Pages

Showing posts with label exercise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label exercise. Show all posts

The Role of Water And Exercise

It's a common fact that we simply cannot go without water. In fact the human body consists of more than 75 per cent water.




Further evidence indicates that the human body can only go for about three days without water. Looking at the way we live today it it is quite obvious that water has taken a back seat and in the driving seat now are diets made up of sugar sweetened drinks.



Without a doubt water is a far more healthier option when it comes to long life and good health.



Each individuals personal water needs are different for various reasons like body weight, amount of exercise size and temperature. Research shows that more than 60% of adults are not getting their daily requirements. Drinking water regularly replenishes your body and keeps it properly hydrated to function properly too.



Too many people tend to wait until they are thirsty before drinking water. Bear in mind that by the time this happens you would already have lost up to 2 cups of your body's water supply. It is for this reason that you are advised to drink water regularly than wait until you feel thirsty.



It is vitally important not to replace your daily water intake with caffeinated drinks or alcohol, The one main reason to heed this advice is that these drinks cause you to urinate more. It is an erroneous impression that your water or liquid intake increases by taking these beverages. The truth is you are losing the water as soon as you get it.



Each time you do some exercise you need water as a result of sweating. Now for each pound you lose as a result of exercise, you will need two cups of water as replacement. The simple action of lying down to sleep will cause your body to lose water. Drinking water before going to bed can mean you wake up with a fully functioning body.



When you are ill your body will require a lot more water. Being down with the cold or a flu dehydrates your body very quickly. To overcome this you have to consume more water whenever you are sick.



Some have argued that purified water is more beneficial. This is a something you really need to find out for yourself since it is your body we are talking about here. Which one is best for you?



You should get into the habit of consuming lots of water daily. You could start by taking a bottle full of drinking water with you to work for instance and of course drink it.



Learn to replace fizzy drinks and the like with water that will benefit your body.



Creating better health for yourself certainly has its rewards. Go to http://www.digitalmarketingbiz.com/blog if you have the desire to become educated with better health.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Noel_J_Ireland



10 Tips to Maintain Health and Beauty

Beauty, health, and nutrition are all integrated. If you eat a balanced diet you will be able to maintain your physique and glowing beauty externally and good health internally. A balanced diet is one that provides all the nutrients you need, the right amount of proteins, carbohydrates, and fat.




To achieve goals you need to ensure a good balance in your diet, introduce variety into your meals, and practice moderation. The basis of nutrition lies in your height, weight, dimensions, and your daily energy needs. Once you know this you can compute what your daily calorific needs are and set goals for weight maintenance, gain, or loss. By regulating your diet you can be active as well as happy.



You must:



1. Eat sensibly. Include a variety of foods in your diet such that the 40 nutrients that are required by your body are present. Make use of a food pyramid and calorie chart to prepare tasty and nutritious meals. Follow the "Dietary Guidelines for Americans" issued each year.



2. Eat plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. They will supply you with essential vitamins, minerals, and protection from several diseases.



3. Maintain your weight at a healthy level. Successful weight management is one of the golden keys to good health. By doing is you will lower considerably the risk of many diseases like hypertension, diabetes, heart diseases, cancer, and osteoporosis.



4. Learn self control, eat moderate portions. The secret lies in eating everything but in small portions. Don't give way to gluttony or greed.



5. Make a time-table for your meals and how many calories will be in each meal. Never fast, starve yourself, or skip a meal. Eat when your body demands sustenance but not huge quantities.



6. Practice moderation. Good health does not lie in eliminating carbohydrates or fats. Include all your favorite foods but balance them with the rest of your diet. If you indulge your taste buds by eating pizza one day, then try and do so at lunch time, never eat pizza late at night. Ask for low fat cheese and healthy toppings. Eat just enough to satisfy your craving not all 12 slices. Get a few friends to share you sin. The days you indulge, eat sensibly the rest of the day--salads and fruits will help you make up for the binge.



