Monday, May 18, 2015

Balanced Workout Routines for Women - shared by uftglenncolwell

Balanced Workout Routines for Women



So what is the solution for women to know the best balanced workout routines? When you go to a gym, you’ll generally see women crowded around the cardio equipment while men are lifting weights.  Why exactly do women gravitate towards treadmills, elliptical trainers and stair-masters while men grunt and lift dumbbells? Do the two sexes really need to workout in different ways or is this just a result of how we’ve been trained to view ourselves by society?
If you want to lose weight, you do need to get a lot of cardio.  And since most women are aiming for this, you’ll see them in the cardio section most of the time.  If you want to build muscle, you need to lift weights.  And men have been trained to view an extremely muscular body as the ideal one.  So they’re always lifting weights (sometimes with extremely bad form!)

Balanced Workout Routines for Women

The truth is that both, men and women need a combination of weights and cardio, with some stretching thrown in.  Here are some tips to come up with balanced workout routines for women:
Assess Your Goals
What exactly are you aiming for in terms of fitness?  If you’re overweight, you might want to lose weight.  In order to figure out if this should be your goal, calculate your BMI with this BMI calculator from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.  A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is normal.  If your BMI is over that, you’re overweight and if it’s under that, you’re underweight.  If your weight is normal, your aim should be to tone up rather than lose weight.
Combine Cardio and Weights
To have a balanced workout regimen, you need to combine cardio and weights.  If your main aim is to lose weight, you’ll need to do a little more cardio.  If your main aim is to tone up, you can do a balanced combination of cardio and weights.  But every balanced workout routine for women needs to combine both these elements.  You can alternate cardio workouts with full-body resistance training workouts days.  Or you can do a combination of cardio and weights everyday, as long as you don’t work the same exact muscles the next day.  This will give your body some time to recover.
For example, the P90X program consists of 12 workouts which include resistance training, cardio, plyometrics, abdominal exercises and yoga.  On the other hand, TurboFire is a 90 day program with just cardio conditioning.  You can choose the program that aligns best with your goals.  Or if you prefer to do something different everyday, you can move back and forth between programs as long as you’re getting a good combination of weights and cardio, without fatiguing your muscles.  There are programs such as Beachbody On-Demand which will give you access to over 150 workout programs and on-line coaching, enabling you to get the right mix of strength-training and cardio for your needs.
The advantage of another one of Beachbody’s most popular workout programs for women, like the 21 Day Fix Extreme, it combines weights, cardio and other forms of exercise, is that it makes the time go by very fast.  You don’t have time to get bored with what you’re doing because you’re constantly moving and pushing yourself.
The Importance of Stretching
Stretching is an important part of any workout routine and most of us don’t do it enough.  The more you stretch, the less you’re going to have muscular aches and pains because of your workout.  And this will help you to keep going longer.  You won’t feel that urge to skip a workout because your entire body is stiff.
Some strength and cardio workouts already have stretches worked into them.  If your body feels limber enough with these stretches, you don’t need to do anymore.  But it never hurts to take an extra 5-10 minutes after a workout to stretch both, upper and lower body.  You don’t have to stretch very far, only as much as feels good to  you.  As you keep working out and stretching, your flexibility will probably increase.
Not all of us have the time to prepare a gourmet meal for breakfast. Some of us barely have time to find our keys, let alone brew a cup of coffee before we’re out the door and on our way to work.
But if you’re looking for a way to lose weight with a delicious, why not try a protein packed and nutrient-rich shake? They’re fast, easy to make, and their taste is only limited by your creativity. That’s why there’s Shakeology from Beachbody.
Not only can you whip up one of these delicious shakes in LESS THAN ONE MINUTE,Shakeology’s Your Daily Dose of Dense Nutrition that’s packed with incredible amounts of protein, antioxidants, phytonutrients, prebiotics, enzymes, and many rare superfoods from around the world that your body desperately needs and craves.* Plus, Shakeology helps to significantly increase your energy levels, as well as reduce junk food cravings.
And because Shakeology’s key ingredients are derived from whole food sources, your body will be able to easily absorb and utilize the nutrients you’re feeding it immediately.
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Thursday, May 14, 2015

