Mom's Fitness Tips for Women

Review

A unique and exciting synthesis of two highly-acclaimed fitness techniques. . . provides a new, low-impact way to get fit. — Total Health, September/October 2001Craig offers a unique and exciting synthesis of the Pilates Method of body conditioning and the Swiss exercise ball. — Arizona Networking News, April/May 2002

Review

“Craig offers a unique and exciting synthesis of the Pilates Method of body conditioning and the Swiss exercise ball, providing a (more…)

Body Solid Tools Exercise Balls. Get rolling on your Core Strength and Stability. Body Solid Tools Exercise Balls provide a simple but effective way to focus on core strength and stability. Physical therapists have used exercise balls for years to strengthen the abs and back while improving balance and stability. Body Solid’s anti-burst exercise balls are sized right to fit your height and are equally suitable for light commercial and home use. Body Solid Tools. A good fit for y (more…)

A well-designed fitness program should incorporate multiple types of training, including cardio, strength, flexibility, balance, and agility. By focusing on multiple aspects of fitness, you can boost your level of health and fitness, reduce the likelihood of injury, and keep your level of motivation high. Jim Borden, a personal trainer with Fitness Together, a gym located in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, takes a look at each area:Cardio – Cardiovascular exercise, also known as aerobic exercise, is any type of activity that increases the work of the heart and lungs. Walking, running, bike riding, and swimming are all examples of this type of exercise.  According to the Physical Activity Guidelines issued by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Heart Association (AHA), adults should get at least 30 minutes of moderately intense cardio (similar to a brisk walk), five days a week, or vigorously intense cardio (rapid breathing and an increase in heart rate) 20 minutes a day, three days a week.Strength – Strength training, also known as resistance training, are any activities designed to strengthen your muscles. Resistance can come in many forms – weights, resistance bands and tubing, even cans of soup. The ACSM and AHA guidelines for strength training recommend a minimum of two days per week (nonconsecutive), incorporating 8 to 10 exercises that involve all major muscle groups. Each exercise should include resistance that allows you to do the exercise for 8 to 12 repetitions.Flexibility – Often referred to as stretching, flexibility is often an overlooked part of many fitness programs. Flexibility could also include activities such as Tai Chi, yoga, or Pilates. There are two basic types of stretching – dynamic and static. Static stretching is when you take a muscle to the point of tension and hold it there for a minimum of 20 seconds. Dynamic stretching involves moving a joint through its full range of available motion.Balance – Balance activities could include exercising while standing on one leg, and using a stability ball or a BOSU ball. Even when not exercising, you can work on your balance by standing on one leg and keeping your eyes closed or simply sitting on a stability ball at your desk. Balance exercises can be incorporated into your normal exercise routine or done separately.Agility – Agility refers to the ability to start, stop, and change direction quickly, while maintaining proper balance. Research has shown that agility training can reduce falls in the elderly by almost 50%.  Examples of agility exercises include hopping in multiple directions, having a catch while on a BOSU ball, or kicking a soccer ball back and forth. Agility drills can be easily incorporated into your exercise routine, and are a nice way to add some variety into your workouts.As you can see, there is more than just cardio and strength training in a well-designed fitness program. Before you start on such a program, be sure you have your doctor’s approval. And if you are not sure how to begin, it is worth using a personal trainer to ensure you are using proper form and are aware of the safety precautions necessary when working out. The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

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Walk It Out – Research shows that physical activity is one of the best ways to keep joints in top shape as it helps maintain weight and build strength, which aids shock absorption and injury prevention. Walking and biking are two of the best exercises to maintain joint health. Focuses on core strength exercises, mixed with upper and lower body endurance exercises to create a continual intense workout, bringing your body to the next level of fitness.

