The good news is, there is such a pill, and it doesn’t require a
prescription, nor is it available ¡°over the counter.¡± It’s a simple step
counter, or pedometer, and it has powers you would not believe to
improve your health and wellness, lose weight, and live longer.

What’s a pedometer? It’s a simple electronic device you wear on
your waistband that counts steps. Technically, a pedometer
calculates distance, as opposed to a step counter, which only
counts steps. The pedometer still counts steps, and uses a user-
input stride length to calculate the distance. Other pedometers
show calories burned, elapsed exercise time, steps per minute, and
on and on. All you really need is something that accurately counts
steps. Other features can be nice, but many are not necessary.

Why is it important to count steps? It’s a primary indication of the
activity you are engaged in during the day. Studies have shown that
you don’t need to dedicate a specific time to exercise, per se, but
smaller bouts of activity can have the same effect as one longer,
extended period.

That means that making small changes in your daily routine can have
tremendous effects on your health. Park farther from the store, take
the stairs instead of the elevator, pace while you’re on the phone,
walk with the dog instead of just letting her go, and go down the hall
instead of sending an e-mail or picking up the phone.

By taking more steps-essentially increasing your daily activity and
burning more calories-you are becoming more physically active.
The American Medical Association says that by increasing your
activity level, you will:

¡¤ Increase stamina
¡¤ Stimulate weight loss
¡¤ Lower blood cholesterol
¡¤ Lower blood pressure
¡¤ Improve self image
¡¤ Improve mood
¡¤ Enhance quality of life

As if that weren’t enough, the AMA says you will also:

¡¤ Sleep better
¡¤ Strengthen your heart and lungs
¡¤ Decrease stress
¡¤ Increase energy
¡¤ Maintain appropriate weight
¡¤ Lower triglycerides
¡¤ Control blood sugar levels/diabetes
¡¤ Feel better
¡¤ Reduce feelings of depression and anxiety
¡¤ Improve productivity
¡¤ Build an maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints
¡¤ Increase muscle tone
¡¤ Reduce risk if dying prematurely

If any of these benefits are important to you, it’s vital that you begin
to move more. The American College of Sports Medicine
traditionally prescribes the following as the appropriate level of
activity in order to get these benefits:

¡¤ Frequency: 3 – 5 days per week
¡¤ Intensity: 60% to 90% of maximal heart rate
¡¤ Duration: 20 – 60 minutes

If you can’t take 30 minutes to exercise, try three 10-minute walking
sessions throughout the day. Walk briskly to get the maximum
benefit. If you have been sedentary, check with a doctor and start
slow.

Your new life begins today, and it will be a healthier, longer, and
happier life!

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Download our FREE ebook about pedometers: ‘Simple Steps to Fitness: A Beginner’s Guide to Pedometers’ at www.rypsports.com/pedometers.html. It will give you more information on choosing and using your pedometer.

Placed under pressure, my physical body responded by ‘heating up’ – my breathing became shallower and faster, my legs began to ache, and beads of sweat erupted over my body, slowing dripping off my face in steady drops onto the floor below. As I reached for a towel to wipe my face and momentarily recover, I realized that I was now experiencing emotional discomfort as well.

As my physical discomfort intensified, so did my emotional discomfort. I experienced feelings of doubt as to whether I could continue with the level of intensity, and feelings of wanting to disconnect and/or quit from the physical discomfort I was experiencing.

In response to being pushed outside of my comfort zone, my two choices or responses to this situation became immediately apparent.

One choice was to ‘back off’ or slow down, and thereby reduce and/or minimize my discomfort. If I took this choice, I knew I could experience returning to a place of physical comfort, where my body ‘cooled’ down and relaxed, and also to a place where my emotions would return to a calmer state.

The other choice I faced was to notice and accept my discomfort, but to decide that I would continue regardless. In this decision I understood I could continue to experience discomfort (for a temporary period), and perhaps even face the possibility that the intensity of discomfort would increase.

To determine my choice, I asked the question: “What is my intent in taking this class? What are the results I’m looking to achieve?”

Is it to experience exercising comfortably – knowing that by not extending or pushing my limits, there was a good possibility that my level of fitness and physical shape would remain unchanged (or be very minimal)?
OR
Is my intention to experience change and growth in terms of my physical fitness and shape, knowing that in order to achieve this I would likely need to push my current physical comfort boundaries?

Relative to my short and long-term goals for the class, (which in this instance was to increase my fitness), making the choice to ‘push’ through my discomfort and persist with that temporarily, was more likely to produce the result I was after.

