Even with all the pulleys, sliding seats, and adjustable weights, rowing machines today still seem a little old-fashioned. Perhaps because they were fixtures in gyms back when gyms were just gyms, and didn't double as smoothie cafés, yoga schools, or pick-up bars. But today, just as in your grandfather's time, few machines can give you as good a workout in as short a period of time as a rowing machine.
Read MoreThere is a saying that states “A man’s health can be judged by which he takes two at a time – pills or stairs.” This statement rings so true and once a person takes up this advice, they’ll soon understand why.
Read MoreIf you’ve been skipping working out on a treadmill because you see it as boring, think again. Working out on a treadmill may seem tedious and repetitive but they can offer a good alternative depending on how you use them. Besides pushing the “start” button and proceeding to walk, there is so much more they offer.
Read MoreExercising in water is not only one of the most refreshing and invigorating workouts you can do but also an effective workout for the health benefits you’ll achieve. And for those who suffer from arthritic joints or who need rehabilitation from an injury, it can be a lifesaver for remaining physically active in an exercise program.
Read MoreIf you’re not a morning person have you ever wondered how some people can be full of energy and so chipper first thing in the morning? You may be the type where it’s a struggle just to throw back the covers to get up out of bed each day. What is it that vim and vigor person is doing to be so wide-awake that early in the wee hours of the day?
Read MoreExercise improves everything about your overall health. It effects how well you sleep, burn fat, your overall mood, energy levels and of course how fast and how many calories you burn. Generally, a fitness routine should promote a balance of both health benefits and healthy weight loss and maintenance. This comes from incorporating both cardio and strength exercises into your routine. For anyone who has set a fitness goal for themselves well knows, putting in the time to burn the calories and target the right muscle groups to reach those goals can be taxing. Not only physically, but mentally. And most are much quicker to quit because of mental limitations during a workout, or sometimes boredom, than actually physical limitations of the body. This is where the saying, ‘mind over matter’ really comes into play. The question is how can you trick yourself into burning more calories without feeling like you are?
Here are some tips on making your workout work for you. That is, burning the most amount of calories without the mental fatigue that comes from watching the calorie counter on the treadmill. Doing something that captures, or stimulates your mind, can help you burn calories without even realizing it.
Here are some of our best suggestions:
· Make a workout playlist: Music is a mind’s escape, but it can also bring your workout to new heights. Listening to music can help you zone out during a run, or track your pace, or help you to focus on something other than the burn in your thighs. Fast music can help to mentally pump you up to perform more intense workouts. Similarly a lower tempo playlist can help you get through stretching or flexibility work outs that might have your thoughts racing otherwise.
· Take advantage of a beach vacation: a lot of people take a break from their work out during vacations to maximize rest and relaxation. Instead of taking a break use a beach vacation to take advantage of the change of weather and the beach. Running on the sand boosts your calorie burn rate because it makes your body have to work twice as hard to get over it. You expend at least 150% more energy and burn more calories running on sand than on hard surfaces—and it actually makes you faster.
· Take a hike: The physical exertion it takes to hike a mountain trail is much more than you think. Trekking through the different types of terrain and changes in elevation is an intense, calorie burning workout for your body. But don’t worry, the exploration and adventure of a hiking trail will definitely keep your mind from realizing what is really happening. Changing up your routine, and getting outdoors and keep working out fun and challenging for you.
Americans are stuck. Whether we’re stuck in a physical cubicle or a mental rut, we’ve lost our enthusiasm for bodily movement. Despite the joy we felt as children, our days filled with imaginary play, tree climbing and jump rope are long gone. Most of us can think back to high school and college days where we chose to participate in a sports or intramural team. We probably did these activities because we enjoyed the camaraderie, had fun, and maybe we were even good at them. These reasons were reinforced through the bonds we formed with our teammates, and improvements made in our physical fitness. Even during our biggest moments of doubt, we had the support and encouragement of our parents, coaches and friends to keep us motivated.
Read MoreIf you're one of those people who has embraced the morning workout routine, kudos! But are you longing for the days when every time you worked out, you felt fresh and rejuvenated? Exercise is incredibly important for our overall health and losing weight If you're at the point when exercise is part of your daily routine (good for you!), but feeling like you're not getting the maximum benefits out of your workout, here are 7 tips to boost it.
Read MoreRunning is probably mankind’s oldest physical endeavor. Good ol` fashion running still matters. Even further, this summer when you're on vacation, running on the sand will boost your calorie burn rate. Running on the sand makes your body have to work twice as hard to get over it. You expend at least 150% more energy and burn more calories running on sand than on hard surfaces—and it actually makes you faster. Everyone understands the obvious benefits of running but did you know there's ways to burn more fat?
Read MoreStrength training or cardio first? No wait, it's cardio then strength training. By now, you probably have seen this debate unfold in a number of ways. We all want to build a lean, fit body but not everyone wants to bulk up. Women are most of time looking tone their body without having bulky muscle. But we know if you desire that lean body, sticking to the treadmill or elliptical just isn't enough.
Read MoreExercise can seem so difficult and at times we really dread the idea of lifting a weight or stepping foot on a stairstepper. The truth is, is you embrace exercise it really can make an impact on your overall health and well-being. The hardest part begins with getting started. The key is changing your perspective on exercise and being active. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to run on the treadmill for an hour. Love the idea of toning? Do yoga. Enjoy getting your groove on, embrace zumba. There are a million and one options for adding physical activity to your daily routine. Even just 20 minutes can do wonders and after all, is better than nothing.
Read MoreYou know the feeling, you just cannot bring yourself to get to the gym or start your workout when the 5 a.m. alarm goes off. We talked about a recent study that showed the best way to instill exercise as a real habit in your life. Study published in journal, Health Psychology. Researchers found most consistent exercisers made exercise into a specific type of habit. Usually one triggered by a cue like hearing the morning alarm, going to the gym without even thinking about it or getting stressed and immediately deciding to exercise. Scientists wanted to see whether this type of habit known as instigation habit was better than another type of habit, when it comes to predicting who stuck with a month of exercise.
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