7 Tips for Busy Moms: How to Exercise at Home - shared by uftglenncolwell

When it comes to stay-at-home or work-at-home moms, knowing how to exercise at home is often not just a matter of timing, but setting your environment, arranging something for your children while you are exercising, and planning out both warm-up and recovery routines. With so much thought required for home exercise, many moms do not take the time to exercise, even though they know the health benefits: physical, emotional and mental.
With the issues faced by moms in mind, these 7 tips will help you take the time to exercise without undue stress:
1. Schedule – There is a reason the best classrooms have regular periods every day, predictable activities and more. There is also a reason kids complain any time a new teacher or substitute messes with the plan. Schedules are comforting and predictable, and ensure that life will have some structure to work around. When you are beginning a home exercise routine, it is important that it becomes a part of your regular schedule. If you have school age children, fit it in in the morning after they have gotten out to school. With younger children, exercise during nap times or quiet time.
2. Set the Environment – In the busy living spaces we call home, there is rarely space to set up a complete exercise room. But, moms can set the environment by putting exercise materials out by some open floor space. Pick space which will not interfere with other family activities when you do your regular exercising.
3. Set Your Goals – Exercise is an important part of healthy living, but the vague goal of “being healthy” is rarely enough to overcome the challenges to a regular home exercise routine. What motivates you to workout needs to be measurable (lose 30 pounds, run a marathon) and have a time frame. Without the motivation from a great goal, you will not overcome your natural inertia.

7 Tips for Busy Moms: How to Exercise at Home

4. Involve Others – As a parent, there are two groups of people who can help you exercise, free of charge. Friends and your family. Some moms don’t have enough time with their children, some don’t have enough time with their friends. Let that desire for fellowship push your daily activity. Whether it is planning that parent/child run your teenager has been begging you for, or taking a morning jog with a friend, the companion will inspire you to continue exercising, and vice-versa. With modern technology, you can not only connect with friends and family through home-based exercise routines, but also connect with nutrition and fitness coach on mobile computing devices.
5. Regular Warm-Up and Cool-Down Routines – Often a big obstacle to in home workouts is the mental energy it takes to decide what to do. With regular stretching and warm-up routines at the beginning of your exercise, you will have time to calm down and focus on what your exercise goals are. With a regular cool-down routine, you will be able to take time to plan how to do the rest of your day, without stressing about how to cool down. Don’t forget that your cool-down and recovery program needs to include quick nutrition like a quality shake.
6. Plan Nutrition – From the cool-down recovery program to your regular meals and snacks, nutrition is a key part of any exercise planning system. Get rid of the sugary and fatty snacks: yogurt, nuts and fruit, and cheese are all healthy, easy alternatives to the candy and bagged goods (chips, pretzels, etc) which moms so often use. Our “101 Healthy Shake Recipes” is a great free resource for building your nutrition.
7. Plan on Failing – Whether you are just starting home based exercise or are a pro, the secret to a great program is it makes you stretch. The important thing about stretch goals is you often don’t hit them. This is a positive thing: you can learn how to better plan, set more appropriate goals and gain better health. Do not beat yourself up when you do not hit your goals, when your exercise takes too much out of you or when family gets in the way. Rest, recuperate, learn, and get back in the saddle.
An exercise at home routine is only one decision away, so why not start your work outs today?

