Category Archives: Exercise

June 25, 2013

Q. ARE SPORTS DRINKS BETTER THAN WATER?

Sports_Drink

A. There is generally much hype about the benefits of sports drinks, but one must be aware of when to use them and when water is sufficient.

If you exercise for an hour or more, a sports drink can be helpful. Used at the right time (30 minutes before exercise and during exercise lasting longer than an hour), these drinks have been shown to increase performance.

However, sports drink do have a high sugar content, so make sure you use them as an aid to exercise only, and not as a thirst quencher. Stick to water for that!

May 23, 2013

MY TOP 3 EXERCISE BENEFITS.

I can’t stress enough the benefits that exercise has on the body, soul and mind. It is clear from endless research that exercise has a great effect on us in many ways.

I have chosen three particular benefits that are noticeable in day-to-day life, that I hope will motivate you to step up your activity level.

  1. Sharpens the mind
    Aerobic activity can keep your brain agile as you age, improving key areas such as decision-making and focus.
  2. Boosts your mood
    Exercise can make you happier, plus lifting light weights may help women overcome anxiety and irritability.
  3. Starves off hunger
    A morning workout will help you resist cravings throughout the day.
May 20, 2013

NEED A POWER SURGE? GET MOVING!

Exercise is guaranteed to boost your energy levels, whatever your mood.

Research shows that just a brief workout can provide you with an instant pick-me-up when your mood is low.

It works on a cellular level: exercise fires up your mitrochondria – the energy-producing component of your cells – and sends oxygen around your body to meet the demands of your activity, keeping you on a high even after your workout.

Include a workout into your routine to leave you feeling more fresh and ready for the day.

May 16, 2013

GO BANANAS!

Go_Bananas

I know I’m always going on about this super-fruit, but bananas really do make an ideal snack before your workout.

Not only are they loaded with digestible carbohydrates, to fuel your body, they are also packed with potassium and magnesium, which aid in maintaining nerve and muscle function.

Have a banana with 2tbs of Greek yoghurt 30mins to 1 hour before you exercise. It will prevent low blood sugar, which leads to light-headedness and fatigue.

This combination will also fuel your body with both the carbohydrates and protein needed to maximise your workout and performance.

And what’s better they’re cheap to buy, so you don’t have to break the bank! Another reason why I will continue to sing this fruit’s praises.

May 13, 2013

RUN FOR INSPIRATION.

Lightbulb

Did you know that a simple jog could inspire you?

Research has shown that aerobic exercise can help to boost your creativity and keeps it firing for up to two hours after too.

So, if you’re in need of a light-bulb moment, put on those trainers and get out there!

May 9, 2013

DON’T SKIP THE WARM-UP.

You may think you’re saving time, but you’re actually just compromising the first 5 to 10 minutes of your workout.

Your body needs to warm up so that blood flow increases, the nervous system wakes up, and the body starts to use energy and oxygen more efficiently.

This helps every step feel less of a slog, and calorie burn kicks into high gear.

The best warm-up is to do your chosen exercise at a low intensity. Runners, for example, should walk, then jog.

Alternately, you can try ‘dynamic’ stretches, which are moves that take your body through the range of motions you’re about to do. For a runner, that can mean high knees, butt kicks, and forward, reverse, and side lunges.

Avoid static stretching, where you’re holding poses for several counts. That actually calms the system down and can impair performance.

May 6, 2013

SHOULD YOU EAT BEFORE A WORKOUT?

Banana on white background

Until recently, it was believed that exercising on an empty stomach will burn more fat.

However, it is now recommended that having a 150-calorie jump-start meal an hour or two before your workout is more effective for weight loss.

The latest research in the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism found that exercisers who ate breakfast before going on the treadmill for 36 minutes had a significantly higher fat-burning rate for as long as 24 hours compared with those who ate post-workout, even though both groups consumed the same number of calories during the day.

In addition, a recent report in the Strength and Conditioning Journal concluded that when you start off with an empty tummy, there’s no fat-burn advantage. You won’t be able to go as intensely or burn as many calories, and you’ll also lose more muscle.

Nosh on a banana and a half cup of plain low-fat yoghurt before your next workout and see the difference.

April 15, 2013

GYM MEMBERSHIP V’S PERSONAL TRAINER

The average gym-goer pays a hefty £20-£25 per session due to the infrequent use of their membership!

If you need some motivation to kick-start your exercise regime, I may be just the person you need.

I will help you to focus on realistic and achievable goals, giving you support and advice on the best way to train.

So, rather than wasting money on a gym membership that never sees the light of day, why not invest in a Personal Trainer that will have you seeing phenomenal results.

For more information please don’t hesitate to contact me.

April 3, 2013

HOW TO SNEAK IN A WORKOUT.

Do you ever feel like there are simply not enough hours in the day? I’m sure most would agree that it’s a constant struggle trying to split yourself between the daily demands of family, work, friends etc.

So how do you find time for yourself and, more importantly, time to exercise? Well, here’s a few suggestions that may help you:

1. Turn your commute into a workout
Why not try running or cycling to work? Or, if this sounds too hard-core, try getting off the bus or train a few stops earlier, or park the car further away to extend your walking time.

2. Try a lunchtime workout
Make use of your precious 60 minutes by hitting the gym or going for a walk. Not only will it keep your waistline in check, you’re also proven to be more productive during the day by logging off for an hour than you would be by eating lunch at your desk.

3. Involve the kids
Got a young brood? Involve them in your exercise routine by going out for adventurous park trails or playing a team game in the park such as rounders. If the weather doesn’t allow for outdoor activity, why not go swimming? Not only is this great exercise for the whole family, the kids will love splashing around too!

4. No more ‘Couch Potato’
Just because you’re catching up on the soaps doesn’t mean you can’t do some push-ups, crunches, jumping jacks, and squats at the same time. Clear up some space between the sofa and the TV so you can perform the exercises safely, as well as making sure you don’t miss anything while breaking a sweat!

5. Power up your stair climbs
Instead of walking leisurely up a flight of stairs, gradually increase your speed and the number of stairs you take. For instance, take two steps at once – if you’re able to do it safely – and you’ll target your buttocks even more.

March 4, 2013

SPACE-SAVING WATER BOTTLE.

Ohyo_Waterbottle

Ohyo’s new collapsible water bottle is a perfect little space-saver for any handbag. The clever compact design extends to hold 500ml of water and then squishes down when it’s empty.

Visit Ohyo’s website (www.ohyo.me) for more information or pop into your local M&S (prices from £4.99).