The most common reason people quit health and fitness programs is a lack of intrinsic motivation, the drive from within. But there are things you can do to find this motivation, ramp it up, and keep it consistent while you take part in your health and fitness program. I’ve found over my many years of training and coaching clients that there are three basic things you can do to keep motivated and stick with the program. 1. Find something you want to do in the next…
The key to growing new brain cells is exercise. Growing new brain cells is called neurogenesis and is important for learning and memory. Recent findings suggest it might play a role in helping diseases like Alzheimer’s and cognitive issues like depression and anxiety. Related research has even prompted those in the medical community to prescribe exercise as ‘medicine’ to help treat depression and anxiety. Neurogenesis research is on track to discovering how and why, and using it effectively. Until recently, it was thought, and taught, that…
I have noticed headlines touting “this one thing will…” usually fix whatever health, fitness, kitchen sink clog, or whatever the problem. But today, while doing some online research about the latest popular wellness topics, I came across an unusually high number of this type of headline. They were mostly about ‘fixing’ big health concerns like weight loss, back pain, and blood sugar, for example. I thought, “Do people really believe that one thing is all it takes to accomplish this big thing?” Nah, I’m sure they…
Spring is just around the corner now. While I live where we can walk all year ‘round, many aren’t that fortunate. Snow, ice, and below freezing temps aren’t as inviting, and can be treacherous. Soon that weather will change and you can get out for a pleasant walk. Did you know you don’t have to walk for a long time or even that intensely to reap healthy rewards? A 20-minute walk 5 days per week will help you do the following. Lose Fat Weight Prevent Weight…
The cold plunge trend is popular now. And it has many health benefits, one being weight loss. Here’s why. Brown fat. Nobody likes to talk about their fat. Well, at least your white fat. Now brown fat, well, we can talk about that and even brag about it. It’s the “good fat.” What is brown fat? Brown fat (yes, it is indeed brown) is not some blob of material that only stores extra energy for you. It is an active fat. It plays a big role…
How old is too old to build muscle and gain strength? The short answer: When you’re dead. AI Image First and foremost, there are zero qualified research studies that show an age when muscle, strength, and endurance cannot be developed. You can be 50, 70, 90, or 100. If you strength train, beginner or long-time exerciser, you can build strength, endurance, and even mass. These may take more time and be harder to do as we age, especially building muscle size. But the most common goals…
AI Generated - What do you think? Looks like a nice gym. :) If you are ready to join a health club, and you are a beginner, read more to learn about ways to help yourself stay consistent and be successful. A couple of posts ago, I offered 6 tips for feeling less intimidated and nervous in a workout facility. Now here are 4 ways to stay consistent after you join a health club. It’s January, and people are gung-ho about healthy resolutions. This is not…
Even though the holidays are over, we still get stressed. It’s normal. Traffic, work demands, co-workers, schoolwork, children’s school activities and sports. You name it, there are many things in life that cause stress. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a quick solution to the stressful situations you face every day? pic by Ri_Ya Well, there is. Some people call it “deep belly breathing” or “extended inhalation”, and probably a few other names. I like to call it “2-In, 1-Out” breathing. Easy to remember and…
Would you like to go into a gym or health club, but feel too intimidated or scared to do it? Do you feel like everyone will be watching you and judging you? Remember this: No one just happens to be in great physical shape. It takes work. Sure, there are some people who don’t have a hard time getting in better shape. But they still have to work at it. Some people struggle to get weight off. And some struggle to put weight on. Everyone is…