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Saturday, May 9, 2015

10 Healthy Snacks for weight loss - shared by ugtglenncolwell

http://www.gettingfittogether.com/10-healthy-snacks-for-weight-loss/#!356

Is there such a thing as healthy snacks for weight loss? That is the million dollar question. Because let’s face it, we all snack. It’s just the way we’re put together. A little something can provide a much-needed afternoon energy boost. Unfortunately, snacking can also pack on the pounds. For this reason, most dieters avoid snacking. What if we told you that there are a number of good-for-you snack foods that won’t sabotage your healthy weight loss plan?
In the interest of slim snacking, we are pleased to present ten guilt-free snacks that won’t sabotage your weight loss plan. Each of these light and healthy snacks for weight loss offers taste and nutrition and no more than 200 calories:
Greek yogurt and berries
Dump the contents of a single-serving cup of plain, Greek-style yogurt into a pretty bowl. Top with one cup of raspberries, blackberries, blueberries or sliced strawberries. Drizzle with one-half tablespoon of honey and enjoy an indulgent treat that won’t weigh you down.
Hummus and pita plate
Slice one pita pocket bread into eight triangles. Scoop ¼ cup Mediterranean-style hummus onto a plate with twelve cherry tomatoes, six kalamata olives and one sliced cucumber for a light snack that provides flavor and fiber.
Apple slices with peanut butter
Slice a crisp red apple into six wedges. Smear each wedge with a dollop of creamy or chunky no-sugar-added peanut butter for a nutritious mid-day snack that will hold you over ’til dinnertime.
Avocado with cottage cheese
Cut a ripe avocado in half and fill with 4 tablespoons of low-fat cottage cheese for a smooth snack that will take the edge off your hunger without ruining your diet. Save the other avocado half in a zip bag in the refrigerator for tomorrow.
Tuna and whole wheat crackers
Dress a half-can of water-packed tuna with thinly sliced shallots and minced celery and serve with six whole-wheat crackers for a protein-packed snack that provides a healthful dose of omega oils.
Air-popped popcorn
Not only is popcorn light and tasty, it’s also a lot of fun to eat. When popped without oil, popcorn is guilt-free and delicious. Enjoy three cups of unbuttered popcorn for a mid-day or midnight snack that won’t sink your diet plan.
Baked zucchini chips
Wash a whole zucchini and slice it into paper-thin disks. Toss with extra-virgin olive oil. Spread disks in a single layer on a non-stick cookie sheet. Sprinkle with sea salt, coarse black pepper and a generous dash of paprika. Bake at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes to make a yummy crisp snack that may offer significant health benefits.
Cottage cheese with cinnamon
Scoop a half-cup of low-fat cottage cheese into a bowl and top with several generous shakes of ground cinnamon. The cottage cheese will give you a nice serving of protein, while the cinnamon helps to process glucose in your system and prevent fat accumulation.
Black beans and salsa
One-half cup of cooked black beans offers a whopping eight grams of fiber that can keep you from feeling hunger pangs for several hours. Top with tomato salsa and wrap in a raw corn tortilla for a tasty treat that will give you a boost of energy without ruining your diet.
Turkey-avocado wrap
Super-thin slices of roast turkey provide protein your body can use. Wrap avocado wedges with turkey meat and dab with your favorite mustard for a wholesome snack that delivers a boost of energy without a lot of calories
There’s no good reason to starve yourself while trying to lose weight. In fact, in less than 30 seconds, an ultra quick healthy nutrition dense protein shake can stave off feelings of deprivation and keep your metabolism revved up. An active metabolism speeds weight loss, so moderate snacking can absolutely work with your diet and help you achieve your weight loss goals.
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Wednesday, May 6, 2015

How to get fit fast in 3 easy steps - shared by uftglenncolwell

http://www.gettingfittogether.com/how-to-get-fit-fast-in-3-easy-steps/#!356




Let’s face it, our New Year’s Resolutions don’t stick quite as easily as the weight does. With summer upon us and nearly half the year over, your beach bod may not elicit the ‘wows’ you had hoped for.
But don’t sweat it. There’s still plenty of time to shape up and get fit fast. Whether your goal is tolose weight, slim down, build muscle or gain strength, this guide will help you along on the way.