Whether you’re looking to build muscle with free weights & weight machines, lose weight through cardio exercise on our stationary bikes, Stairmasters, elliptical machines & treadmills, improve your overall health to feel better & more energetic, stay healthy & fit through proper exercise, nutrition & support or become toned & flexible without the bulk. Bally Total Fitness health clubs has the answer for you. We offer personal trainers to design a program around your goals, nutritional plans to guide you towards total health & wellness as well as group exercise classes including; Step, Kwando, Bosu, Boot Camp, Pilates and more. Plus every new member receives a free 1:1 session with a personal trainer.

Works the entire body through a gentle series of yoga postures and stretches that build strength, flexibility, and balance. You’ll leave this class feeling energized and renewed. Combines the inhale and exhale of the breath with movement. This is a Hatha Yoga class that really focuses on the connection between mind & body Awareness is the key to yoga. Do what the celebrities are doing! This martial arts based yoga class is a smooth flowing and challenging format that will leave you worked and stretched. Combines strength building yoga and pilates for an unbelievable workout to build total body strength. Relaxing too.

Each exercise runs for about a minute and is followed by some deep breaths and stretching and then it’s on to another pose. According to proponents, the combination of deep breathing, “ho ho, ha ha” mantras and exercises beneficially stimulates the diaphragm, abdominal muscles and lungs and, like other forms of yoga, unites the mind and body. With laughter yoga being one of the freer forms of yoga, anyone can make up their own exercises. For more details visit http://www.soundbodytrainer.com/

Nowadays, it is not only the gents from Mars who desire to have great abs because even the ladies from Venus would want to have those. Fitness training consultant, Elizabeth Quinn, said that there is simply no magic in achieving those six packs. In simple terms, you have to labor for it. It is the same with money, you cannot just spot a ten dollar bill at any time when you are walking on the street, it has to be earned. Pretty much the same when you are dreaming of a white Christmas, kidding aside, when you want to attain those toned bulges on your stomach through an abdominal exercise equipment. Guffaw if you want but, it is more likely to describe it.
Elizabeth Quinn further mentioned top choices for an abdominal exercise equipment. There are the likes of a Champions Workout DVD, Balance Ball, Rowing Machine, The Firm (Five Day Abs), Floor Mat, Medicine Orbs and Bosu Balance Trainer. Some will be discussed further below.
Champions Workout DVD is an abdominal exercise equipment that will appeal to your visuals. It is good for two hours but the actual performance itself can be done in 23 minutes. Amazing, you think? It really is especially that it will have the same results or even much more better. The Champions Workout DVD is created by 1996 Double Olympic Gold Medalist, Donovan Bailey and 1992 Olympic Gold Medalist, Mark McKoy. It has been based on their period of experience joining a lot of contests as well as joining the techniques taught to them by top trainers, sports doctors and nutrition physiologists.
Balance Ball is a standard size perfect for those who want to sweat it out right in their own homes. There are a number of exercises that can be performed using such product. A balance ball is oversized made by strong kind of rubber so it can really accommodate any mass of weight that desires to utilize it for burning calories. To perform it in correct manner, it would also be good if you buy an instructional video so you have an idea how it is done and that you would not get your muscles strained.
Medicine Orbs are pretty much the same with the balance balls but what makes it different is that is gets most out of any abdominal strengthening routine. In order to use medicine orbs correctly, you can check out the Guide Picks Exercises for Best Abs at about.com.
Bosu Balance Trainer is an abdominal exercise equipment that includes your entire body to sweat it out for agility and balance as well as strength. Several great core strengthening routines can be performed using the bosu balance trainer. It requires coordination and proprioception when the motions are executed. This is a simple yet nice addition to any training experience.