I decided the ‘uncomfortable’ choice was more in alignment with my intention, so I chose this in preference to remaining ‘comfortable’ throughout the class.

In my opinion, there was no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answer faced with the above choices. Rather, simply an awareness of whether the choice made was in alignment with the end result I wished to experience.

So why would you want to step out of your own comfort zone?

When you’re next exercising – be it walking the dog, exercising at home or at the gym – why not ask yourself this question to provide you with the answer.

‘What is my intention by participating in this particular exercise?’

If your own intention is purely for pleasure or recreation, then you may be quite willing to create the experience where your exercise is comfortable and painless.

If however you are looking to produce change at a physical or fitness level, consider the possibility that experiencing some discomfort may be necessary in order for you to achieve these results.

Choosing a state of ‘discomfort’ or ‘comfort’ is not a judgment exercise, simply a choice you make relative to creating an outcome more in alignment with your desired result.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Angela Perin is editor of the ‘Safe Tan Ezine’, which features practical articles and tips on Beauty, Fitness, Nutrition and more. To discover the Ultimate Experience in Natural Sunless Tanning, visit www.safetan.com.au

Your “personal ripple effect” may be one of the most powerful forces shaping your family’s mental and physical future. Consider the following:

We are products of our environment. We gravitate toward what we are repeatedly exposed to. It’s a simple matter of repetition. The more we see, hear, use, or eat something the more it becomes ingrained in our psyche. In fact, social scientists believe environmental repetition may have an effect on gene expression and can literally change your biochemistry.

The power of suggestion is strong. The power of repeated suggestion is practically unstoppable. So if youÂ’re making poor fitness and nutrition choices at any age, itÂ’s likely your family will be making the same choices shortly.

“When Junior sees Dad parked in front of the tube and digging into a bag of chips, it’s hard to resist the same lifestyle. And chunky Mom, plus chunky Dad, often equals chunky kids”.

The evidence is compelling. Your example, your behavior, your habits are being absorbed by your family at warp speed. The secret is making it a blessing instead of a curse.

ItÂ’s never too early or too late to start. In the research center,
my staff and I see the impact that consistently exposing people to a healthy lifestyle has on individuals. As people mature, they embrace exercise as a natural, fun part of their lives.

You have the power to influence the health and fitness of every person in your family (your children, your spouse, your siblings, your parents — and even your friends). The fitness habits you help them build will keep serving them in every area of their life. I can think of no better gift to give people than the gift of health.

But here’s the secret…

You absolutely must lead by example. Never “tell” a person what they should do, just keep living a healthy life in a tight lean body, and people will instinctively gravitate to you and learn from your examples.

The process for some “hard-headed” folks might be a bit slower, but they’ll come along once they see how much more fun you’re having in your new body than they could ever hope to have unless they pick up the pace and learn from your example.

So how do you do it? ItÂ’s a day-to-day process and a series of
repeated small steps that add up to awesome health habits. Every time you choose the vegetables over the chips, a walk over a drive, and an active game over T.V., youÂ’ve just made another donation to yourself and to your families lifetime health and fitness fund.

ItÂ’s your personal ripple effect in actionÂ…

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Christopher Guerriero, is the founder of the National Metabolic & Longevity Research Center and a best-selling author, speaker, and coach to millions. He is creator of the award-winning ‘Maximize Your Metabolism’ system. To learn more about this step-by-step program, and to sign up for FREE how-to articles and FREE teleseminars, visit: Maximize Your Metabolism

In order to make certain that you always maintain a peek level of productivity, it’s vital that you get some sort of exercise. It’s so important in order to stay focused and moreover, just to maintain a good level of physical fitness.

Remember this is YOUR business, there are NO sick days allowed. Now more than ever, it’s vital that you get pro-active about your health. Your business and YOUR family depend on it!

Soooo you know what to do…u gotta EXERCISE!!!

I make my workout part of my work schedule. Despite what the TV ads portray, we all know that working-out is NOT fun. If you associate it with recreation or a fun activity, you will learn to hate it because itÂ’s definitely NOT fun!

I get SO ANNOYED when I see commercials on TV with people working out and smiling and laughing, just having a grand ‘ol time. For God sake, they don’t even sweat!!! Man who u foolin’…WORKING OUT SUCKS!!

I HATE the thought of working out, but I aboslutely LOVE having worked out. And that my friends is the KEY.

The ends justifes the desire. I look at the results and that is what solely drives me to keep on doing it. Now it’s actually gotten to the point where I “like” doing certain exercises; however, I still can’t stand the “thought” of having to work-out.