How To Get Fit Fast in 3 Easy Steps

Step 1: The Diet
The diet – perhaps one of the most difficult actions to take in your fitness regime. Let’s discuss the foods you should be eating, rather than the meal choices that will compromise your progress. You want foods that are full of nutrients and protein that start slimming down your waistline the moment they enter your mouth.  Vegetables, fruits, lean meats, legumes, fish and low-fat dairy products build muscle, burn fat, and keep your body well-nourished and performing optimally.
Try to eat as many of the foods below:
  • Salmon, tuna, and mackerel for muscle building proteins.
  • Yogurt and cheese strengthen your bones and fire up weight loss.
  • Spinach and kale to fight free radicals, improve muscle recovery.
  • Beans and legumes to build muscle, burn fat, and regulate digestion.
  • Beet juice for stamina, berries for satiety, grapefruit for metabolism.
  • Leans meats like turkey to build muscle and strengthen your immune system.
These foods are chock full of proteins, nutrients, and health benefits to help you get into shape faster and your muscles roaring. It goes without saying ( but let’s say it anyways ) that burgers, fries, chocolate cake and the like should be eaten sparingly, or you’ll put right back on whatever weight you lost.
With that said, sacrifices at the dinner table aren’t enough. You’re going to need to get off the couch and move.
Step 2: The Cardio
To lose weight, you must create a caloric deficit, meaning your body needs to burn off more calories than it takes in. Cardio workouts are not only the best way to create a caloric deficit and shed some pounds, but it also encourages a healthy heart, improves blood circulation, and makes your body lean.
Whether you decide to bike around your neighborhood, get some miles in on the treadmill, or swim laps in a pool, you should aim for at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity to reduce the risk of heart disease and fight off any gains in weight. But if you want to get lean, you’ll need to double that time to start seeing results.
Whether you decide to bike around your neighborhood, get some miles in on the treadmill, or swim laps in a pool, you should aim for at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity to reduce the risk of heart disease and fight off any gains in weight. But if you want to get lean, you’ll need to double that time to start seeing results.
Remember, your options aren’t limited to the gym: mow the lawn, play with the dog, go dancing or clean up the house are great activities to help burn calories and keep you in shape.

How To Get Fit Fast in 3 Easy Steps

Step 3: The Workouts
Now it’s time to get your body looking toned and fit. Adding strength training to your fitnessregime will enhance your metabolism, improve your strength, while helping you get lean or gain muscle mass depending on the exercise. 
To sculpt your arms, upper back, shoulders and chest you’ll need to invest in some weights or head on over to your local gym. Bench presses, shoulder presses, lunges and dips are great ways to bulk up your muscles, spike your metabolism, and get a lot stronger.  Try to do some weight training 3-4 times a week on non-cardio days. Remember to start off light, gradually adding more weight to avoid injuries, and to take a day or two off to let your body rest.
To do some belly blasting and reduce those love handles crunches, sit-ups, air bikes and Russian twists will help flatten your midsection without the need for equipment. If these are a bit mundane for you, search or ask around the gym or web for tummy toning exercises that work just as well, if not better.
To top off your fitness regime, add some yoga to the mix for a bit of mind and body exercise. Whether you join a class or practice in your living room, yoga is a great way to improve your balance, flexibility and your overall health and well-being.
Staying Motivated
Getting fit requires discipline and motivation. Getting fit fast requires the same, plus an iron-will. But both start with the right mind-set. In fact, the only obstacle preventing you from a beautiful body and exceptional health is your motivation.
Getting fit alone can quickly get frustrating. Without the right guidance and advice it can even be dangerous. But support is there.
If you’re looking for the best place to get fit fast, Beachbody On Demand provides hundreds of online workouts proven to get you burn off calories and get you ripped. You can stream all the world-class programs right from your computer, get unique meal plans customized to your goals, and  connect with others, so you don’t have to do it alone.  
It’s a great way to stay motivated. On top of that, you’ll get your own personal coach for one-on-one guidance and support to help you get fit even faster.
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Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Coconut Oils are they good or not - shared by uftglenncolwell




Coconut Oil… Is It a Good Oil?

Great article to SHARE with your family and friends….people sometimes don’t understand the health benefits of many items in our cupboards.  Please SHARE if you like what you see!!!#uftglenncolwell #healthyeating #ultimatefitnessteam#coconutoil

http://www.gettingfittogether.com/coconut-oil-is-it-a-good-oil/#

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

FREE trial Beachbody® on Demand

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