Patti Oar asked:


GET IN SHAPE THE EASY WAY FOR EXERCISE HATERS

 

Do you ever feel like getting in shape or maintaining fitness is overwhelming? If so, you’re not alone. Many, many people have great intentions in starting a fitness program, but can’t maintain the energy or enthusiasm to sustain the effort. This doesn’t mean you’ve failed and it doesn’t mean you can’t still get into shape.OK, there are some strange freaky people who actually like to workout. You’ll hear them talking about how they have to work up a sweat every day or some other crazy nonsense like that. But the truth is for most of us working out is a HUGE Chore! I **** it. I actually **** it every day, but I have managed to stay in shape over the years and I’ve done it in my own way, by multi-tasking. Setting aside an hour each day to workout doesn’t really work for me and perhaps it isn’t your cup of tea either. I have learned to work it into my day and not feel that it’s something I have to set aside, but I manage to exercise while doing other things.

 

Studies have shown that just by walking at a brisk pace for 30-60 minutes a day you are actually burning more fat than running. And boy is that good news for me since I absolutely hate-hate-hate to run. For the longest time I always said that I couldn’t run and that always got me off the hook, but the truth is when I tried it I found that I could actually run for up to 3 miles. I was shocked and ran each day for a while, but it wasn’t for me so I quit. But my dog needs a walk each day so I multi-task and get my aerobic walking in when I’m walking him. We usually go as soon as we get out of bed and then don’t have to worry about it the rest of the day. I do have a treadmill for when the weather is bad, but taking the dog for a walk outside is so much nicer than plodding along on a treadmill. We’re outside in the fresh air and I’m just having fun with my dog. Now I’m not only getting aerobic exercise, but as I said above I like to multi-task when I exercise. I recently purchased a pair of negative heel shoes. There are several brands of these shoes such as MBT Shoes. They claim to not only exercise your legs and **** while you’re wearing them, but they are also supposed to get rid of cellulite. Now I have to warn you, wearing these shoes will give you a serious leg workout Your legs will be burning. I wear them for a 3 mile walk and I’m halfway through before the burning stops. I absolutely **** it, but what a great workout. I can feel it all the way up my legs and **** and even my inner thighs. Then I get out my Ipod and fire up an audiobook and now I’m not only walking my dog, but additionally I am:

 

1. Getting an aerobic workout

 

2. Building my leg muscles with negative heel shoes

 

3. Reading a book

 

As for the non-aerobic exercise, there are many ways you can do this rather painlessly. It does take a little time and effort to get into the habit, but once you do it’s so easy and you don’t even realize you’re doing it. If you like to watch tv you can do a whole ab routine while watching your favorite soap opera. While your mind is focused on the show you forget the pain you’re feeling and before you know if you’ve finished the routine. There are many ab routines you can do such as using an exercise ball, which is actually fun or yoga, pilates or something like Callan Pinckney’s Callanetics (my favorite) Before you know it you’ll have strong flat abs and you’ll be amazed at your strength.After you’ve done the dishes or brushed your teeth you can take a few minutes to do a few barre type exercises for your legs. It really doesn’t take very long and you’ll be amazed at the difference in the way you feel and look. You can attach a band or stretchy bungy type exerciser to a doorknob (just leave it there all the time) and when you see it it will remind you to do a few upper body moves. If you get into the habit of incorporating these types of movements into each day, it will become second nature and before you know it you’ll be in shape investing a lot of time. The best part about any type of working out is that it’s like ***. The more you do, the more you want to do. It is a self-motivating prophecy. You’ll look better which will just motivate you to do more. And when other people notice how fabulous you look and start complimenting you your motivation will soar.

 

So before you think that working out and getting into shape is overwhelming, just try to take it in little bites and soon you’ll be reaping all the benefits. Who knows? You may find that crazy little athlete inside you that’s just waiting to be released. It could happen…



Allison

K Purden asked:


If you are among those lured into buying an ab-enhancing gizmo or some other product touted to produce killer abs in a matter of weeks, but have not seen any visible results, fret not. Your self-imposed mission to develop the perfect abs need not be a futile endeavor, if you set your sights on the right direction and deal with credible sources.