Because I hate thinking about it, I’ve made it part of my work schedule so that I don’t think about doing it. It’s just a regularly scheduled work task that I must do, just like all other work tasks. I actually have it programmed into my Outlook to remind me EVERYDAY!

Now everyone has their own idea of what exercise, or exercise program, works best for them. Some people go for walks, others jog and others go to the gym. But I work out in the comfort of my living room and I suggest, as a work-at-home pro, you do the same.

When operating a home-based business, your time is everything. Working out from home saves you loads of time, by not having to pack-up and get out of the house, drive to a gym, wait your turn for apparatus, shower, change clothes, etc. It just makes sense for people who work-at-home.

Whatever you do, just get off your caboose and start moving!

You can read more about the work at home exercise program I used to lose 25lbs. in 6 weeks.

Duh Idiot’s Home Biz Start-Up Guide™
© 2005 A Covert Operations, Ltd
http://www.starting-a-home-business.org

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Duh Idiot’s Home Biz Start-Up Guide – The “Idiot’s” on-line resource for www.starting-a-home-business.org” >starting a home business.

Arthritis is a debilitating condition defined as the inflammation of a joint. It may bring about burning pains which leave you feeling tired. As the body ages, arthritis begins to develop from the wide-ranging day-to-day operations of the body. Cartilage begins to wear out and thin out. Bad posture, obesity and traumatic injury may all hasten arthritisÂ’s development. The rubbing of the bones causes irritation and inflammation. Rest is the first treatment option and sometimes relieves the pain, but a patient can on occasion suffer pain that seems endless.

In order to build up healthy joints certain exercises go a long way. Stretching every day is a great activity that can help with joints. Bicycling is another activity that is apt to be beneficial to most joints, and all age groups can carry it out. Stairs are all over the place and free to climb, you can strengthen your lower body joints and save money at the same time by foregoing elevators and escalators whenever possible. Swimming is an effective way to give all your joints a work out. Water cushions body movements and dampens pains, so water aerobics is one of the best exercises for those having joint pains.

Here are few other tips to keep your joints in good shape. Make sure you are within your ideal body weight range. Watch your posture. If you absolutely must lift or carry a heavy object, use your legs. Pay attention to what your body is telling you. Rest if you feel tired, and stop what you are doing if you are having pain. The idea is to eliminate as much undue stress on your joints as possible. And, needless to say, consult your doctor if your pain is bothering you or suddenly worsens.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

This article brought to you by www.Medopedia.com, where you can find more information on arthritis treatment and treatments for high blood pressure.

The tendency when suffering from arthritis is to keep your joints as motionless as possible. The problem is that this leads to weakening of the muscles and tendons and a stiffening of joints, which makes the pain worse over time. It is a self-feeding cycle difficult to break out of.

One solution comes in the form of The Arthritis Foundation Aquatics Program, a warm water exercise program designed by the Arthritis Foundation. Why warm water exercise? The warmth offered by hot water allows muscles to relax and intensifies circulation of blood to the joints. In fact, ever since the discovery of the first hot springs, humans have used the miracle of warm water baths to fight aching joints.

Besides reducing the pain in your joints, exercising in water permits body weight to be supported. This makes exercising in water easier, safer and more relaxing. Not only that, but the resistance that water provides as your body moves in it helps strengthen muscles

These days, what with spas, health clubs and backyard hot tubs, just about anyone has access to a pool of hot water to relax in. Not only does this bring some immediate relief of arthritis symptoms, but it also provides us with a great environment in which we can exercise.

You should consult your doctor before beginning water exercise. Water exercise is completely safe for most people, with a few exceptions. If youÂ’ve have suffered serious joint damage or replacement surgery you may be among them. Your doctor will know whatÂ’s right for you. Also be aware of temperature. Water between 83 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for exercise. Anything over 100 degrees may be relaxing, but can lead to overheating. After youÂ’ve gotten the doctor go ahead, itÂ’s time to get started.

The Arthritis Foundation Aquatics Program exercises can be found in the free brochure “Water Exercise: Pools, Spas and Arthritis” from the Arthritis Foundation. Classes are also offered at local pools nationwide—contact your local Arthritis Foundation office for information. The classes are lead by a trained instructor, usually last between 45 minutes to an hour and are scheduled 2 to 3 times a week.