The original exercise bands workout system! Bodylastics Basic Tension Exercise Bands Super System is a complete home exercise system using resistance bands. Everything about this system is heavy duty, from the latex to the welded O-rings. Easy to use, this system is designed to tone and firm your muscles while also helping to build power, strength, and stamina. By simply attaching and detaching the bands on or off the handles and ankle straps, you can create a custom workout wit (more…)

The original exercise bands workout system! Bodylastics Max Tension Exercise Bands Super System is a complete home exercise system using resistance bands. Everything about this system is heavy duty, from the latex to the welded O-rings. Easy to use, this system is designed to tone and firm your muscles while also helping to build power, strength, and stamina. By simply attaching and detaching the bands on or off the handles and ankle straps, you can create a custom workout with (more…)

If you’ve been looking for sound advice on weight loss programs and diet plans, we have some good news for you. We’ve compiled a top ten list of weight loss tips for women. These tips on losing weight are powerful and proven to get results. Best of all, you won’t find any gimmicks or fads here. Only the best, most accurate and scientifically proven health advice made the cut and has been included in this fitness advice guide.

1) Our first weight loss tip for women is simply to exercise consistently. That may seem like common sense, but only 45 percent of adults are actually following their doctor’s advice and getting the recommended minimum: 30 minutes a day, at least four days a week. After only four weeks of inactivity the body begins to shed muscle mass, and aerobic fitness levels start to diminish after missing only two weeks of workouts. That’s why regular, consistent exercise is our first and most important weight loss tip.

2) Don’t focus so much on fast weight loss. Instead, concentrate your efforts on achieving permanent weight loss. While it may be tempting to try the latest fad diet or prescription diet pill, keep in mind that quick weight loss doesn’t always equate to healthy weight loss. As a matter of fact, when you diet without exercising, up to half of the weight you lose could be from muscle mass. Losing muscle is the absolute worst thing you can do when you’re trying to acquire permanent fat loss, so don’t be tempted by the gimmicks promising rapid weight loss. Focus on permanent weight loss through a sensible diet and exercise program, and you’ll be pleased with the long-term results.

3) This weight loss tip is perhaps the best free medical advice you’ll ever receive: Eat your recommended daily allowance of fruits and vegetables before indulging in any treats. This diet tip is so potent because it will help you realize better health in so many different ways. First and foremost, consuming at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day will help us lose weight because fiber moves fat through our digestive system faster so that less of it is absorbed. High fiber foods also make us feel full sooner and stay in our stomach longer, slowing down our rate of digestion and keeping us feeling full longer. Following this health tip will also lower your risk of several cancers and heart disease.

4) As much as possible, eliminate ‘white’ foods from your diet. High sugar and high carbohydrate foods create an insulin spike that tells our body to start storing fat. They also trigger a blood sugar high, which is inevitably followed by a low. This drop in insulin levels leaves us feeling hungry, tired, and wanting to eat more. Specifically, at the bottom of an insulin crash the body craves more sugar and carbohydrates, setting us up for a vicious weight gain cycle. With this in mind, it’s good advice to simply avoid ‘white’ foods whenever possible. Choose brown rice instead of white, whole wheat bread instead of white, and cut back on goodies made with white processed flour.

5) Actively seek out all the expert advice on health, diet and nutrition that you can find. There are many reputable sources of online medical advice available, and much of it is free. Knowledge is power, and the more you know about weight loss, the more likely it is that you’ll be successful in your efforts. Look for free advice and fitness tips from qualified sources like health club owners, physicians, and certified personal trainers. In short, learn all you can.

6) Get at least eight hours of sleep each night. Research has shown that people who sleep only four hours a night have an 18 percent reduction in leptin, a hormone that tells the brain there is no need for more food, and a 28 percent increase in ghrelin, which triggers hunger. This is one weight loss tip that should be easy for anyone to follow.

7) Drink water. Drink LOTS of water. Water suppresses the appetite naturally and helps the body metabolize stored fat. Studies show that a decrease in water will cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water can actually reduce fat deposits. Why? The kidneys can’t function properly without enough water. When the kidneys don’t function to capacity, some of the work load is taken on by the liver. The liver’s primary function is to metabolize stored fat into usable energy. If the liver has to do some of the kidney’s work, it can’t function at its optimal capacity. As a result, it metabolizes less fat. More fat remains stored and weight loss / fat loss stops.