For starters, you can learn from the trial-and-error experiences of others what works and what does not. Try to figure out the common denominator among certain individuals who have gone down the route of losing excess pounds and toning their bodies to near-perfection. Note how, in most cases, solid determination and exacting discipline played key roles.

Indeed, it may be very useful to have some tips at hand, as a money- and time-saving approach to acquiring perfect abs. Check out the internet but don’t be scammed by numerous claims that end up nowhere near the perfect-looking or **** abs you may have envisioned for yourself. Get good tips from reliable sources, like certified fitness trainers, medical and wellness medical experts who dabble in total body workouts.

Once you’ve determined your goal and decided to start a workout regimen, it is important to stick to it. One also must not overlook the importance of a healthy diet. This is a golden rule that will not only help you actualize of developing a fit body and visible, perfect abs, but will also help you withstand illnesses. Some women are lucky to get away with some sweets or foods they fancy even while carrying on with a cardio workout or aerobic exercise, but adhering to healthy eating habits is crucial to realizing not just your weight loss but total body conditioning goal. All-natural foods like those which are high-quality protein sources, like chicken and turkey, and other foods like nuts and dark green vegetables like spinach can power you and lead to your look-great agenda. Enhancing and not compromising on the essential nutrients your body needs is very important, so discard fad diets that tend to lose sight of this main concern. Certified trainers who supervise famous celebrities in their rigorous workout point out that full body movements exercise as many muscles all at once. Other fitness enthusiasts make use of medicine balls. The not-so-secret use of medicine balls by famous celebrities and regular folks alike delivers the benefit of strengthening not just the abdominal area but also the middle back, chest and shoulders. Many people opt to engage in recreational sports. Whatever form of body workout one chooses, what’s important is to see it through. Mental focus and dietary discipline are vital.

Now to get to the heart of the matter, or the ab training itself that will inch yourself closer to the coveted perfect abs, it may be best to reply on a real fitness coach for some guidance. You can start with the beginner’s level before working your way up to the advanced exercises. Total body resistance training; some cardio exercises like skipping rope, using a treadmill, running or swimming; complementing a well-rounded diet with high quality protein shakes and nutritional supplements (as consulted with one’s workout nutritionist or family doctor) will all get you down the road to a better physique. Unleash your inner diva/hunky persona and learn the tried-and-true secrets to six pack abs through certifiable programs you can learn from the masters of the game. So choose your options well before plunging head-on and getting those perfect abs and well-toned body.



Don

Sarah Fox asked:


Breckenridge is an awesome place for intermediate skiers to find the perfect blend of challenge and comfort. If you’ve been skiing for some years now but still aren’t totally sure of yourself on steeper and more difficult runs, you’re probably looking for just the right combination of intensity and ease. You are not yet ready to go overboard but you want to challenge your abilities a bit farther with each run that you make. As an intermediate skier, consider some of the following areas and tips for a splendid day of skiing in Breckenridge:



Peaks 7 and 8 offer exhilarating areas for intermediate skiing. Northstar and Claimjumper are two runs that are amazingly moderate while providing more privacy than some of the other runs on Peak 8. You can find several intermediate trails right next door at Peak 7 that offer top-notch skiing zones. The bottom of Peak 7 features the Independence Super Chair which serves as the focal area of the peak.





Peak 9 is the favorite of moderate skiers in Breckenridge. Smooth trails make for fantastic ballroom skiing here, especially on runs such as Columbia and Sundown. Peak 9 Restaurant is a great place to break and catch your breath but it will do you good to avoid the nearby Bonanza run as it is usually crowded with beginner skiers who are not only practicing but spend a lot of time scooting their way down the trail. If you’re looking for a bit more challenging trail, you have to check out the more bumpy yet mild terrain on Peerless and Volunteer on Peak 9.





Peak 10 offers three blue runs and a much more technical terrain. Those looking for a tougher trail can try Crystal, Centennial and Doublejack. Peak 10’s Falcon Super Chair and expert terrain are less crowded so you’ll have shorter wait times plus you’ll be provided with a more intense challenge.