7. Be sure your meals each day include all the food groups.



8. Plan to exercise every day. Either walk or take up aerobics, dancercise, or join a gym. Exercise will not just burn calories but put a glow into your skin, tone your muscles, and strengthen your bones. Exercise also removes accumulated toxins from your body.



9. Maintain a dairy in which you record your goals, and what you eat each day. Review your week objectively and create a table that shows at a glance what you did right and what you did wrong. This will help keep you on the right track.



10. Celebrate each victory. Give yourself a present or take yourself out every time you achieve a goal.



By eating healthy, one can live a complete and rounded life without diseases, reduce stress greatly, look and feel great, be happy from within and without, age well, produce healthy progeny, and live life to the fullest.



Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for http://www.1888Discuss.com/health/, the premier REVENUE SHARING discussion forum for Health Forum, including topics on health care, Children's Health Issues, addiction, Cancer, fitness equipment, Burns & Injuries and more. He also freelances for submit free press release http://www.1888PressRelease.com/Medical-0-27.html



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_W_Wilson



Major Health Benefits of Exercise

We all know that aerobics is a great, low impact exercise that benefits our health. What a lot don't realise is that it has also been linked with reducing the chances of developing heart disease and certain cancers.




Any kind of cancer is great news, and the years of testing have shown aerobics to be one of the most effective. Your risk of developing colon cancer is reduced by a whopping 30-40% by only doing moderate exercise for half an hour a day.



Women who exercise for this amount are also protecting themselves against the onset of breast cancer by up to 30%. When you are faced with facts such as these, that exercise seems a lot more enjoyable doesn't it?



As if that wasn't enough, more recent studies show that taking up aerobics can also greatly assist in treating a cancer that is already present.



The most recent study has shown that if you participate in a vigorous work out so that your heart reaches its maximum rate for half an hour, 5 days a week, the fatigue that cancer treatment causes can be greatly relieved.



We all know that we produce happy hormones known as endorphins when we exercise vigorously, and these greatly relieve the feelings of depression and anxiety that are experience by cancer sufferers.



We have always known that aerobics is one of the best cardio workouts that you can do. It strengthens and conditions the heart so the risks of developing cardiovascular disease are greatly reduced. If you suffer from high blood pressure, you will benefit from aerobic exercise, and blood vessels that have stiffened will also be relieved.



You may have already been aware of the many benefits of aerobic exercise, but many are not. There is now no excuse for not introducing some light to moderate exercise into your day. Your body will thank you for it.



Another popular subject that I cover extensively is cat doors. If you have a pet who needs easy outdoor access, then catdoors.org may open your eyes to the great possibilities.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brett_Kingston

6 Reasons Why Most Exercise Programs Fail

1) Goal Setting.




Setting goals is one of the most fundamental things in anything we wish to achieve.What do you want to accomplish and in what period of time. Without specific goals you don't have a plan.



You can set goals depending on what they are to be achieved in different time frames. Set short - term goals (daily and/or weekly, as well as longer-term goals (monthly and/or yearly. With goals there is a vision and an aim. Without these it is very easy to procrastinate and just move through life in 'free - fall'.



2) Too Much, Too Soon!



Entering or beginning a fitness program all in with 'both feet', is very common. Many times people get into a 'New Year's Resolution' type approach, with a do or die attitude, but although it's all good to be motivated, it can be short lived.



Begin your fitness program at the level you are at present, by taking small successful steps, one step at a time, one day at a time, week/month at a time, rather than just going flat out into the program and crashing. Remember more is not better than enough. The body responds to small amounts of exercise. You will get better only by continuing your fitness program over a consistent period of time.



3) Cutting calories/food too fast.



Very often people begin their fitness program by cutting their food, adding hours of cardiovascular, and using some of the wide variety of 'diet pills' on the market today. Very soon your metabolism begins to adapt and slows down due to lack of food, and then goes into a 'starvation' mode- putting them into a 'sticking' point!



In order to avoid slowing/shutting your metabolism down, begin to lower your calories slowly and increasing your cardio by 5 minutes every week, from say a 20 minute starting point (for beginners). You can after a week start incorporating 'diet or weight loss' supplements, maybe one at a time so you know what works, and give you a boost.