Although it’s not a workout tip or an exercise tip, staying motivated is probably the most effective weight loss advice you’ll ever receive. Since each person in different, motivational techniques will vary. However, many have found that charting fat loss progress to be very encouraging. Others maintain that the single most motivating action is to find a friend and commit to exercise together. Whatever method you choose, find a way to stay motivated if you want to write your own weight loss success story.

9) Essential weight loss advice for a woman is to not exercise like a man. That may sound strange at first, but the fact of the matter is that there are several separate and distinct exercise methods available, and not all are proper for women. In fact, some types of exercise could possibly cause women to gain weight (although any weight gain would be from added muscle, not from fat). For maximum fat loss, women should be engaging in not only aerobic exercise but also in light resistance training.

10) Our final weight loss tip is to carefully select vitamins and supplements to help you attain your fat loss goals. There are a million diet pills and weight loss pills on the market, but the vast majority of them may not be appropriate for you and your personal needs. Instead of buying what you see on the infomercials, take the time to research what’s effective and what’s not. Most importantly, speak with your doctor before beginning any supplement program. Medical research has given us many breakthroughs in the last few decades, and vitamins and supplements can certainly be a valuable tool in your weight loss toolbox. Take the time to investigate the options and choose wisely.

Although there’s a mountain of health advice available today, our Top 10 Weight Loss Tips for Women are the best, most accurate and scientifically proven recommendations at hand. Take them to heart, and you’ll be well on your way towards fat loss success.