Preparation is important. A lot of people consider themselves intermediate skiers because they are either relatively new to the sport or have taken a reprieve from it for a while. This usually means that moderate-level skiers are comfortable on the mountain but can be a bit rusty at times. In any case, it’s good for intermediate skiers to be prepared before hitting the slopes hard on the very first day. Before ski season, spend a month or two training for the sport by engaging in cardio and aerobic exercises while also devoting time to strength training, stretching and flexibility exercises.





Keep an eye on the action. While you’re on the slopes, monitor your activity level by taking frequent breaks and increasing your difficulty level gradually. Although you might feel ready to move into a more difficult trail, a day of skiing can take a toll on your body. Be sensitive to your physical reaction to the sport by not pushing it too hard. You might find yourself on a run that’s too difficult at the end of the day when you’re losing steam and that’s not something you would want. You have a lot of time to improve your skill so you might want to save a harder run for another day.



If you’re a loyal fan of skiing, Breckenridge is the perfect mountain town to improve your craft. A fascinating and unintimidating place to practice for beginners, expert skiers love the challenge and variety offered here. Meanwhile, in between those two groups, intermediate skiers find themselves mastering areas and moving ahead to endless new terrain that lies before them in Breckenridge. The Ten Mile Range offers boundless options for great intermediate skiing amidst spectacular surroundings.



Lillian

Ms Leisha Greenfield asked:


s set into rich countryside and home to 82,000 people. With a history dating back to the twelfth century, the town is rich in history and offers one of the most unique and popular museums in the country.

With a vast selection of theatres, performance spaces and art galleries, the town forms a cultural centre of the north and offers much for a quiet weekend away. Its busy nightlife, and variety of bars, makes for a vibrant nightlife; and there are numerous recommended restaurants to choose from.

The town is well connected by transport links and offers plenty of reasons to visit!

History

Halifax is steeped in history and has been a unified parish since the twelfth century. The area became involved in woollen manufacture, and this increased the population by 25 times between the fifteenth and sixteenth century. By the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, manufacture in the area had branched out into other types of textile materials.

The Piece Hall was built in the eighteenth century as a market for trading textiles, and remains an important work of architecture in the region. Bankfield Museum and Art Gallery comprises 10 galleries and explores the region’s manufacturing history.

Eureka! is Halifax’s most famous museum, and an exploration of science and technology for children. The museum comprises 400 interactive displays and exhibits, documenting human biology, scientific development, ecology and the world of work.

Art Galleries

Halifax’s main art collection is housed in the Visitors Centre and Art Gallery in the Piece Hall, and comprises works of art, craft, photography and design, with a new emphasis on crafts. The gallery covers a number of open-plan units, allowing browsers to savour the works individually.

Halifax’s Bankfield Museum and Art Gallery comprises 10 galleries, and focuses on textiles and contemporary craft works that document the area’s manufacturing history. Galleries include ‘World of Textiles’, ‘Edith Durham Gallery’ and ‘The Toy Gallery’.

The Dean Clough Gallery is home to 600 art and design exhibits, and comprises The Viaduct Gallery, The Design House Gallery, the Crossley Gallery, the Link Gallery and a number of seminar galleries on the upper floor.

Theatres

The Victoria Theatre stages around 165 productions each year, and seats 3500 people. Previous and upcoming performances include comedies, musicals and dance productions. The theatre bar has seating for 120 people.

The Square Chapel Arts Centre is a painstakingly renovated eighteenth century building, staging drama, children’s theatre, dance, musicals, community drama and various lectures and talks throughout the year.

The Viaduct Theatre specialises is small-scale productions, and The Playhouse has seating for 260 people.

Restaurants

The Millbank is just one of Halifax’s highly rated fine dining restaurants, and has been honoured with a Michelin star and recommendations by Good Food Guide, The Independent and The Times. The menu comprises contemporary European cuisine with ‘a Yorkshire touch’ and an extensive wine list.

The Bore is close by, serving classic British dishes, and is also highly rated.

