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

Thursday, 26 April 2012

Exercise And Play



 Often times, when children return from playing, they become exhausted and ready to take a nap.  This description is accurate and true as playing is more or less an exercise and hard work.  It is exhausting to the mind and body of the child and it plays an important role in helping them become productive and healthy.

Play and exercise in the life of young children provide them with several benefits.   Exercise of the body is a very important part of keeping the young body fit as it grows into an adult body.  Once we reach adulthood, if we have had the benefits of exercise and play, we all tend to continue with that habit well into our adult years.

Play is also good in the form of participating in organized sports, coordinated play times, and being a member of a large group during all these activities.  Playing on this level will teach us how to interact with peers and perform as a team with our fellow players. These skills are very essential in today’s business world. 

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 to the fullest, not only will we learn how to get along with others, but we will also learn how to interact better with ourselves. It may seem pointless learning to interact with ourselves (body signs), it is actually an important part of maintaining the best sense of health and wellness.  There will always be times when our bodies are trying to tell us things about our physical or mental condition, of which if we understand will save us a lot of stress and health issues.

Through exercise and play, we will also know our limitations both physical and mental.  During play, you see children and young adults push themselves to their limit and beyond.  As children, we are all more able to distinguish between our real limit and what society itself calls our limits.

For children and young adults, the pressures of the world don't affect them as much as it does adults.  Children have a much better state of mind and peace, unlike adults that have allowed the outside influence the body and mind, which will do little more than becoming a dominant factor of time.

As you can see, the benefits that are gained from exercise and play time as children will benefit us for the rest of our lives.  As adults, we should not forget how important both exercise and play is.  

We should not forget that at their age children need play, exercise and interaction for their young minds. Don’t deny them that!


Friday, 20 April 2012

Buttocks Exercises



Most people are not happy with their buttocks. Many think they are too small, too big, too saggy, too flabby and so on. Engaging in the right cardio exercises and weight training activities can give you your desired backside, depending on your body type and genetics. This should include thighs exercises, hip exercises, glutes exercises and lower body exercises. Here are the best cardio and strength training exercises for strengthening and toning your glutes, hips and thighs.
1. Squats
One of the best exercises you can do for your hips, buttocks and thighs are squats. They are functional exercises that help us in building strength for our daily activities.
How to squat:
  1. Stand with feet hip-width apart and, you can, hold weights at shoulder level or at your sides for added intensity.
  2. Bend your knees, and lower into a squat, keeping the knees behind the toes and  keeping the torso upright and contracted.
  3. Put Pressure into the heels to stand up.
  4. Repeat for 2-3 sets of 10-20 reps
2. Lunges
These are challenging exercises because they work on so many muscles at the same time. On the front leg, you work the glutes and hamstrings while on the back leg, you work the quads and calves. There are a variety of lunges to choose from such as:
  • Static Lunges
  • Side to Side Lunges
  • Sliding Lunges
  • Low Lunges
  • One-Legged Lunge
  • Step by Step  Lunges
3. Step Ups
This is another great exercise for the glutes. Place one foot on a step or platform and push through the heel to lift the body up. To get the best result concentrate all your weight on the stepping leg. Lower down gently, barely touching the toes of the other leg to the ground. Take it slow and concentrate on the working leg.

4. Hip Extensions                                                                                 
 Hip extension is an exercise that specifically targets the largest muscle in the body...the gluteus maximus. You can hold a dumbbell behind the knee or use ankle weights for added intensity.

5. Biking
Bike riding is great for the heart. It targets almost every muscle in your hips, thighs and buttocks. You burn a lot of calories biking.

6. Running
Running is easily accessible, reduces stress, helps in weight loss, and also makes you feel good. Added to that, it works your buttocks, especially when you run on a hilly route. Sprints are another option if you want to burn more calories. 

7. karate/Taekwondo
Karate and taekwondo are excellent workouts for the entire body, including the hips, glutes and thighs.  Controlled front kicks, roundhouses, sidekicks and back kicks work your hips, thighs and buttocks while complex combinations that include punches will target your abs to make them stronger.

Monday, 16 April 2012

Eating And Exercise



The main purpose of engaging in regular exercise is to maintain good health. To have the energy needed to exercise and to carry out your day to day activities properly, you need a proper diet and a healthy eating habit. To get the best of your exercise, what you eat before and after you workout is very important.
It does not matter if you are doing a cardio workout or a resistance workout, always make sure you eat a balanced diet containing a mix of protein and carbohydrates.  What determines the percentage of carbohydrate and protein you consume is the type of exercise you are doing and the intensity level you plan to work at.

The ideal time for you to eat your pre workout meal is at least one hour before your workout time.  If you plan to work at a low intensity level, your calories intake during your pre work out meal should be kept low.  If you plan to exercise at a high level of intensity, you will probably need a high level of calorie intake in your pre workout meal.