4) Being Confused And Lost As To How To Start, What To Do.



Many People don't have a starting point, and don't really know where to begin. Having a clear, definitive idea of where/how you need to start can be fundamental to your success.



To get it right and really make progressive, safe results it is best to put your body (you only have one) in the care of a professional personal training program. A quality program would be able to determine your current body mass percentage (fat to muscle mass ratio). This will enable the program to give you specific details of where you should start your caloric base and micro nutrient intake. In addition to this the program would make a fitness plan to include resistance training and cardio to stimulate lean muscle tissue and at the same time lower body fat.



5) Not Being Consistent /Sticking To Plan.



Many people start a fitness program/plan, yet fail to follow it properly or consistently. This can be doing too much, or stopping altogether. We usually think that the people not doing it will be most likely not to attain results, but the ones who do too much, or in excess will also get no results!



If you start a program of weight training 3/4 days per week for 40-50 minutes, and cardio 4 times per week for 30 minutes for the first week, 35 the second etc, then stick to it! Don't increase the cardio too much too soon. More is not better than enough. It's all about progression.



6) Nutrition.



No matter how intense your training, if you do not change/modify your nutrition you will not get the desired results.



For ultimate success set goals both short and long term. Be consistent doing one day at a time, knowing that this way the best is yet to come!



Looking Forward...



If you are serious about getting in shape or eating and staying healthy, feel free to visit my site for a range of tips and information to help you on your journey. If you need a Personal Trainer in Los Angeles, I am also available for one on one training.



If you feel you need to get the right mindset to get in shape and fully reach your potential, please check out my Ebook Mindset to Fitness.



Nicholas Barrett

Personal Trainer in Los Angeles

Buy the Mindset to Fitness Ebook today!



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Ruswick

Exercise Lacks in Proven Promises For Your Health

When you receive the Seal you will begin to take care of your health. But you will find that changing your diet will be more effective than getting exercise in preventing disease and even feeling better.




Exercise can be invigorating. It can ward off the blues when you are feeling a little down. It can even build confidence. So it has some emotional or mental benefits. But the real physical benefits of exercise are overrated. The problem is all the scientific studies with results touting the benefits of exercise are still ambiguous. The results are not black-and-white. There is a lot of gray area, a lot of questions left unanswered.



For instance, people who exercise are usually non-smokers. So results of studies are often skewed. Are they really a group with better health because they exercise, or is their health better because most of them do not smoke? And people who exercise often eat a different diet than people who are sedentary. It does not take years for a poor diet to begin to affect your health. Studies do clearly show that some poor food choices affect your body's health within moments.



You are what you eat. The food you eat determines your health immediately because it is nourishing you now. If you eat an unhealthy meal, your body really only has hours until it needs better nutrition.



So if you keep eating unhealthy foods for years your body never has the nutrition it needs. And that takes its toll on your health, opening the door to a wide variety of diseases that could be prevented by eating better.



You may think exercise greatly benefits older people. It may give them more stamina so they can stay more active for a longer time. Perhaps. But exercise does not really protect against osteoporosis like you may have heard it does. If you want to avoid getting heart disease exercise may help, but only a little. It really only helps those who start to walk every day after they have been completely sedentary for years.



Moderate exercise lowers their risk of heart disease. But more vigorous exercise is practically wasted effort when it comes to preventing heart disease. The increased protection is minimal. And exercise is not a clear-cut solution to cancer either. Studies disagree on whether exercise really helps. But there are many foods which are proven to fight the spread of cancer within your body.



Moderate exercise can help you to stave off Type 2 diabetes. If you start to walk every day it is proven you can prevent the onset of diabetes. But surely diet is crucial to the prevention of diabetes, even more important than getting exercise.



If you want to lower your blood pressure you need to lose weight. Exercise will not lower your blood pressure if you do not lose the extra weight. Blood pressure again is dependent largely on diet. And weight loss itself is achieved through changes in diet, and not through exercise. Exercise can help you lose weight. But only when you drastically change your diet. You will not lose weight without cutting calories, even when you exercise vigorously.