Meena’s offers Balti, Tandoori and Bengali cuisine in a traditional setting, and is extremely popular with locals. Open late and situated in the town centre, the restaurant is also popular with post-party clubbers.

El Gato Negro Tapas Bar serves classic and contemporary tapas dishes and a variety of wines.

Pubs/Bars

Halifax and Calderdale CAMRA awarded The Fox and Goose ‘Pub of the Year’ in 2006, and also rates The Shears Inn, with has been recommended in 10 consecutive editions of Good Beer Guide.

Bar 15 is a bar and club, with seating for 200 and showcasing rock and alternative bands on Friday and Saturday nights. The bar is also known as ‘The Rockshack’ and has a resident classic rock DJ who plays regularly.

The Standard of Freedom and William IV are popular, traditional bars, with long histories and loved by locals.

Nightclubs

Although there aren’t a huge number of nightclubs in Halifax, there are a few very popular venues and Coliseum and Maine Street is the most popular. The club presents dance, r’n'b and party tunes, and opens three nights a week.

The Tube is a house music venue, open Friday and Saturday nights. The d?r is impressive, 70s-influenced designer kitsch, with state of the art lighting and sound technology, plush seating and a VIP lounge.

Acapulco presents mainstream dance and house music three nights a week, and is affectionately known as ‘Acca’. The club is renowned for its exceptionally cheap drinks and special offers.

The Tramshed Zoo Bar is a rock club, currently closed for a license review.

Shopping

The Piece Hall is Halifax’s most popular shopping area, comprising 50 independent retail units and a large market square. A fleamarket is held on Thursdays, and an open market on Saturdays. Specialist markets include a Christmas Market and continental markets.

Close by is The Woolshops Shopping Centre, home to more than 80 high street shops and 300 parking spaces. Units are currently occupied by River Island, HMV, Miss Selfridge, 2 coffee shops and a cafe.

The Halifax borough market is located in a Grade II listed, nineteenth century building, and comprises almost 200 stalls.

The main shopping street in the town is The Market Arcade; lined with charity shops, high street stores and cafes.

Sports

The North Bridge Leisure Centre is one of eight in the town, and offers an extensive programme of sports, athletics, aerobics and martial arts. There is a large sports hall and Projectile Gallery, a gym and Ofsted-registered creche.

Another popular leisure centre is Halifax Swimming Pool, comprising a 25-metre pool, fitness studio, dance studio, 2 squash courts and a multimedia multi-sensory room.

The Halifax Ski and Snowboarding Centre is based in the Sportsman Inn and Leisure Complex and offers a choice of slopes for beginners and the more experienced, with a range of tuition available to suit all abilities.

There are 10 golf courses in Halifax, including the notoriously difficult, 18-hole Halifax Golf Club that offers a challenge to the most experienced of players. The Halifax Bradley Hall Golf Club is also an 18-hole course, but is smaller and offers a more relaxing game.

Connie

Rolf Joho asked:


Everyone wants to look young, and there are many anti aging products and techniques that can help people achieve that. We cannot stop the time, but fortunately, we can at least slow down the physical and emotional signs of aging. 90% of the signs of aging are caused by factors that can be easily controlled or changed.

Anti Aging Tips

If you want to look lively in later stages of your life, it is important to start working towards it when you are young. There are few anti aging tips and secrets that can be quite helpful in dealing with aging signs and symptoms.

The standard advice is to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables, and three servings of whole grains every day. These are full of minerals, vitamins and many other micronutrients required by the body. It is also essential to drink at least eight glasses of water every day.

Another anti aging technique is to build strength and endurance with regular exercise. For anyone who wants to slow down the aging process, aerobics exercise can be very helpful. Daily exercise help restore muscle strength, stamina, bone density and balance, that decrease with age. Use eight to ten exercises, with 10-15 repetitions, twice or thrice a week.

Antioxidants can be quite effective as anti aging products, as they neutralize the free radicals. It is important to take the combination of antioxidants through balanced diet and supplements. Eating dark-colored vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, spinach and squash for carotenoids, and purple and blue berries for flavonoids can be quite beneficial.