While these misconceptions surely exist among men, they seem more common among women. Perpetuated by the media, fads, and fashion magazines that carelessly dispense fitness advice, these mistakes are almost ingrained and therefore hard to shake. Below is my response.1. I Need To Lose WeightWhen speaking about fitness and nutrition, this is the most common phrase uttered by women. While it is true that many overweight individuals (both men and women alike) need to lose drastic amounts of weight for health reasons, many who utter this phrase want to lose body fat, not weight. What’s the difference?If weight goes down, doesn’t body fat follow? Not necessarily. For many, an exercise regimen that includes cardiovascular and resistance training increases muscle while eliminating body fat.The overall effect is a tighter, more toned physique, but body weight could stay the same or even increase. Therefore, the obsession with numbers on a scale is unfounded; one can greatly improve appearance, enhance fitness levels, and eliminate unwanted fat all while maintaining a constant weight. Focus instead on a combination of body fat measurements in trouble spots and the image in the mirror.2. I Just Gained Two Pounds!Again, the numbers on the scale are of little importance in the short run. I hear too many women expressing genuine concern over a fluctuation of two or three pounds in bodyweight.There are so many factors, none of which have to do with “getting fatter,” that could have caused such a minor gain, so there is no need for panic.For example, an individual should weigh him/herself at the same time every day because the difference in weight between stepping on the scale first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and stepping on the scale after dinner can be quite noticeable. This difference, however, is normal and cyclical.3. I’m Going On The ____ Diet.To many women, the word diet implies two things that are notorious saboteurs: deprivation and an end-date. Whether it’s the grapefruit diet, Atkins, or some other fad diet in the latest fashion magazine (that’s why they’re fashion magazines, not health magazines), diets require deprivation. They force the follower to give up enjoyable foods, endure intense hunger or some combination of the two, which usually leads to intense cravings and even more intense binges. A second thing that diets imply is an end date, a day when the h#llish deprivation comes to an abrupt end. So after that spring break trip, high school reunion, or wedding day, many women gain back even more weight/fat than they originally carried. This is because they feel entitled to finally eat the foods they love after a prolonged diet, and a week of carefree eating somehow turns into a month, then a year.The way to avoid these pitfalls is to develop healthy eating habits instead of relying on crash diets. Eat nutrient-dense foods in small, frequent meals to stay satisfied and embrace portion control so that you can enjoy the foods that you love.Exercise moderately, incorporating fun and variety to workouts to avoid burnout and boredom. Health and fitness should be lifelong goals, not 4-week tours de force. 4. I’ll Be On The Elliptical If You Need Me.The idea behind some people’s religious devotion to the elliptical machine lies in the belief that since cardiovascular exercise effectively burns body fat, any form of cardio will suffice.First of all, a nutrient-dense diet combined with both cardiovascular and resistance training is shown to trump diet and cardio alone, but that is not even my main gripe.Research has consistently shown that the elliptical, although easiest on joints, is worse than the treadmill, stationary bicycle, and rowing machine (not to mention activities such as swimming and intense hiking) when it comes to elevating heart rate and burning body fat. This is due to the fact that movement on these machines relies heavily on momentum and not resistance or the propelling of one’s bodyweight. All these months of elliptical training has yielded mediocre results, and now you know why.5. I’m Going To Give Diet Pills A Try.Do you know what Yohimbe is and how its affects the body? Do you know why there was so much concern around Ephedra? Do you consume too much caffeine? If you are not intimately familiar with these substances, why would you put them in your body day after day?Before taking these pills, an individual should consult a physician to assure that he/she is in good health. Diet pills achieve fat reduction and weight loss by stimulating the body’s systems (thereby increasing metabolism), which can put extra strain on vital functions and organs such as the heart. Also, diet pills are just a tool; effort is still required to make every tool perform. Just because you pop a capsule a few times a day doesn’t mean that you can eat junk, skip workouts, and achieve that ideal physique.In short, diet pills should be employed after starting and maintaining a regimen as that last resort to break through a plateau. They can be very dangerous if used improperly or abused or use caution.6. I’ll Have The Salad, Please.Salads can be a great source of nutrients while being low in saturated fat and simple carbohydrates. The key word is “can.” Too many times I see individuals pass up perfectly healthy sandwiches and entrees, opting instead for a salad drenched in dressing, bacon bits, and croutons. These items, loaded with fat and calories while scant on nutrients, will not only sabotage a diet but will often fail to make you full.In order to construct a truly healthy salad, focus on nutrient-dense, low-calorie items such as spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, etc and mix in some lean proteins, beans, nuts, and low fat cheeses for flavor and texture. The best feature of salads is the variety that can be created, so keep things interesting and flavorful. If you prefer the mixture of dressing, bacon bits, and croutons with some greens mixed in, you might as well have some pizza or burgers to at least fill you up. As you can see, not all salads are created equal.7. I Try To Skip Breakfast.Study after study confirms that individuals who eat a balanced breakfast complete with carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats lose more weight than those who skip this meal. Why?After a night of fasting and inactivity (aka sleep), an individual’s metabolism is slowed to a crawl. Think of breakfast as the spark that ignites up your body’s metabolic fire, setting you up to burn calories for the entire day. More importantly, though, a nutrient-dense, satisfying breakfast prevents overeating later in the day. While it is true that skipping breakfast equates to zero calories for that meal, it sets you up to consume many more calories throughout the day, when food choices probably aren’t the healthiest.So if your goal is to shed body fat or lose unwanted weight, eat within 45 minutes of waking up. Breakfast can be as simple as a low-fat yogurt with a piece of fruit, so the “I don’t have time for breakfast” excuse won’t work. 8. I Do Pushups To Get Rid Of My “Batwings.”Some swear by pushups to rid themselves of that unwanted flab around the triceps, others are devotees of crunches to expunge belly fat, while still others try lunging their way to less cellulite on the backside.Whatever the exercise and whatever the body part, this approach is called “spot reduction,” whereby an isolation exercise is performed to tone a specific area. It simply doesn’t exist.You cannot reduce body fat in one spot. While isolation exercises will undoubtedly strengthen the target muscles, the fat surrounding these muscles (and the fat everywhere else on the body) can only be reduced by consistently being in a hypocaloric state (burning more calories than consumed). This is why anyone with a six pack will tell you that crunches are not the key. So it does not matter if the goal is tighter arms, a small waistline, or a toned backside; decreasing consumption and increasing cardiovascular activity are the paths to success.9. I Don’t Lift Weights. Lifting Will Make Me Bulky.An overwhelming number of women avoid the weight rooms of local gyms and health clubs because they firmly believe that resistance training, whether it is free weights or machine-assisted weights, will result in an undesirably bulky physique.This misconception stems from the fact that nearly all men achieve noticeable gains in muscle mass after beginning a weight training regimen. Because it stems from personal observation and is partially true, it is quite difficult to combat. Yes, regular weight training will result in increased muscle mass. However, there is a certain type of training necessary to achieve these gains in size, training that involves heavy resistance and volume. By keeping the weight at about 40 to 50% of maximum effort and increasing repetitions for a cardiovascular effect, you will notice tone, not bulk. 10. It’s Reduced-Fat. I Can Eat As Much As I Want.There are two pieces of information I would like to convey here. “Reduced fat” is a relative term and just because an item is labeled such does not mean that it is low in calories.For example, if one serving of a certain food contains 60% of the daily recommended fat intake, reducing that amount to 30% is considered “reduced fat,” and will probably even be marketed as “half the fat of the original!”However, 30% is still a lot of fat for one serving, so considered absolute values like how many grams of fat, carbohydrates, protein, etc. are consumed instead of relative values like “50% less fat.” Additionally, reaching fitness goals is largely about calorie intake. More body fat and unwanted weight will be gained by eating 500 calories of a low-fat item than by eating 100 calories of a high-fat item, so keep this in mind. If there is a loss of control or guilt when eating diet or low-fat items, it is probably better in the long-run to consume the higher-fat, higher-calorie counterparts in moderation.