Eating a mixture of carbohydrate and protein will give a longer sustained energy from the carbohydrates while the protein will keep the muscles from breaking down during exercise workout. 

Eating after you exercise is just as important as your pre workout meal.  Anytime you exercise, regardless of the form or type of exercise you went through, you deplete energy in the form of glycogen.  The brain and central nervous system rely on glycogen as their main source of fuel, so if you don't replace it after exercise, your body will begin to break down muscle tissue into amino acids, and then convert them into usable fuel for the brain and the central nervous system.

Keep in mind that mostly during resistance exercise, you'll break down muscle tissue by creating micro tears.  What this means, is that after a workout, your muscles will instantly go into repair mode.  Protein is the key here for muscle repair, and you don't want further muscle breaking down even to create fuel to replace lost glycogen.

Once you have finished an exercise session, you'll need to consume mainly carbohydrates and protein, preferably those with high fiber.  Rice, oatmeal, whole wheat pasta, and fruits are excellent sources. The protein will help to build up and repair muscle tissues so that the muscles can increase in size and strength. The carbohydrate will not only replace the lost muscle glycogen but will also help the protein get into muscle cells.

Tuesday, 14 February 2012

MAKE YOUR HOME A BETTER GYM


The explosive growth of home exercise equipment is an ample proof that home exercise is the new phenomenon in fitness and living an active life style. Great results can be achieved exercising at home as long as you determined, focus know what you are doing.

Your rug/carpet or an exercise mat, some light weight dumbbells, exercise tubing, determination and commitment are all it takes to get a good result exercising at home. Individuals with erratic work schedule, stay-at-home moms and individuals who work from home can simply set up a gym atmosphere in the comfort of their homes as this is a perfect solution to their exercise and fitness needs. 
 Determination, commitment, self motivation and discipline are very vital factors for you to get very good results exercising at home since you will be on your own.

The intimidating social atmosphere of a health club or a paid gym, waiting in line for equipment coupled with the fact that most people flirt more and exercise less discourage people from exercising at health clubs or gym. A hectic schedule, a long stay in transit and domestic engagements can also discourage you from exercising at home. However studies have shown that people exercising at home are more likely to stick to their program than those exercising at a club.

To obtain the best result, warming up for about 10 – 15 minutes with light aerobics exercise, walking, jogging, cycling, taking deep breaths and stretching before starting strength training is necessary as it helps the muscles relax and rejuvenate. An exercise like pushups, abdominal, stretching and some flexibility exercises does not require equipment.

Get that physical outlook and internal wellness; be fit while relaxing at home. Make your home your gym now.

Monday, 12 September 2011

BEST CARDIO WORKOUTS FOR ALL



                                 
It is a known fact that what works best for one may not be the best for another.This is also applicable when it comes to designing a work out program.To create a work out program,one has to put some certain things like body type,physical activity preference and level of fitness into consideration.However there are many different activities to create the best cardio work outs from no matter your fitness level, body type or physical activity preference. Lets examine the following activities for cardio work outs for women.

DANCING
No special equipment is needed and you don’t need to go to a party to dance.All you need is your musical set and your sitting room or anywhere in your home to dance to your favorite songs to set the heart pumping. You can make it a family affair where every body catch fun and work out at the same time. You can as well register in a dance studio to get a professional touch.

SPORTS
Sports like football,martial arts,basket ball,tennis,handball,squash and any other sport where you are not allowed to sit idle for more than a few seconds is one of the best cardios for women. However picking your favorite sport is advisable as this will give the double dose of catching fun and working out in one.


SKIPPING
The only equipment needed here is a skipping rope for you to get your body moving. You can change the tempo and style as you progress. You can take slow, fast, double jumps, skipping on one leg, cross ways or a combination of all. The good thing is that all parts of your body are involved.

RUNNING,JOGGING AND WALKING
The only difference between these three is speed. No matter your physical level you can take advantage of this type of cardio work out. You don’t need any special equipment other than your pair of shoes and you don’t equally need any special place to walk, jog or run. You can map out a root around your locality or you can go to sports center or field. Almost all parts of your body will be simultaneously involved.

SWIMMING
This cardio activity involves all the major muscle groups and you will be having so much fun that you won’t realize you are working out. You can alternate slow and fast pace to get the best result.

These cardio work outs and many more are especially very good for women because most women like socializing while exercising. No matter your preference, this list should guide you towards creating the best cardio work out routine for your needs and life style.www.facebook.com

Thursday, 8 September 2011

REDUCING WORK PLACE STRESS



Wherever you earn your living, whether in an office, a factory or a private business place, there is always stress associated with the place. Too much stress is bad and can make a person irrational and can even kill. However there things one can do that will help reduce and cope with work place stress. These tips will be helpful.
First take a look at your habits to find out behaviors that may be contributing to stress and then take necessary action to improve on those behaviors.


