the easiest ways to work your legs. Check your second hand sporting good stores. Turn on Oprah or open a good book and go to town!
Abdominal: Lay on your back with your knees bent. Crossing your left ankle over your right knee, hands behind your head, touch your right elbow to your left knee. Then switch! Begin with as many reps as you are able to handle.
This is a pretty painless workout and will help to keep you in shape when time is of the essence!
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Resource : http://women2women.50webs.com
Crunches have long been a favorite for many athletes for the very reason that they work.
Lying on your back with knees bent, keeping feet flat on the floor, cross your hands across your chest and then curl your torso, rolling from your sternum toward your hips.
Do this slowly and start out with a set of ten crunches in three reps.
In other words, do ten crunches, wait a minute, do ten more, wait a minute, and then do the final ten.
As you get accustomed to these, you can increase both the number of sets and reps.
Easy Body Makeover for Busy Women
We all know how busy our lives get with work, kids, cooking, cleaning and the daily buzz of activities that are required of us. I have compiled a list of exercises that are quick and easy and can all be done while watching a little T.V.!
Arms: There is just no way of getting around this if your arms are a problem area. Get some small weights. Try your weights out in the store to decide which will be the best for you. Don’t buy anything you are not going to be able to lift for 10 reps. Remember, you can always go up in weight later. Next, work on your trouble area(s) in reps of 5 – 10 in the beginning and increase your repetitions as you are able to tolerate.
Legs: Have an exercise bike? This has got to be one of the easiest ways to work your legs. Check your second hand sporting good stores. Turn on Oprah or open a good book and go to town!
Abdominal: Lay on your back with your knees bent. Crossing your left ankle over your right knee, hands behind your head, touch your right elbow to your left knee. Then switch! Begin with as many reps as you are able to handle.
This is a pretty painless workout and will help to keep you in shape when time is of the essence!
================================================
Resource : http://women2women.50webs.com
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