Learn About the Crucial Links Between Fitness and Menopause
Did you know that a regular fitness or exercise routine plays a major role in reducing the symptoms of menopause? One particular symptom of menopause is weight gain, which, unfortunately seems to develop just as a woman finally reaches a point in her life when she’s mature and self-confident, and then the fat starts piling on. This weight gain is quite common and the result of declining hormone levels which causes the metabolism to slow down significantly, even in pre-menopausal women.
The majority of women will especially notice an increased amount of fat deposition around their mid-section, which plays a significant role in contributing to heart disease, the number one killer of middle-aged and older women. Not to worry; this weight can be managed quite easily by simply getting into a regular fitness and exercise routine. Fitness and consistent activity really are the keys to decreasing weight and avoiding the pitfalls of aging. By committing to a regular exercise routine, one which includes weight bearing exercises, women will change the muscle-to-fat ratio, enabling them to increase their metabolic rate and burn calories, even at rest.
In addition to weight gain, women in their thirties begin to lose bone mass at a rate of approximately 1% per year and that rate increases to 2%-3% per year after menopause. Studies have shown that exercise can actually increase a woman’s bone density, thus reducing the risk of osteoporosis and the incidence of falls and bone fractures associated with osteoporosis. Unfortunately, osteoporosis often goes undetected until bone fractures occur, but by taking preventative measures, such as getting into a regular fitness routine, women can indeed reduce this risk.
Exercise and fitness can also be beneficial in reducing the incidence of hot flashes, a common symptom of menopause. Hot flashes can contribute to impaired sleep patterns and a decreased energy level. Additionally, hot flashes can also affect one’s overall mood, which has the potential to negatively affect both personal and professional relationships. While estrogen replacement therapy has been shown to decrease these symptoms, for many women a regular exercise routine appears to be a very viable alternative.
Simply stated, making fitness and exercise a priority will benefit most women who are approaching or experiencing menopause, and the positive results, both physically and emotionally, are well worth the extra time required to begin and continue a regular exercise routine. It’s easy to make excuses to not make time to ensure that fitness is a priority, but it’s crucial to understand that being regularly active will lead to overall good health now and in the future. The only results you’ll see from your added physical activity will be those that are very beneficial to you and those you love.