When you are sealed you will want to know what you can do to take care of your health better. You can stay healthy from day to day and prevent the major diseases by changing your diet. Exercise will not help much.



But spiritual exercise will help. When you are sealed you will have new spiritual Life. God will give you new Life, and He wants you to have a longer and better life when you receive the Seal.



Here's where you can find Jason's books [http://www.google.com/profiles/teaternity#]



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Witt

Anti-Aging and Exercise

A lot of us know the importance of doing regular physical exercise to be healthy and stay fit. But not all people know that exercise is likewise important in any anti-aging regimen since it can help fight the natural slowing of different systems of the body. Through doing regular exercise, you will achieve a longer, healthy and productive life.




There are different types of anti-aging exercise program that you can do. First is to do cardiovascular exercises to maintain your heart strong and healthy. An example of cardiovascular exercise that you can do is a 30-minute brisk walk a few times per week. If you do some sports, then it's better. If you like playing badminton, tennis or basketball, then this are a great way to lose weight, and keep your heart healthy.



Next component of the anti-aging exercise program is doing resistance training. In a certain study conducted, a number of men were divided into three groups. One group didn't do any exercise. The second group walked for certain distances at a specified pace while the third group added weight training during the walking routine. The third group that added weight training showed decreased in the levels of cholesterol plus an increased resistance against illness as well as injury.



The last part of the anti-aging exercise program is the flexibility training that is often the neglected part of the exercise program. A lot of people believe that doing cardiovascular and resistance training exercise programs are enough to take care of their desires. We need to understand that as people age, our joints lose their elasticity and one way to maintain it loose and flexible is to do stretching through flexibility exercises. This exercise program is very easy to do. You only need 10 to 15 minutes of stretching per day. You can also consider trying senior or yoga classes that you can avail on certain healthy clubs and gyms.



Lastly, you should also check you balance because a common problem of senior individuals are falling and getting a broken hip bone. Doing simple, regular, and balance routines will help in minimizing your tendency to fall and injure yourself as you get older.



Cardiovascular exercise, resistance training, stretching, and balance exercises are just a part of your anti-aging plan. You also need to maintain a healthy diet plan and proper health supplementation to help slow down the aging process.



If you're interested in more information about Facial Exercises, then make sure to visit our web site. We provide honest ratings, reviews, and comparisons on the top anti aging and much more.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Da_Silva

Deal With Hypertension Through Exercise

One of the most common complications we get which is related to our hearts is having high blood pressure. High blood pressure, otherwise known as hypertension, is dangerous if not controlled as it can lead to heart attacks or strokes. There are ways to keeping your blood pressure at bay like maintenance medicine and changing to a healthy lifestyle. Most doctors recommend a change in lifestyle like changing your diet and getting exercise daily.




There are many factors that can raise your blood pressure like the food you eat. Foods that are high in sodium or salt are definitely an enemy because this increases the risk of hypertension occurring. Fatty foods are also risky so it is best to stay away from them. Food that are high in sodium attract water in your blood stream causing the heart to work faster and, in turn, causes the blood pressure to increase. Fatty food cause blockage in your veins making the passage of blood smaller which causes the blood pressure to increase so that blood can pass through. Eating foods that are high in fiber, potassium and magnesium can help with improving your blood pressure. Fiber helps with flushing out any blockage in our blood vessels while magnesium keeps them healthy. Potassium ensures regular muscle function and our heart is one muscle that needs it. A lot of fruits and vegetables can provide that for you like bananas, apples, and spinach.



Other factors that can affect your blood pressure are stress. Stress causes our bodies to release a burst of adrenaline which increases your heart rate and clog the blood vessels which causes the blood pressure to increase. Have you ever noticed that when you are frustrated, the first thing you feel is that you are out of breath? That's one of the results of the effect of stress to your heart. Another thing that can affect your blood pressure is smoking. When you smoke, you take in nicotine which causes damage to blood vessels, increase in blood clotting and heart rate and reduces the oxygen going to your heart.