With a doctorÂ’s guidance, whether at a local pool or at home, a water exercise program is a fun and effective way to combat arthritis and keep joints and muscles healthy.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Isabelle Boulay is a writer and contributor to www.Medopedia.com, where you can find more information on arthritis treatment and treatment of high blood pressure

But many people donÂ’t get much enjoyment from disciplined workouts. They know they need regular cardiovascular exercise to stay heart-healthy, but what activities are there to steer clear of tedious typical exercise programs?

Many find dancing to be one such activity. Dancing allows you to get your heart pumping and your limbs moving without having to endure the monotony of exercising on a treadmill or at a gym. Dancing regularly keeping not only keeps ones heart healthy, it also helps maintain balance and coordination. Plus, of course, dance lessons and events let you get you out of the house regularly and make and meet friends.

Local organizations, universities, community and, sometimes, churches hold dancing lessons and events that are open to people of all abilities and skill levels. If you haven’t danced in awhile, or even if you’ve never tried it before, it’s never too late to learn. Adding another skill to your list never hurts, and dancing is an ability that comes in handy mighty often. Dance lessons are typically offered by style (ballroom, folk, Latin, swing, et cetera) and ability level (beginner, intermediate, advanced, competitive). Most dances that you’re probably familiar with fall into the category of “ballroom dancing.”

Ballroom dancing is performed with a partner (don’t worry; there are typically a number of “singles” taking lessons. You’ll be able to pair off when you go to the lesson). Everything from the internationally renowned waltz, to the classic American Foxtrot, to the Latin salsa and cha-cha, fall into the category of ballroom dance.

Folk dancing typically refers to square dancing, contra dancing, or one of several Irish, Scottish, or English styles of dance. Folk dances can sometimes be more social than ballroom dances (since partners typically split up and join with others during the course of the dance). Other popular styles of dance include swing, Latin, traditional and many others. Feel free to explore.

Books and videos can also be found online, if you just need a refresher, or would rather get the basics in the comfort of your own home.

If youÂ’re looking for a great way to be heart-smart, stays fit, and meet new people, try dancing. Dance lessons allow us to try something new, exercise, and take part in a social activity all at the same time. Find a style that interests you, pick the appropriate skill level, find a place, and dance!

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Isabelle Boulay is a writer and contributor to www.Medopedia.com, where you can find information on arthritis Treatment and treatment for high blood pressure

Stretching boosts muscle flexibility, which in turn leads to decreased likelihood of injury, better muscle performance, and a sense of well-being that lasts for hours after youÂ’ve finished.

Ideally, you should stretch several times each day. Stretching in the morning gets your body ready for the activities ahead. It also presents your brain with a focused, quiet activity can result in a feeling of peace and lowering of anxiety levels.

In the evening, stretching will help work out the kinks of a dayÂ’s wear and tear. Stretching and relaxing muscles before going to bed will lessen soreness after a hard day and will have you waking up feeling wonderful.

Finally, stretching is an unquestionable must prior to any vigorous physical activity to prevent injury and reduce post-activity soreness

10-15 minutes is plenty of time for the morning, evening, or pre-activity stretch. The following stretches provide brief examples. An abundance of books and videos are available for more detail.

The most basic stretches can be performed while seated. Start with your neck. Look down at your stomach. Then slowly roll your head to the left, then back so youÂ’re looking at the ceiling, to the right, and back down. You should feel the muscles in your neck stretching. A similar motion can be performed with the wrists. While seated, simply move your closed hand in a circle using your wrist. Then lift each leg, and draw the same circle with the feet around the ankle. Make 3-5 such circles in the clock-wise direction and then the counter-clockwise direction with your neck, both wrists and both ankles.

Move to the calf muscle. Find a wall, chair, stability ball, or something that you can safely lean on. While leaning comfortably against the object, move your right foot two feet back. Slowly bend your left knee so that your right ankle flexes. You should feel the muscle in the back of your lower right leg being stretched. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds and release. Repeat the exercise with your left calf.

The best way to stretch the front of the upper leg (the quadriceps) is to lie down on a flat surface (floor, bed, mat, et cetera). While lying on your left side, with your left elbow on the surface, and your left hand supporting your head, pull your right foot up behind you, so that the knee is bent as far as possible. Reach back with your right hand and grab onto your right foot. Pull you foot towards your back until you feel the muscle stretching. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds. Perform the same stretch for your right leg.
For a basic shoulder stretch, clasp your hands behind your back and slowly lift them upwards. YouÂ’ll feel the muscles in your shoulder stretching. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds.