Most of the people are not vigilant enough when going out in the sun, and this results in fine lines, brown spots and wrinkles by the time they reach forty. Renova is the FDA approved prescription anti aging cream that reduces the wrinkles and fine lines, and also fades brown spots. It has vitamin A derivates that exfoliate the skin, and increase the collagen production. The cream is also effective during early signs of skin cancer and sun damage.

Loss of libido, energy and stamina are the most common symptoms of again, driving people to the anti aging doctors. With age, the hormone levels decline, and hormone replacement therapy can be quite effective.

For preserving the vitality, human growth hormone is considered the ultimate anti aging therapy. But, this therapy is still controversial, and quite expensive. It is also known to reduce the body fat, and increase muscle tone.

Few useful anti aging tips include avoiding sun, avoiding smoking and alcohol, getting rid of stress, and avoiding as many chemicals as possible from the foods we eat everyday. Toxins can lead to aging and stress, and detox process can help eliminate toxins from the body, making you feel younger and healthier.



Karl

Faith asked:


You would like to join a fitness club but there are so many choices! And then you will just end up having a headache! Fitness clubs are effective motivators. They should motivate us and not frustrate us. Before you choose on a fitness club, make sure that it suits your needs and goals. And before you do that, you should first learn and decide on what is your priority. By then, you will know what you really need in a fitness club. Here are some guidelines you can consider in choosing a fitness club that is best for you:

1. Where is it located?

The location is the first thing that you should consider when finding a fitness club. If the club is far from your home, you will just another excuse not to work out. It is best to find a facility that is near your home.

2. Are the employees friendly and nice? Will they be able to help you reach your goals?

Make sure that the instructor has the necessary experience to work with you. The instructor should be a certified professional that can work with you safely and effectively. Your instructor should also know if you have physical limitations or you may find an instructor that is well trained to work with you. You can also check the age of the instructor especially if it is one factor for your motivation and learning. The staff should also be helpful, friendly and professional. You can also ask the services they offer and find what is important for you. Some facilities have their own dietician and physical therapists that can offer services for you.

3. What kind of programs does it offer?

Find time to see what programs are there for you and check if they suit your interests. Do they offer group classes? Choose the facility that offers the classes you really like. You can do a trial class to check it out if you want.

4. Are the facilities and equipments good and will they be available anytime that is most convenient for you?

Check if the equipments are enough for all members. Otherwise, you will waste your time falling in line and waiting for your turn. Also make sure that the facility is open during the time you are most likely to do work outs and exercises.

5. Is the entire facility well maintained, clean and safe for you?

Machines and other training facilities should be in clean and in good order. If you see a lot of “out of order” signs, it could be something to think about. Modern equipments are safer and more comfortable to use, so you may also want to consider that. Are the floors cleaned regularly to avoid accidents? Is there enough room for everyone? Also check if the facility is located in a place away from danger, consider also if the location is well lit.

6. Are the members of the club friendly and can they be your friends?

The fitness club is also a venue for social interaction. Take time to drop by and meet the members of the club before you enroll. Other members can be your buddies in the near future and should be considered.

7. What is the schedule of classes and will they be convenient for you?

Find out what classes are offered at a specific time and consider if you will be available at the schedules given.

8. How much would it cost you?

It is important to know the monthly membership fee and what it covers. Some fitness clubs have hidden charges and you should be keen in checking that. Check if they have promotions or discounts and do they offer services at an extra fee. It is also important to know how long the club has been and how often they increase rates.

9. How is it different from other fitness clubs?

Don’t just stick into one fitness club. Try to visit as many facilities as you can and make a comparison. Then you can just narrow down your choices to the facilities that met your needs and priorities.

10. What do people say about it? Take your time to gather feedback from other members. Ask them what they can say about the club and let them tell you about the experiences with the facility.

Choosing a fitness club is just like shopping on the best shirt for you. Do not be pressured and do not try to contact them right away. You can take your time to review and gather enough information if you are still not sure which one to choose. Once you have made your choice, enjoy and make the most out of it.



Audrey