Exercising can help your heart become stronger. When you have a stronger heart, it works easier with maintaining the flow of blood and keeping the blood pressure normal. Cardio exercises are thought to be the heart's best friend since it is an exercise that focuses on keeping the heart strong. Walking and running are some of the most popular cardio exercises. You can do this outdoors or at home with the help of a treadmill. Other aerobic exercises are also recommended as it improves your cardiovascular system's use of oxygen. Moderate exercises will be enough for lowering your blood pressure. About 30 minutes a day, four times a week is ideal. You don't have to do one 30 session in one go. You can do 3 10 minute workouts or 2 15 minute ones. It depends on what fits your schedule and what you are comfortable with.



If you are not yet hypertensive, you can avoid it by simply cutting down on some of the things you are used to doing and adding a daily workout routine to your schedule. Hypertension can be prevented but is not curable. You know they say, prevention is always better than cure.



Over at the FitnessArmory.com, you can let our expert advice on fitness and equipment reviews help you create the perfect home gym but without all the huge costs. We have the exclusive reviews on all your favorite brands and models to help you get in shape, get healthy and look great. Recent product reviews include: Livestrong LS7.0B Exercise Bike, Livestrong LS7.9T Treadmill. We invite you to stop by or drop us a line if you have any questions or need help with your fitness equipment selections.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Warrington

Anti Aging Exercise

By R. Drysdale


There isn't any single anti aging exercise or workout schedule that will keep you looking and feeling younger for longer. Rather, the message that most health professionals are trying to tell us all is that regular exercise of any kind is the key to feeling young, lowering the risk of many diseases, avoiding weight gain, and maintaining physical ability into the senior years. When designing an anti aging strategy at any stage of life, exercise is one of two vital components. The other is a healthy diet.




Lack of exercise and aging go hand in hand. If you are inactive, you will lose muscle tone and strength, your cardiovascular fitness will suffer, and you will find yourself less able to participate in sports or do other things you used to enjoy. Your posture will likely suffer as muscles deteriorate, and you will begin to suffer from back pain. Your blood pressure may start to rise. A sedentary lifestyle can result in myriad different physical problems. Even people who are quite young can seem prematurely old if they suffer from these effects of inactivity - from this perspective, any activity is anti aging exercise.



As well, you can exercise slow aging and lower your risk of disease at the same time. Medical research tells us that regular physical activity lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease and some cancers. Many diseases associated with growing older can be avoided, controlled or even eliminated with regular exercise and aging apparently reversed - blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol can all come down to healthy levels. Anti aging exercise for these medical problems can be as simple as a brisk twenty minute walk every day. Strength training is also often recommended for arthritis, bone density, and circulation problems.



While you are concentrating on anti aging exercise, you'll be dealing with another potential problem: the tendency to gain weight as you grow older. It's a fact that people tend to gain weight once they reach middle age. It's a slow conversion of muscle mass to fat storage due to lower activity levels, a slowing of the metabolism, and hormonal changes. Decreased exercise and aging seem to irrevocably result in fat storage. But it doesn't have to be that way. Keep up your activity levels by engaging in sport, walking, biking, swimming or some other regular exercise. Even gardening, house cleaning, and trips to the store can be opportunities to get exercise. You'll stay trim and avoid health problems at the same time.



Can exercise slow aging? Clearly it can, and it's a long lasting benefit. Engage in sports, active leisure time activities, regular work outs or whatever interests you - it's all anti aging exercise. And not only will you fell better now but you will be investing in a healthy and physically able old age. Your bones will remain strong, your strength levels will stay up, your joints will stay flexible, and you outlook will be positive. Get regular exercise and aging will seem like a normal comfortable process. Not only can exercise slow aging - it can improve your health and emotional well being in so many ways.



R. Drysdale is a freelance writer with more than 25 years experience as a health care professional. You can learn more about anti aging exercise on the AntiAging Information site.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=R._Drysdale

Get Motivated to Exercise Today

Do you find it hard to commit to exercising regularly? Or even exercising at all?