Countless other stretches exist, but this schedule gives you a basic routine. Consult with your doctor and, if possible, a physical trainer to fine tune a “flex schedule” that’s right for you.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Isabelle Boulay is a writer and contributor to www.Medopedia.com, where you can find information on arthritis treatments and treatments for high blood pressure.

The role of exercise and play in a young childÂ’s life provides them with many benefits. Exercise of the body is an important part of keeping the young body fit as it grows into an adult body. When we reach adulthood, if we have had the benefit of exercise and play, we tend to continue that habit into our adult years.

What else is to be gained from the opportunities that play affords? We often participate in organized sports, coordinated play times, and are a member of a large group during all of these activities. Play on this level teaches us how to interact with our peers, develop camaraderie and perform as a team with other players. These skills are absolute necessities in todayÂ’s business world. But what else is happening here, during this time of play and exercise?

What we learn in body language, coping skills, and the interaction of the mind and body during our interaction with others, is invaluable. When we learn these skills well, we not only learn how to interact with others, we learn how to interact with our self. Interact with our self? That seems like a pointless exercise, but it is an all important part of maintaining our health and wellness. There are times that our bodies try to tell us things about our physical or mental condition, and we simply refuse to listen. If we have learned how to listen to others around us when they attempt to point out a need or desire, we have a useful tool in listening to ourselves. This often can mean the difference between optimal health, and creating an unhealthy situation.

What else do we learn? We learn what our physical and mental limitations are. During play, you see children and young adolescents push themselves to the very limit. But as children, we are better able to distinguish between a real limit versus what society deems our limits. As a child, or young adult, the pressures of the world do not weigh on us as they do when we are adults. We are better keepers of the temple at ten, than we are at twenty. We are still very in tune to what our body tells us, because it is our true master as a child. As an adult, we have let outside influences master our body and mind, and dominate our time.

As you can see, the benefits to be gained during our exercise and play time as children, is a benefit to us for the remainder of our lives. Too often, we adults forget the importance of exercise and play and the principles that are to be learned from time spent in these activities. We want to rush our children into their daily responsibilities, forgetting that their chief responsibility during the younger years is the play and interaction of young minds.

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J. Brian Keith is a
Exercise Equipment author and contributor at exercise-equipment-directory.com, where innovative
ideas and information about the
Bowflex Home Gym is openly shared. See
Exercise Equipment related articles.
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It’s important to “choose an activity that you will do,” whatever that is, the professor said. “It really matters less exactly what you do than it matters to avoid being completely sedentary.”

A 1996 report from the U.S. Surgeon General indicates only about 15 percent of adults over 65 get a recommended level of physical activity and as many as one-third get no exercise at all, Chodzko-Zajko noted in an article he wrote for the journal Quest.

Chodzko-Zajko suggests that some people might benefit from strategies such as keeping a diary of all their physical activity, including even things like short walks to the store with their walking canes, doing housework or working in the garden. Seeing the diary with their activities written down may help motivate people to exercise because they will want to avoid days in which they have nothing to write.

Another trick to encourage increased walking that he likes is getting a dog. The dog will insist on going out for a walk even if the owner might not be in the mood.

“Part of the problem may be that we’ve adopted a medical model of exercise, where exercise is sort of a bitter pill, and you get a prescription and you’re expected to stick to it,” Chodzko-Zajko said. “But the bottom line is it takes time to change behavior, and I personally feel the broader you can define your activity program, the less likely you are to become demoralized.”

Even seated exercise is beneficial

People who need mobility chairs can still benefit from exercise, although they may have to do it in a seated position. Many of those using mobility chairs have the use of their limbs, but use the chairs because they tire easily. Walking may not be a good exercise choice in this case.

Instead, they can try doing leg lifts in a seated position. Start by lifting only one leg at a time to a horizontal position and then put the leg back to vertical. Do this 10 times with each leg to start, working up to three sets of 15 leg lifts per leg. Once this has become easy, lift both legs at the same time, again starting with 10 lifts and working up to three sets of 15 leg lifts. To increase the work load on the leg muscles, ankle weights can be added. Start with one pound per leg and start over at the lowest number of lifts.

Exercising the upper body is also important. This can also be done from a seated position. Do a variety of arm exercises. Start with one pound weights at 10 repetitions per exercise. If you don’t own any weights, a can of peas from the kitchen is a good substitute. Many web sites and exercise tapes demonstrate exercises for the upper body that can be done while seated.

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Jean Feingold is a copywriter for Catalogs.com. Catalogs.com is the Internet’s leading source for print and online catalog shopping – and a growing hub of original content and “how to” information at www.catalogs.com.