DON’T EXPECT PERFECTION 
By putting unrealistic pressure on yourself or others to be perfect in their jobs, you are guaranteeing yourself stress. You should always bear in mind that nobody is completely perfect and there is always room for improvement.


STOP CRITICIZING YOURSELF
 If at you want to criticize yourself it has to be a constructive criticism. Being positive about your work and accomplishments and acknowledging the contributions of others is better.


EFFECTIVE TIME MANAGEMENT 
This is very important to avoid extra work load. If you are always running late to work, forgetting things always, don’t have a work schedule, you are bound to have work place stress which can even extend to home and any other place. Getting an alarm and having a work schedule will be of great help.


YOUR WELL BEING IS IMPORTANT 
Whenever you find yourself in a situation that causes your temper to rise and frustration setting in, it is better you walk away from the situation at that point in time. Spend some time to calm yourself down and then return to the situation with an open mind and a clear head.


WORRY DOES NOT SOLVE PROBLEMS 
Realize that there are some things that are not worth worrying about and there are some things you can’t change no matter how long you worry or how hard you try. Don’t waste your time stressing over the things in any of these categories.


EXERCISE IS VERY IMPORTANT
 Making exercise a part of your daily schedule in the office is very important as this will help take your focus away from any stress causing situation. Getting your circulation moving and stretching the muscles will help you relax and be more comfortable. Exercise enhances the production of the brains feel-good neurotransmitters called endorphins that makes you feel good and better.


Stress is experienced every day by different people at different levels. However seeing stress as a normal daily routine will help you get over it faster and better.     
 

Monday, 5 September 2011

WAYS EXERCISE HELP IN STRESS RELIEF



It is no longer news that the health consciousness of our society today has led to increased focus on the health benefits of exercise. There are so many ways exercise is beneficial to man and stress relief is one of them. Regular physical exercise is a very effective way of relieving stress. These are some of the ways exercise help in stress relief:-
PRODUCTION OF ENDORPHINS  Endorphins are the brains feel-good neurotransmitters. Exercise enhances the production of endorphins thereby helping to give your mood a natural boost.
AS A DISTRACTION  Engaging in regular exercise or any form of sports helps take your concentration away from what is causing you stress. You will focus on the very activity you are engaged in thereby helping you to forget about the day’s ups and downs.
AS A MEANS TO SOCIALIZE  Exercise and most physical activities often involve others which makes it an avenue to socialize. This gives you a double benefit of exercising and having fun all together. Apart from making you feel better, working out with others gives you a lot of motivation to work harder without feeling the stress of hard work.
RELAXATION  Exercise helps in the reduction of skeletal muscle tension thereby helping you to feel more relaxed. It energizes, motivate you and improve your mood to deal with the days challenges. It also helps you get sound sleep which is another way of to relieve stress.


Exercise is a very great way of stress relief as it helps you relax well and provide a kind of diversion from your source of stress. It also helps raise your energy level, boost your self esteem as well as boosting your immune system and general well being. Fitting exercise into your day can be a way to deal with future stress. 

Thursday, 28 July 2011

WHY REGULAR EXERCISE IS IMPORTANT



             
Your tight work schedule or age should not be an excuse not to exercise regularly if you consider the benefits of regular exercise to your health, wealth and general wellbeing. Diet undoubtedly has its role to play but regular exercise remains one of if not the most essential part to living a healthy active life. Some of the reasons you must exercise regular include the following.
FAT BURNING: The most cherished side effect of exercise I know is fat burning. I wonder if there is any other way to burn fat faster than the combination of a balanced meal plan and exercise. This help you keep your bucks as you don’t need to change your cloths every now and then.
TO LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE:  By exercising regularly you strengthen the heart muscles and by so doing you help it pump more blood with less effort. Exercise also helps reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
INCREASE ENERGY LEVEL: Regular exercise helps increase your energy level. This means having more energy to carry out your day to day activities. You become physically and mentally fit and alert with a sharp reflex. It makes you feel much better and great.
STABILIZATION OF BLOOD SUGAR: Doctors in most cases encourage patience with diabetes to engage in regular exercise, they will of course give them guidelines. This is because when you exercise regularly it improves your body’s use of insulin and as you lose weight insulin sensitivity is also improved, thereby helping to check your blood sugar.
IMPROVED OUT LOOK: When you exercise regularly, your mirror becomes your companion because people around you will be telling you how great you look. Your body becomes well toned and the envy of many. Smiling becomes a part of you as a result of the positive remarks you get from people around you and you look younger.
Stop giving excuses, now is the time to get that needed regular exercise.