If the answer is yes, maybe you just haven't found a reason to make it worthwhile. Maybe you haven't found the right type of exercise for you.


There are many benefits to getting fit. You'll get in shape and you'll have more energy. Resistance training with weights, tubing or yoga will help prevent osteoporosis and ease the pain of arthritis. Plus you'll firm up, burn more calories and look better. Cardiovascular exercise is good for the heart and lungs. Many of our physical problems can be relieved with a little attention.


We've heard the benefits of exercising but are they enough? Why is it sometimes hard to stick with an exercise program or make a commitment to get started?


Exercise should feel good while you are doing it. It should be enjoyable. You should see instant benefits in the way you feel. Moving and stretching your body feels good after sitting at a desk all day. Going for a walk in the fresh air will make you feel good and invigorated.


It may take a while to make the commitment to get started. You may have to think about it and weigh the pros and cons. Perhaps you want to lose weight so you think you should start exercising. Maybe you're stiff or stressed out and think about doing yoga. There are lots of things to think about-and excuses to delay the decision! Here are a few:


It's too cold and windy to go for a walk. There's not enough money to spend on an exercise program. It's too scary to join a class. It's a busy time of year so wait until things settle down. The holidays will come and go as another few pounds creep on.


You don't want to make any hasty decisions. Wait until you are ready. Think about it for a while. But don't wait too long. The stiffness in your shoulders and the lower back pain from inactivity, lying on soft couches and sitting at a desk all day won't go away by itself. If you feel old and out of shape, there is something you can do to start feeling better now. Start moving!


Being fit and feeling good is a choice we make. You can choose to feel young and full of energy instead of old and stiff and sick. Go for a walk and give it some thought. Regular exercise will help you to have a positive outlook on life. Your back will feel better. You'll lose the desire to overeat. You'll be surprised just how wonderful you feel when you're exercising.


For more information about health, fitness and weight loss the natural way, visit http://www.getsimplyfit.com. Chrissy MacDonald is a Yoga Teacher and author of the E-Booklet: Simply Fit - A Six Week Plan for Healthy Living and Permanent Weight Control available at http://www.calicopages.com


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chrissy_E_MacDonald






Exercising to Lose Weight - What, When and How to Exercise to Lose the Excess Fat Really Fast

Do you ever see those celebrities on your television and wonder how they stay in shape? Most of us often do it! But guess what? There really is no secret when it comes to how and what to do to lose the excess pounds really fast. All you need is a proven program that will show you the right kinds of exercises that will target the different areas of your body so that you can burn more calories and tone up your body in the process. Below are some of my favorite exercises that will have you melting the excess fat away like crazy.



Just a note: Before you perform any kinds of exercise, it is important that you consult with your doctor.


Exercise #1 - Jogging/Walking/Skipping - Important For Warming Up


The first thing you need to do when starting an exercise routine is to warm up your muscles. It is not only a bad practice to just start exercising without warming up but it can also cause serious muscle injury.

Jogging is one of my favorite methods for warming up. You can jog on the spot or around your neighborhood for about 10 minutes. This exercise works literally all your muscles at once, helping you to burn a lot of calories in the process.


Exercise #2 - Aerobics - Turn You Body In A Fat Burning Machine


I love aerobics! With aerobics you are not easily bored. The workouts are intense and allow you to burn a ton of calories in a short amount of time. I suggest you get a aerobics DVD and start your program as soon as possible.


Exercise #3 - Abdominal Workouts - For A Flat And Toned Mid section


Abdominal exercises are some of the hardest to perform. However, once you master them you will see the big difference on your stomach after weeks of consistent workout. So of my favorite abdominal works outs are:


** Abdominal Crunches - lay on your back with your feet arch at a 45 degree angle to the floor. Raise you upper body as close as possible to your knees while keeping the sole of your feet and your buttocks on the ground. Returning to the starting position is one full exercise. You need to do at least 4 sets of 15 exercise.


** Leg Lifts - With this exercise you also lay flat on the floor. However, this time you are going to keep you upper body on the floor while raising both of your legs simultaneously to about 90 degrees from the floor. Hold it for about 3 seconds and then return your legs to the floor. You need to do about 4 sets of 20 repetitions.


The above two abdominal workouts will tone both your upper and lower abdominals.


These are some of my favorite workouts that I do regularly to stay in shape. You can try them on a consistent basis and watch the fat melt away.


Also Pay Close Attention To This:


What I am about to share with you is a secret fat loss secret that no one will ever share with you. These are proven and effective Exercises To Lose Weight, and trim your whole body like crazy. If you truly desire to have an amazing body that you will be proud to walk on the beach with and have others stare with amazement then I Strongly Urge You To Read The Next Page. It may well be The Most Important Message You Ever See. Follow This Link And Read Everything On The Next Page Carefully- Click Here!


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Casey_Gentles






Life is Not Over After 50

So you lasted this long and you can still climb stairs, chew food, and remember how to read? Have you arrived at the great age of 50? There is a lot to do after 50. Some of you got divorced, so getting "hitched" again is still a possibility. Some of you became famous, or maybe infamous, whatever your preference. Having more children is impossible for most, so relax and smell the roses whenever you can. Are you looking forward to an early retirement? That's always great. Life isn't over. You have to change some evil ways to be around for the next few decades. It is scary, right?


First, is your choice of food. No more saturated fats, sugar, corn oil, too much alcohol, additives and caffeine. Wheat bread and grains would be a good choice, but are you sick of listening to all of the "healthy" foods segments on your favorite shows on HD TV? You have to live! Unfortunately, or fortunately, you could last until your 80's or beyond if you do listen to them.

What about getting those check-ups that you hate? Do it! This is the decade of decision whether you live or die! Hate to be morbid, but it's true. Call your Doctor.

Next, is exercise, the dirty eight letter word. Do you have to? Yes you do, or when you get to eighty, you will not be able to stand up from your favorite plopping chair. You may choose the gym, but walking is really so good. You get to pass all of the fast food chains and bite your nails!

Biking is great, if you can still stand up without fainting from heights, and if your bike is not in the attic or rusting in the basement.

Some of you might like the challenges of whitewater paddling at 50. Whitewater Kayaking is best because it uses all of your muscles, burns 4,000 calories after an hour of intense paddling class 2 or over, and you get to walk when you carry your boat down to the river or portage around some impossible rapid. Plus, you are with folks who really do not care what you look like, how old you are, but respect your age and might even offer to carry your paddle.

Recreation paddling on a lake is an alternate choice for exercise, if you do not like being upside down and rolling up (takes a lot of practice) or if you like kayaking to be calm and secure. Some of you might prefer a lake with serene waves. It is your choice.

Also, there are hiking groups that are social and healthy. They take you on beautiful trails that help train your body to fight the tendency to sit after 50. Start getting in shape for hiking by taking a ten minute brisk walk, then take longer walks up and down hills. Buy hiking poles for added balance, or a walking stick. No, it is not a cane!

Last, middle age spread is very infectious. After 50, the lower half of all of our bodies wants to become very round. Ladies and gents nearing 50, all sports are worth it and fun. Fight that "middle age bulge." Just because everybody looks just like you is no excuse! That is your decision at 50.

Yes, 50 is the decade of changing your old habits and looking toward a brave new world. Only you can make the difference in your home by moving around your furniture to bring in a stepper or weight machine, while following healthy recipe shows on HDTV. See, you can be a new woman or man again. It takes work, but it's the kind that will enhance your present and help you be around for your future decades. Aren't you worth the change?

Mary D. Bogin is a 30 year veteran teacher. Using art with writing has been a successful way to teach literacy. Writing is one of her favorite pastimes. In her 50's she started whitewater kayaking. She is most happy with her husband, five children and grandchildren, on a Pennsylvania mountain, lake or river. Visit http://www.mdbogin.wordpress.com for more great methods on teaching reading to children and adults and ways to improve your life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Bogin
Share |
powered by Blogger | WordPress by Newwpthemes | Converted by BloggerTheme